Togo is launching a new wave of reforms to improve its business climate. On October 7, 2024, the country held a workshop to present the first B-Ready report from the World Bank’s Doing Business initiative. Togo ranked third in Africa, behind Rwanda and Mauritius, showcasing its progress in business reforms.

Sandra Johnson, Minister Secretary General of the Presidency, chaired the event alongside other key figures like Rose Kayi Mivedor, Minister of Trade, and Christopher Balliet Bleziri, IFC Country Representative in Togo. 

Eric Galley, Coordinator of the Business Climate Unit, presented the reforms already implemented and those currently in progress. Togo wants to keep its reform momentum, which started in 2018, especially in public services. The latter has been identified as the country’s weakest link in a recent World Bank report. Sandra Johnson stated, "We do reforms to improve the daily lives of Togolese. We don't do reforms for rankings or international institutions."

Togo has a clear aim: to sustain its reform efforts and significantly boost the performance of public institutions. In recent years, the country has prioritized economic reform, focusing on digitizing, modernizing, and simplifying administrative procedures. The B-Ready report showcases the results of these efforts. Eric Galley stated, "Togo has undergone a remarkable transformation," highlighting how digitization and transparency are central to the government's strategy.

Galley emphasized the government's commitment to simplifying administrative processes: "The regulatory framework has always improved, with the support of new provisions, particularly in business creation. Today, Togo is a country where everything can be done online or almost." The dematerialization of business registration through the Centre for Business Formalities (Centre de Formalités des Entreprises-CFE) has allowed thousands of entrepreneurs to set up their companies quickly without the previous bureaucratic hurdles.

The presidency's executive team emphasizes that reforms in Togo are ongoing. The government recognizes that improving the business climate requires digitalization. Consequently, Togo has launched several initiatives to simplify business operations. For instance, the Trade and Personal Property Credit Register (RCCM) has been digitized, and the process for obtaining building permits has also become fully digital. Now, most services are available online, significantly reducing processing times.

Additionally, the CFE has enhanced its collaboration with other agencies. Among other it reinforced partnership with the National Agency for Environmental Management to streamline access to environmental studies and necessary permits. A digital platform is being developed to fully dematerialize the delivery of environmental impact studies.

The land ownership sector is also undergoing a digital transformation. Togo has established a unique national identifier for each plot of land, making property searches and transactions easier. Water and electricity connection services were modernized; enabling users to request connection, track their applications in real-time, and pay their bills online. "We have set up a performance management system for public services, with indicators published online," Galley added.

Kayi Mivedor, Minister of Commerce and the Private Sector highlighted the importance of dialogue between public and private sectors to ensure sustainable reforms, stating: “The reforms we are putting in place, we are doing to meet the expectations of businesses, whether local or foreign.”

A digital platform was also set up for entrepreneurs who want to submit questions and concerns directly to the administration. "This platform enables total transparency and rapid processing of files. This communication channel seeks to increase the administration's responsiveness to the needs of the private sector," Galley said.

The tax sector is included in Togo's recent reforms. Companies, including small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), can now use a mobile app to declare and pay taxes online. This app, which was previously only available to large companies, aims to help more SMEs join the formal economy.

International trade is also benefiting from modernization. Licenses and other documents for exporters and importers have been digitized, making trade easier. The official launch of this platform took place on Thursday, aiming to improve cross-border trade as Sahelian countries increasingly use the Togolese corridor and the Port of Lomé.

Togo's Commercial Court is also being updated. Eric Galley explained that the court has implemented a digital case management system, allowing commercial disputes to be handled online and court fees to be paid electronically. He noted that this innovation “strengthens business confidence in judicial administration.”

Additionally, the court has opened a chamber for collective proceedings to help manage struggling companies. Sandra Johnson stated, “This is a signal of the authorities' determination to enhance the security and transparency of the business environment for investors and local companies” during her speech.

The government plans to enhance transparency by digitizing public procurement procedures. An electronic system has been created for managing tenders and bids, allowing companies to submit their proposals online and track public procurement projects.

While the reforms are welcomed, Togo's authorities recognize ongoing challenges. Christopher Balliet Bleziri, an IFC representative in Togo, stated, "The progress made is impressive, but we still need to work on the efficiency of public services to truly transform the business landscape." This aligns with recommendations from the B-Ready report, which calls for continuous improvements in administrative services and reduced processing times.

Fiacre E. Kakpo

The Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Togo (CCI-Togo) recently launched a project to bolster the rice industry and boost local consumption. The initiative–Projet d'Appui à la Valorisation du Riz Togolais (PAVRIT)-kicked off on October 10, in Kpalimé, coinciding with the start of local consumption month.

The PAVRIT focuses on two main areas: providing technical and financial support to local rice producers and strengthening connections among the value chain’s players. The project will emphasize raising awareness among stakeholders and advocate for measures to limit rice imports.

"The PAVRIT is not limited to simply supporting local consumption. It also aims to profoundly transform industrial practices through awareness campaigns and the introduction of more efficient technology to make Togo's rice competitive," said José Kwassi Symenouh, President of CCI-Togo. He added that the project aligns with a vision for sustainable agricultural development, aiming to produce high-quality rice that is appreciated locally and competitive internationally.

The CCI-Togo plans to sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the sector’s Rice Interprofessional Council. The MoU aims to contribute to the project’s success. 

The PAVRIT should help Togo meet its goal of producing 115,087 tonnes of rice by 2030 to satisfy domestic needs.

Esaïe Edoh

The Togolese government wants to draw more investments supporting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). To this end, Lomé released a Sustainable Financing Framework created by Essowè Georges Barcola,  Ministry of Economy and Finance. The framework was unveiled on October 9, 2024. The document aims to draw national and international partners interested in projects with strong social and environmental impact.

The framework is a "roadmap" for directing funds into key sectors, detailing fourteen categories of eligible spending. Out of the 14 categories, five focus on climate and environmental actions. The other nine are dedicated to priority social projects aimed at vulnerable populations. 

"Our priority is to attract investments that not only support inclusive economic growth in Togo but also respect the environment and improve the quality of life of our citizens," said Essowè Georges Barcola, Minister of Finance and Economy.

The goal is to promote inclusive economic growth while enhancing living conditions for citizens, in line with the government's Togo 2025 roadmap. 

The framework has been validated by S&P Global Ratings, ensuring it meets international standards set by organizations like the International Capital Market Association (ICMA) and the Loan Market Association (LMA).

Now, the government calls on private sector players, civil society organizations, and development partners to engage in this initiative to help build a sustainable future for Togo.

The Togolese government is tightening regulations for international non-governmental organizations (NGOs) operating in the country. From now on, any international NGO that wants to work with the Togolese government must first obtain official recognition before signing a partnership agreement. This requirement applies to both new NGOs and those already active in Togo.

This new rule was announced in a recent circular published by the Ministers of Development Planning and Territorial Administration. However, a decree related to the measure was issued two years ago.

NGOs that signed program agreements before January 2022 without this approval must regularize their status to avoid having their requests for renewal or partnerships denied. A one-year grace period is offered for organizations to meet the new requirements, with six months given to those who still lack authorization.

Ayi Renaud Dossavi

Togo scored 61 out of 100 points in the first edition of the World Bank's B-Ready report, which evaluates business climate in 50 countries. This score places Togo third in Africa and first in West Africa. The report, which replaces the suspended Doing Business ranking, lauded Togo's efforts in facilitating business start-ups.

The country received a score of 77.26 points for business start-ups, thanks to reforms that make it easier to set up a business. As a result, 15,654 new businesses were registered in 2023, against 13,835 in 2022.

Togo scored 69.48 points for dispute resolution and 67.76 points for business location. However, it received lower scores in labor and financial services, with scores of 56.45 and 53.64, respectively. The country also performed modestly in market competition, scoring 41.24 points.

Sandra Ablamba Johnson, Secretary General of the Presidency and World Bank Governor for Togo, expressed her satisfaction with the results, attributing them to recent economic reforms. "Since 2020, we have made steady progress, implementing incentives that facilitate business and boost the Togolese economy," she said. She emphasized that these achievements show Togo is on the right path to maintain and accelerate its progress.

Despite these encouraging results, the Togolese government plans to continue its reform efforts to further enhance the business environment and achieve even better rankings in the future.

Esaïe Edoh

For the 2023-2024 agricultural season, MIFA (Mécanisme incitatif de financement agricole) has helped secure CFA1.33 billion FCFA in financing for farmers, according to government data. This initiative is part of broader reforms in the agricultural sector outlined in the Togo 2025 roadmap.

Over the period, additional support measures were introduced to improve farmers' access to resources. This includes providing 24 tractors, which can be repaid over four years in cash or kind. The Plateforme Industrielle d'Adétikopé has also facilitated access to credit for grain-based inputs, enabling the supply of 2,400 tonnes of soybean seed and 20,000 liters of biostimulants.

These efforts are part of inclusive mechanisms such as the FSRP, ProMIFA, and PRIMA, which aim to subsidize, provide loans and guarantees, and mobilize resources for farmers. Additionally, the Direction de l'entrepreneuriat et du financement agricoles (DEFA) was officially launched in May 2023 to assist agricultural producers in obtaining credit.

Support for producers also includes establishing cattle production development zones (ZAPB) to increase meat and dairy availability. Ten sites have been identified for this purpose, with two ranches already secured through land release certificates and topographical surveys. A total of 4,250 hectares have been acquired out of the planned 5,000 hectares for the 2023-2024 crop year.

A delegation from the Port Autonome de Lomé (PAL), led by director Fogan Adegnon, has been on a mission in Sahelian countries since October 6, 2024. The first stop was Niamey, Niger, where they aimed to inform local economic operators about new measures at the Port of Lomé to improve trade.

In Niamey, the Togolese delegation met with local authorities, transport unions, and Niger's importers and exporters. They highlighted the advantages of using PAL for the transit of goods to and from Niger. This in a context where the Port of Lomé is Niger’s currently-preferred platform for international trade amid political tensions with Cotonou.

This mission is part of broader efforts by Togo and neighboring countries to position the Port of Lomé as a key link between the Sahel region and global markets. In June, customs authorities from four countries signed an agreement to connect their customs information systems, which has already facilitated trade. Statistics show that Togo's trade with ESA countries now accounts for 74% of its total trade, up from 64% five years ago.

Esaïe Edoh

Ollo Africa, a tontine fintech company based in Lomé, has partnered with Ecobank to expand across Africa. The related agreement aims to increase access to financial services through Ollo’s app, Ohana Africa. The app’s users will have access to Ecobank's Pan African Wallet, extending financial services to underserved people.

The new partnership seeks to improve financial inclusion in Africa, starting with Togo, and promote financial education. “Togo is already a leader in financial inclusion in Africa, and this partnership aims to strengthen that position by creating a more accessible ecosystem for underserved communities,” said Mawuna Koutonin, Managing Director of Ollo Africa.

The collaboration also targets the informal sector by combining the strengths of both companies to promote fintech solutions. “Together, we can address the financial challenges of neglected populations and create opportunities for economic growth,” added Toba Tanama, Marketing Director of Ollo Africa.

Togolese consumers will be the first to experience these new developments as a "pilot" market, where mobile money usage has surpassed 3.5 million users, according to recent ARCEP statistics.

Ayi Renaud Dossavi

Coumba Dieng Sow has been appointed as the new United Nations Resident Coordinator in Togo. She was appointed last week by UN Secretary-General António Guterres. 

As new UN's representative, Sow will coordinate efforts to ensure a unified response to Togo's national priorities and needs, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and other international commitments.

Sow will oversee 13 UN agencies, funds, and programs spanning various sectors, in collaboration with the government. With 20 years of experience in development and humanitarian aid, she has previously held several significant roles, including Representative of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in Rwanda and Djibouti, Emergency and Resilience Coordinator for West Africa and the Sahel as well as Africa Officer in the FAO Director-General's Office.

Ayi Renaud Dossavi