• UPRAD-Togo and GIFF signed a memorandum of understanding to strengthen cooperation and harmonize practices.
• Bilateral trade between Togo and Ghana reached $448 million in 2023, with Togo’s exports growing 22.2% annually over five years.
• Officials called for stronger legislative and regulatory frameworks to ease cross-border trade.

The Union des Professionnels Agréés en Douane (UPRAD-Togo) signed a memorandum of understanding on September 29 with the Ghana Institute of Freight Forwarders (GIFF). The deal aims to strengthen collaboration, promote knowledge sharing, and facilitate cross-border exchanges.

Officials from both organizations endorsed the agreement, which also seeks to encourage continuous training, improve information exchange, and harmonize professional practices to meet international trade standards.

Patrick Magnon, president of UPRAD, said the protocol represents a chance to enhance skills, raise service quality, and support trade facilitation between the two countries.

“The signing of this protocol is an opportunity for us to strengthen our competencies, improve the quality of our services, and effectively contribute to the facilitation of exchanges between Togo and Ghana, for the benefit of all economic operators in the sub-region,” Magnon said.

GIFF president Stephen Adzorkatse emphasized the importance of stronger public policies. He urged governments to introduce legislative and regulatory measures that support trade facilitation and cross-border cooperation.

The partnership comes as trade flows between Togo and Ghana continue to grow. In 2023, Togo exported $187 million worth of goods to Ghana, while Ghana shipped $261 million in goods to Togo.

Over the past five years, Togo’s exports to Ghana have surged at an average rate of 22.2% annually, rising from $68.5 million in 2018 to $187 million in 2023. Ghana’s exports to Togo grew by 9.95% per year on average, increasing from $163 million in 2018 to $261 million in 2023.

• PMI Togo held its annual conference on Sept. 27, stressing governance, planning, and accountability to address high project failure rates.
• PMI leaders urged adoption of modern tools, training, and AI-driven practices to build skilled human capital.
• Togo’s PMI signed agreements with three universities to strengthen project management education and partnerships.

The Togo chapter of the Project Management Institute (PMI Togo) hosted its annual conference in Lomé on Sept. 27, focusing on “Project and Performance: Building a Culture of Results.” The event gathered policymakers, experts, and practitioners at Hôtel Sarakawa, with PMI Global board chair Ike Nwanko and PMI Togo president Léon Amouzou in attendance.

Amouzou cited a PMI study showing that many projects continue to fail despite available resources. He blamed weak governance, poor planning, ineffective monitoring, and lack of accountability. He called for a reset in project management approaches to create a culture that is structured, demanding, and results-driven.

For PMI Togo, the priority is to promote tools and methodologies that increase project performance and sustainability. Nwanko urged stakeholders to reconsider how success is defined.

“It is indispensable to change the narrative around projects and to ask what is really necessary for their success,” he said. “Two keys are essential: understanding the nature and value of a project, and evaluating its real impact on society.”

PMI Togo highlighted training and capacity building as critical levers. Its programs target all sectors and levels, integrating modern project management office (PMO) practices and technologies such as artificial intelligence. The goal is to develop competent human capital capable of leading transformative projects.

Speakers emphasized that project performance must go beyond technical or financial metrics. Silete Devo, director-general of the National Identification Agency (ANID), said success should be measured by impact on citizens.

He noted that a market delivered on time but unused by traders, or a bridge built to standards but underutilized, illustrates the limits of relying solely on indicators.

PMI Togo aims to establish performance as a core criterion in evaluating public and private projects. To advance this agenda, it signed agreements with three universities to strengthen education and research in project management.

Founded in 1969 in the United States, PMI is present in over 200 countries. It promotes international standards, certifications such as PMP (Project Management Professional), and best practices for public, private, and academic sectors.

S.A

• Togo launched its first National Tourism Week (Sept. 29–Oct. 3, 2025) to promote domestic tourism and cultural heritage.
• The country recorded CFA49.9 billion in tourism revenues from WAEMU travelers in 2023, according to the BCEAO.
• Authorities plan cultural circuits, discounted tours, hotel promotions, and nationwide consultations with industry players.

Togo launched its first National Tourism Week (SNT) on Sept. 29 in Lomé, running through Oct. 3, 2025. The initiative aims to stimulate domestic tourism and showcase the country’s cultural and natural wealth.

Norbert Bara, representing the Minister of Tourism, officially opened the event. He said the program reflects the government’s commitment to reposition tourism at the center of national priorities.

“Tourism is a strategic lever for growth, a tool for job creation, a vector of social cohesion, and a means of international influence,” Bara said.

The SNT will serve as a platform to rethink domestic tourism practices. Authorities plan exchanges with operators and stakeholders across all regions to design concrete measures that encourage more Togolese citizens to visit national sites.

The program includes cultural and gastronomic circuits, guided tours at reduced prices, hotel promotions, craft and local product exhibitions, cultural performances, and practical workshops. Media and social media campaigns will run in parallel to encourage citizens to rediscover the country and support the local economy.

Tourism has gained importance in Togo’s economy since the Covid-19 crisis. The country earned CFA49.9 billion ($80 million) in tourism revenues from other West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU) member states in 2023, according to the Central Bank of West African States (BCEAO).

This performance positions Togo among the main beneficiaries of regional mobility in West Africa.

This article was initially published in French by Esaïe Edoh

Adapted in English by Ange Jason Quenum

• Togo’s Foreign Minister Robert Dussey urged the UN to support the “Decolonize Geography” campaign, challenging the Mercator map projection that minimizes Africa’s size.

• Dussey called for reparative justice, including recognition of slavery, colonization and the transatlantic slave trade as genocide against African peoples.

• He highlighted Togo’s domestic reforms and 7% economic growth in 2025, stressing that Africa needs fair representation on the UN Security Council.

Togo placed Africa’s global representation at the center of the UN General Assembly last week. Speaking at the 80th session in New York, Foreign Minister Robert Dussey criticized distortions caused by the 16th-century Mercator projection, which reduces Africa’s real scale while inflating Europe and North America.

“Africa is intentionally minimized,” Dussey said. He noted that with 30.3 million square kilometers and nearly 1.5 billion people expected by 2030, the continent could contain the United States, Russia, India, France, the United Kingdom and China combined.

Togo urged member states to support the campaign “Decolonize Geography,” which seeks to correct biased cartography and establish a new political map. Lomé stressed that the initiative is not only about scientific accuracy but also about reinforcing Africa’s place in international relations and collective imagination.

Dussey, speaking on behalf of President Faure Gnassingbé, also emphasized reparative justice. He urged the international community to recognize slavery, the transatlantic trade and colonization as genocide against Africans.

“Africa demands justice because it was plundered, enslaved, colonized and excluded from global decision-making for 80 years,” Dussey said, adding that reparations should include economic reforms, debt restructuring and investments in education, health and infrastructure.

He recalled that in February 2025, the African Union adopted a decision classifying slavery, deportation and colonization as crimes against humanity and genocide. Dussey called on the UN to follow suit for credibility and justice.

The minister reiterated Africa’s longstanding demand for permanent seats on the UN Security Council. He argued that excluding the continent from decision-making structures perpetuates historical injustices.

“Reforming the Security Council is a matter of dignity and justice,” Dussey said. He linked this demand to broader reparations for Africa’s marginalization in multilateral institutions. Lomé will host the 9th Pan-African Congress on multilateral reform in 2026 to further this agenda.

Dussey also presented Togo’s socio-economic achievements, including reforms in public finance, digitization of government services, business climate improvements and expanded social programs.

He reported 90.7% geographical access to healthcare, 86% access to drinking water, 74.5% electrification and 85.7% financial inclusion. Agricultural yields rose sharply between 2020 and 2025, while the Port of Lomé handled 30.6 million tonnes of goods in 2024.

These reforms accelerated economic growth to 7% in 2025 and reduced poverty from 51.1% in 2020 to 24.8% in 2025. Togo now ranks second in the West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU) for human development, according to the UNDP index.

Despite progress, Dussey warned of persistent security threats. He called for stronger international cooperation to counter terrorism in the Sahel and West Africa, paying tribute to civilian and military victims of regional conflicts.

• CJET and CNP-Togo signed a five-year renewable agreement to support young enterprises with market access, mentorship and financing.

• The deal includes plans for a joint quality label to boost visibility and competitiveness.

• CNP-Togo commits to lobbying for youth enterprises with policymakers and private sector leaders.

The Confederation of Junior Enterprises of Togo (CJET) signed a five-year renewable partnership with the National Employers’ Council (CNP-Togo) to strengthen the competitiveness and structure of young businesses. The agreement was signed in Lomé on Sept. 26 by CNP-Togo Chairman Coami Tamegnon and CJET President Médissa Sama.

Under the agreement, CNP-Togo will lobby for youth-led businesses with public and private decision-makers, while facilitating access to markets and major corporations through mentorship, tutoring and subcontracting opportunities. The council also pledged to mobilize technical and financial partners and to launch a joint CJET–CNP quality label to enhance the visibility of supported enterprises.

“Early stages are fragile. Our companies need structure, financing, and access to markets, with guidance from experienced seniors. This framework will boost our credibility and ensure tailored support,” Sama said.

“The future of our economy rests on the vitality of its youth, its ability to innovate, create, and sustain jobs,” Tamegnon added. “This convention builds a solid foundation to improve competitiveness and market access.”

CJET has previously signed similar agreements with the Togo Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI-Togo) and the Union of Regional Chambers of Trades (UCRM) as part of its youth enterprise support strategy.

This article was initially published in French by Esaie Edoh

Adapted in English by Ange Jason Quenum

• Togo raised CFA102.77 billion ($156 million) in two bond issues now set for listing on the BRVM on Oct. 3.

• The bonds carry coupons of 6.45% (five years) and 6.60% (seven years), both priced at CFA10,000 par value.

• The move is part of a diversification strategy as public debt rose to 72.1% of GDP in 2024.

The West African regional stock exchange BRVM will list two Togolese Treasury bonds on Oct. 3, the bourse said Monday.

The debt issues, “TPTG 6.45% 2025–2030” and “TPTG 6.60% 2025–2032,” were sold via public offering between Feb. 18 and March 14, raising CFA102.77 billion ($156 million).

Investors subscribed to 5.88 million units of the five-year 6.45% bond and 4.39 million units of the seven-year 6.60% bond. Each note carries a par value of CFA10,000 with interest accruing from March 6, 2025. SGI Togo handled the listing process, with the bonds set to start trading at the issue price of CFA10,000.

The issuance aligns with Togo’s debt strategy of mixing regular auctions via UMOA-Titres—where it has already raised CFA350 billion this year—with longer-dated bond placements targeting regional investors.

Togo’s budget deficit narrowed to 5.9% of GDP in 2024 from 6.3% a year earlier, and is projected to reach 3% by 2026 in line with WAEMU convergence criteria, according to the IMF. Public debt rose to 72.1% of GDP at end-2024, up from 63.7% the previous year, driven by increased domestic borrowing.

Despite fiscal pressures, the economy expanded 5.3% in 2023 and 6.5% in 2024, powered by services and public investment. Inflation is forecast to ease to 3% in 2025, within the BCEAO’s target range.

The BRVM listing is expected to improve liquidity for the securities and boost investor confidence as Togo seeks to tap regional savings to fund budget priorities.

This article was initially published in French by Fiacre E. Kakpo

Adapted in English by Ange Jason Quenum

• Oragroup swung to a record net profit of CFA18.3 billion ($28 million) in H1 2025, after a CFAF 13.9 billion loss in 2024.

• Results were driven by higher revenues, lower cost-to-income ratio, and reduced credit risk charges.

• Deposits topped CFA3,000 billion, but loan growth slowed, raising concerns for SME financing.

Oragroup SA, the Lomé-based pan-African banking group, reported a record net profit of CFAF 18.3 billion ($28 million) for the first half of 2025, bouncing back from a CFA13.9 billion loss in 2024. It is the lender’s best performance since inception.

Operating profit reached CFA26.2 billion, more than double the level a year earlier. The bank attributed the turnaround to strong revenue growth, tighter cost control and a sharp drop in risk provisions, which fell to -CFA3.7 billion.

The lender said it continued cleaning up its loan book while adopting stricter lending standards. Deposits climbed past CFA3,000 billion, supported by a growing customer base. However, slower loan disbursements could weigh on SME financing, a key driver of regional economies.

“The results recorded in the first half of 2025 mark a turning point for Orabank,” CEO Ferdinand Ngon-Kemoum said. “The return to solid profitability reflects the relevance of the strategic choices made in recent years and the commitment of all our teams.”

He added that the bank will continue to execute its board-approved development plan, aimed at strengthening financial fundamentals, diversifying revenue sources and accelerating digital transformation.

Oragroup also highlighted its growing focus on social and environmental impact projects under its ESG strategy. Still, some decisions raise investor questions. The bank’s withdrawal from Fitch Ratings in favor of Bloomfield and Moody’s may be seen as an attempt to reduce exposure to stricter international standards.

The sharp swing from loss to record profit raises concerns about the sustainability of such gains, especially if part of the performance is tied to one-off measures.

Oragroup operates in 12 West and Central African countries including Togo, Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Gabon, Mauritania, Senegal and Chad.

This article was initially published in French by Ayi Renaud Dossavi

Adapted in English by Ange Jason Quenum

• CNSS is running a special campaign until Oct. 15, 2025, to update data and issue universal health insurance (AMU) cards.

• The operation targets retirees and beneficiaries who worked in other West African countries but collect pensions via CNSS-Togo.

• A three-month waiting period will follow, with benefits effective from Jan. 1, 2026.

Togo’s Social Security Fund (CNSS) said it is conducting a special campaign until Oct. 15, 2025, to update records and issue universal health insurance (AMU) cards.

The operation covers retirees and annuitants who previously worked in Benin, Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Mali, Niger and Senegal but receive their benefits through CNSS-Togo. Eligible beneficiaries include widows, widowers and orphans.

Applicants must present supporting documents, including legalized records, a national ID or passport, and a passport photo with a white background.

The CNSS said a three-month grace period will run from October to December 2025, with services under the AMU scheme becoming effective on Jan. 1, 2026.

This article was initially published in French by Ayi Renaud Dossavi

Adapted in English by Ange Jason Quenum

• Togo exported 4,400 tons of coffee and 24,000 tons of cocoa in 2024-2025, up from 2,618 tons and 11,182 tons the previous season.

• The growth follows the adoption of coffee-cocoa development plans aimed at improving productivity, quality, processing, and marketing.

• Both sectors have rebounded steadily since 2021, when exports dropped sharply due to market and production challenges.

Togo’s coffee and cocoa exports rose by about 50% during the 2024-2025 marketing season, compared with the previous year. The Coffee-Cocoa Sector Coordination Committee (CCFCC) released the figures during the launch of the 2025-2026 sales campaign in Kpalimé last week.

Coffee exports increased to 4,400 tons from 2,618 tons in 2023-2024. Cocoa shipments reached 24,000 tons, up from 11,182 tons in the prior season.

Officials attributed the surge to the implementation of Coffee-Cocoa Development Plans (PDCC) adopted a year ago. The strategies focus on sustainable productivity, higher quality, greater local processing, and stronger marketing both domestically and internationally.

The CCFCC also expanded oversight by hiring 11 additional product inspectors, raising the total to 16. It launched training initiatives and anti-smuggling efforts to strengthen the sector’s governance.

Togo’s coffee and cocoa industries have recovered after sharp declines in 2021. Coffee exports fell 23% that year to 2,000 tons from 2,600 tons in 2020, while cocoa shipments halved to 5,400 tons from 10,600 tons. Exports have climbed steadily since then.

Authorities say the goal is to make the sectors more competitive and wealth-generating by 2030.

This article was initially published in French by Esaïe Edoh

Adapted in English by Ange Jason Quenum