Highlights

• Togo marked African Technology and Intellectual Property Day, joining other OAPI member states in celebrating innovation.
  
• Minister of Industry stressed IP as a driver of growth and industrial transformation, urging African nations to turn knowledge into opportunity.
  
• Togo has invested in IP infrastructure, including a documentation center and training programs, to strengthen national innovation capacity.
  

Togo joined fellow members of the African Intellectual Property Organization (OAPI) last Saturday to celebrate the 26th African Technology and Intellectual Property Day. The event coincided with OAPI’s 63rd anniversary.

In an official message, Manuella Santos, Togo’s Minister of Industry and Investment Promotion — also OAPI’s administrator for Togo — underscored the importance of intellectual property (IP) as a lever for economic growth and industrial transformation.

This year’s theme, “Intellectual Property, Human Resources and Africa’s Technological Development,” highlighted the role of innovation in shaping Africa’s future.

A Regional Advantage for Innovators

OAPI brings together 17 African countries under a single framework. Today, any patent, trademark, or design filed through OAPI is automatically recognized across all member states, significantly reducing costs for inventors and businesses.

“Our countries must rely on their knowledge and talents to build a dynamic industrial sector,” Santos said, calling for every idea to be transformed into opportunity and every invention into shared wealth.

Togo’s Investments in IP Infrastructure

Since 2020, Togo has operated an Intellectual Property Documentation Center, financed by OAPI for 500 million CFA francs. The center provides researchers and entrepreneurs with technical and legal resources to support innovation.

The Minister also highlighted the African Academy of Intellectual Property, which has been training new generations of specialists for two decades, and praised the contributions of Togolese graduates.

Making IP Part of National Strategy

Sustainable technological development, the Minister noted, requires the integration of IP into education, research, industrialization, and investment policies. She emphasized that under President Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé’s leadership, Togo has sought to place IP at the center of its development strategy to boost competitiveness at both regional and international levels.

Finally, Santos called for stronger international cooperation to foster “a creative and prosperous economy” and to make Africa “a land of innovation that shines in the world.”

Highlights

• Togo has launched its preparations for COP30, set for November 2025 in Belém, Brazil.
  
• Environment Minister Foli-Bazi Katari met with six international partners, including UN agencies and the German Embassy, to mobilize support.
  
• An inter-ministerial committee will draft Togo’s priority framework, to be validated with partners before submission.

As the countdown to the 30th UN Climate Conference (COP30) begins, Togo has started shaping its position. From September 8 to 12, Environment Minister Foli-Bazi Katari held a series of meetings in Lomé with six international partners to secure backing for the country’s proposals.

The institutions included the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), International Organization for Migration (IOM), UNICEF, World Health Organization (WHO), World Food Program (WFP), and the German Embassy. Discussions centered on the priorities Togo plans to present at COP30 and on strategies to strengthen its negotiating position.

“Going to or returning from the COP,  empty-handed, is not an option,” Katari stressed.

The input collected during the consultations will be reviewed by an inter-ministerial committee tasked with drafting a framework document. This paper will group the main priorities Togo intends to defend in Belém.

Once finalized, the draft will be shared in a follow-up session with development partners for validation, ensuring broad alignment before the international negotiations.

Scheduled for November 10–21, 2025 in Belém, COP30 will gather global leaders to negotiate climate action and financing. For Togo, the process now underway is designed to guarantee that the country enters the talks with clear priorities, partner support, and a stronger chance of securing tangible commitments.

Esaïe Edoh

• ECOWAS launched a two-day seminar in Lomé to strengthen financial governance and anti-money laundering efforts.

• The GIABA faces severe budget constraints, threatening its ability to conduct evaluations and support member states.

• Shifting threats and political instability — including the planned exit of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger — heighten regional risks.

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) opened a two-day awareness seminar in Lomé on September 15, targeting members of its Administration and Finance Committee (CAF). The event, led by the Inter-Governmental Action Group against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA), aims to strengthen budget decision-makers’ understanding of the fight against money laundering, terrorist financing, and the proliferation of weapons.

The opening session drew several senior officials, including Tchaa Bignossi Aquiteme, head of Togo’s Financial Intelligence Unit (CENTIF), GIABA Director General Edwin W. Harris Jr., and Anakpa Essokiza, Director General of Togo’s Budget Office. Representatives from the ECOWAS Commission and the organization’s Lomé office also attended.

Aquiteme stressed the importance of strict compliance with international standards, which he considers vital to preserving the integrity of West Africa’s financial systems and maintaining investor confidence.

Budget Pressures on GIABA

Behind the formal speeches lies a deeper financial challenge. Since 2023, economic and political crises in the region have reduced community resources and delayed member-state contributions, forcing GIABA to scale back its programs. Technical assistance and mutual evaluations have both been affected.

The Lomé seminar is expected to secure stronger budget commitments from the CAF, starting in 2026. Harris warned that without sustainable financing, GIABA will struggle to prepare for its third cycle of evaluations, also set to begin in 2026.

“It is about ensuring long-term funding so GIABA can continue supporting national reforms, building state capacity, and leading mutual evaluations,” Harris said.

Evolving Threats

GIABA’s latest annual report, released in May, highlights the region’s growing vulnerabilities. Criminal networks are exploiting trade and banking systems to finance terrorism, while illicit flows continue to penetrate national economies. Virtual assets present fresh regulatory challenges, and non-financial professions such as real estate and currency exchange remain exposed.

Political instability compounds the risks. The announced withdrawal of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger from ECOWAS could leave those states without a regional oversight framework. GIABA has opened talks with them about possible standalone membership, but uncertainty remains.

Togo’s National Efforts

As host, Togo showcased its own reforms. In recent years, Lomé has overhauled its legal framework, completed a national risk assessment, adopted a multi-year anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing strategy, and undergone peer evaluation. Implementation of the recommendations is ongoing, including capacity-building for the CENTIF and sector-specific assessments.

These advances reflect political will, Aquiteme said, while adding that lasting progress requires stronger regional cooperation. “Beyond laws, the fight against money laundering and terrorist financing demands visible commitment from the highest authorities.”

The seminar is expected to deliver concrete commitments from CAF members, particularly on budget allocations to GIABA. Discussions will also cover adapting to new financial technologies, strengthening collective compliance, and improving understanding of the threat landscape.

For ECOWAS, the stakes are high. As financial crime grows more sophisticated and transnational, national responses alone will not suffice. Regional coordination, sustainable funding, and political resolve are all essential.

Fiacre E. Kakpo

• Togo’s economy expanded 6.5% in 2024, up from 6.2% a year earlier, with nominal GDP topping CFA 6,000 billion for the first time.

• Growth was driven by infrastructure projects, agriculture and construction, notably the Adétikopé industrial platform and a 44.7% surge in the building sector.

• Some industries struggled — electricity, wood and building materials posted steep declines — while the IMF warned of budget pressures from rising security spending.

Togo’s economy held its momentum in 2024, with real GDP growth estimated at 6.5%, according to new figures from the National Statistics Committee.

The pace builds on 2023’s 6.2% expansion and marks a milestone: nominal GDP crossed the CFA 6,000 billion threshold for the first time, reaching 6,458 billion, up from 5,954 billion a year earlier. This performance places Lomé ahead of many peers in the West African Economic and Monetary Union, where average growth was 5.5%.

Growth was fueled by a sharp rebound at the end of the year. The economy surged 17.7% in the fourth quarter compared with the same period in 2023, offsetting a 5.8% contraction in the first quarter.

Much of the dynamism stems from public investment under the 2020–2025 roadmap. Infrastructure projects are central, notably the Adétikopé industrial platform, which became fully operational in 2024. The site now hosts over 15 industrial units, ranging from soybean processing to textiles and assembly plants. It has created nearly 2,000 direct jobs, with 7,000 expected by the end of 2025.

Linked agricultural zones (ZAAP) boosted food production, pushing primary sector growth to 5.9%. At the same time, the Port of Lomé handled a record 30.6 million tonnes of traffic, including more than 2 million containerized TEUs, reinforcing its role as a regional hub.

Digitization of customs, payments, and administrative services has also lifted productivity in the tertiary sector. Construction stood out most, expanding 44.7% and contributing 1.5 percentage points to overall GDP growth.

Still, not all industries have advanced. Textiles shrank 9.1% in 2023 before edging back in 2024. Wood fell 22%, while electricity generation dropped 42.1%. Building materials output plunged 60%. The IMF has warned that these structural weaknesses, alongside rising security costs in the north, pose risks to the outlook.

By contrast, the food industry grew 5.2%, metallurgy 23.1%, and extractives 25.5%. Inflation eased to 2.3% from 2.9% in 2023, preserving household purchasing power and sustaining demand.

Authorities now face the challenge of turning this momentum into durable, broad-based development.

Fiacre E. Kakpo

• Togo's economy rebounds strongly from COVID with steady 6.5% growth in 2024, reaching a historic 6,458 billion FCFA GDP milestone 

• Country outpaces WAEMU average of 5.5% while maintaining inflation control at 2.3%, preserving consumer purchasing power 

• Growth driven by infrastructure investment, industrial platform development, and port modernization, though rising security costs pose sustainability challenges

Togo has maintained robust economic momentum following its COVID-19 recovery, posting steady growth that outpaces regional averages while keeping inflation in check. After the economy slowed to 2.2% in 2020 due to border closures and disrupted international trade, recovery proved immediate and sustained.

Growth accelerated from 5.1% in 2021 to 6.3% in 2022, 6.2% in 2023, and 6.5% in 2024. The economy reached a historic milestone last year as nominal GDP surpassed 6,000 billion FCFA, hitting 6,458 billion compared to 5,954 billion in 2023. This trajectory positions Togo among the West African Economic and Monetary Union's most dynamic economies.

The country has managed to stay on course despite external shocks, with resilience rooted in strong domestic demand. Households maintained consumption levels while companies continued production, and the state sustained investment. Budget execution through March 2025 confirms infrastructure remains a government priority, with officials choosing to support growth even at the cost of temporary deficit increases amid growing security challenges.

The 2020-2025 roadmap provided the policy framework. The Adétikopé industrial platform established itself as a key industrialization and logistics hub. Planned agricultural zones boosted rural productivity and secured food crops. The Port of Lomé, already West Africa's leading container hub, continued modernization efforts. Digital transformation of public and financial services accelerated, supporting tertiary sector growth.

Regional comparisons highlight Togo's success. WAEMU average growth peaked at 5.5% in 2024, while neighboring heavyweights Nigeria and Ghana saw recovery hampered by currency tensions and high inflation. Togo contained price rises to 2.9% in 2023 and 2.3% in 2024, preserving purchasing power and supporting consumption.

However, momentum faces challenges. The IMF warns about rising security spending linked to northern attacks and a growing public debt trajectory. Financing needs are expanding, forcing increased reliance on regional financial markets where state competition intensifies. "The challenge is not so much to grow as to finance this growth without compromising sustainability," notes a local banker.

For now, investors remain responsive. The business climate stays attractive as the country leverages its logistical position to attract capital and regional headquarters.

Fiacre E. Kakpo

• African Solidarity Fund and Danish Export Investment Fund sign framework agreement to co-finance sustainable development projects across Africa 

• Partnership targets renewable energy, infrastructure, agriculture, water management, and health projects in 23 ASF member countries, including Togo 

• Agreement creates "win-win" structure with Danish expertise meeting African needs while mobilizing international capital for climate challenges

The African Solidarity Fund and the Danish Export and Investment Fund signed a framework agreement in Lomé on September 15, marking a significant step toward financing sustainable development across Africa. The partnership aims to identify and co-finance projects in key sectors, including renewable energy, sustainable infrastructure, resilient agriculture, water management, health, and social enterprises.

Abdourahmane Diallo, Managing Director of the ASF representing 23 member countries, including Togo, signed the protocol with Werner Grub, Managing Director of EIFO. For host nation Togo, the agreement demonstrates its commitment to innovative partnerships supporting structural transformation.

"This opens up tremendous opportunities for our member states," said Stéphane Akaya Tchasso Kpowbie, Secretary General of the Ministry of Economy and Finance, representing his minister at the ceremony.

The alliance will prioritize Danish companies for identified projects while mobilizing direct financing backed by ASF guarantees and EIFO counter-guarantees. The structure aims to rapidly develop pilot operations demonstrating the scheme's impact.

Diallo described the agreement as "a major milestone" in diversifying financial options for ASF member states. Grub highlighted the partnership's mutual benefits, noting how "Danish expertise can address African development priorities" through sustainable innovation.

Technical teams will begin assessing initial projects in the coming weeks as international capital mobilization becomes crucial for addressing the continent's climate and economic challenges.

The ASF, established in 1976 as a multilateral financial institution, focuses on guaranteeing and facilitating financing access to support sustainable economic development across Africa.

Ayi Renaud Dossavi

• Togo's GDP crosses historic 6,000 billion CFA franc threshold, reaching 6,458.3 billion in 2024 

• Economy grows 6.5% in real terms, outpacing WAEMU average of 5.5% despite volatile quarterly performance 

• Growth driven by services (+6.1%), construction boom (+44.7%), and strong performance at Port of Lomé exceeding 30 million tonnes

Togo reached a symbolic economic milestone in 2024 as its nominal gross domestic product exceeded 6,000 billion CFA francs for the first time in history. The National Statistics Committee estimates the indicator hit 6,458.3 billion CFA francs, up from 5,954.2 billion the previous year.

Meanwhile,  Real GDP grew 6.5% in volume terms, slightly above 2023's 6.2% rate. This performance placed Togo above the West African Economic and Monetary Union average of 5.5%. However, growth proved volatile with a first-quarter decline of 5.8% offset by a spectacular 17.7% surge in the fourth quarter.

Three sectors drove the expansion. The tertiary sector generated 2,716.9 billion CFA francs in value added, growing 6.1% and contributing 2.7 points to overall growth. Trade jumped 16% to 1,054.7 billion CFA francs. Telecommunications rose 11.4% to 324.4 billion CFA francs. Business services surged 18.5% to 245.8 billion CFA francs.

The secondary sector accelerated sharply, rising 7.1% to 1,338.7 billion CFA francs. Construction led this momentum with a 44.7% leap to 418.4 billion CFA francs. Metallurgy grew 23.1% to 116.2 billion CFA francs. Agrifood expanded 5.2% to 497.5 billion CFA francs.

The primary sector recorded 5.9% growth, representing 1,036.9 billion CFA francs in added value. Performance dipped slightly from 2023 but remained supported by strong agricultural harvests and planned agricultural zones.

Major infrastructure projects proved crucial. The Plateforme Industrielle d'Adétikopé entered full operation with new textile and agrifood units. The Port of Lomé exceeded 30 million tonnes of traffic, consolidating its regional hub status. Digital service upgrades from customs to payments streamlined business operations across sectors.

Fiacre E. Kakpo

• Banque de Développement du Mali seeks to finance environmental projects in Togo through new partnerships 

• BDM's new Togo General Manager meets Environment Minister to identify potential collaboration opportunities 

• Bank is transforming its Togo branch into subsidiary as part of expanded local presence strategy

The Banque de Développement du Mali is positioning itself to finance environmental projects in Togo following discussions between bank leadership and government officials. The initiative reflects the bank's broader strategy to strengthen its Togolese operations.

The BDM's new General Manager for Togo, Daffé Moustapha, met with Environment and Forest Resources Minister Foli-Bazi Katari in Lomé last weekend. The two parties reviewed major ongoing environmental projects to identify potential collaboration opportunities.

"We need to work closely with government authorities," Moustapha said. "We're here to explore how we can build partnerships with the ministry and support the major projects under their oversight."

The environmental focus aligns with the BDM's ambition to expand its Togolese presence. The bank has begun transforming its local branch into a subsidiary attached to its parent company in Bamako, Mali. This structural change signals deeper commitment to the Togolese market beyond traditional banking services.

The meetings suggest the BDM aims to tap into Togo's growing environmental sector investments while leveraging government partnerships to identify viable projects for financial support.

Esaïe Edoh