Beside the reduction of the cost of construction permit, automation of issuance processes of this permit are the main reforms initiated by Togolese government to improve its business environment and attract investors.

In regards to the permit’s cost, national construction and public works laboratory reduced fee needed for soil survey, for a one/two level warehouse, from Cfa900,000 to Cfa350,000.

As a result, the cost of construction permit for households also sharply dropped, to a minimum of Cfa250,000.

In addition, delay for the permit’s issuance was reduced, and application process was simplified. Indeed, it is now possible to apply from home since the process has been   digitalized. This aligns with the new guidelines of WAEMU regarding actors’ mobility, especially architects.

To this move pairs a greater monitoring of constructions with the reinforcement of capacities in terms of equipment and human resources at concerned administrations. The government wishes through this to make construction safer.

Many other decisions were taken under the decree 2016-043/PR of April 1, 2016. They also positively impact issuance of construction permits. Among others, they relate to insurance policy and other requirements needed to ensure good work quality, etc.

South Korea will support Togo’s agropole project with its Saemaul Undong initiative which recorded a true success in the 70s.

The news was revealed during a workshop held Tuesday, between Togo’s Prime minister, Komi Selom Klassou, and a Korean delegation led by Lee Seung-tark. “We have discussed with the Prime Minister about Korea’s contribution to the project and we committed to help ensure it is successful,” the South Korean official said.

In detail, the Asian nation will provide its contribution to the development of rural areas and help increase revenues of those areas’ residents. Based on its own experience with the Saemaul movement (new village), South Korea assured that the agropole project would be a success.

The Saemaul project aimed at modernizing rural areas by empowering rural communities so that they take their development into their own hands. This project helped South Korea quickly sell itself near the 2000s, as major global institutions such as the World Bank, United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), PNUD and others, got interested in the country.

Regarding Togo’s agropole project, it aims to boost the capacity of farmers and other agricultural actors to produce, process and sell, thereby creating wealth for rural people.

Fiacre E. Kakpo

On June 5, 2018, World Environment Day, Ecobank’s executives were at the landfill site of Akepe (near Lomé) to plant trees, in line with their mission to fight desertification caused by poor management of forest resources. Present with the Pan-African bank’s members was André Johnson, Togo’s minister of environment and forest resources.

In detail, two hectares were reforested that day. However, this is not the first time Ecobank carries out such initiatives. Indeed, it commits greatly to environmental preservation in all 33 countries where it operates.

This falls under its corporate social responsibility. A much important responsibility, especially considering the global warming threat.

Séna Akoda

In Togo, the ministry of posts and digital economy just released results of the test to recruit qualified young individuals to receive special anti-cybercrime training. This falls in the framework of Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT) project.

Those who passed the test are : Kpegouni Abasse, Koulou-Kouloubia Latifou, Oniadon Sourou, Badagnassou Sidakou, Yawo Nyonato, Elom Marc Arnold Wodome, Koami Dola, Afianke Komlan Joseph Ayebou, Anissa Kpakpabia, Paul Sedjro, Pagnan Métissa Roland, Ablordeppey Koman Mawuli, Kpandja Nadjombé, Yodiyoufei Kadane, Meheza Batana, Tamba Kolani, Manawèzouwé Essozimna Pamazi, Ayaovi Agbétoméfa Kpeto, Latévi Severin Lawson-Avunsu and Alabidjare Alitoh Martin.

Out of these, those that will be definitely retained will benefit from a top-level training related to the project. The best students could secure contracts and be part of the response team.

CERT’s creation should be paired with that of a national security agency.

Séna Akoda

Islamic Development Bank finances phase II of the Lomé-Cotonou road rehabilitation project.

In the project’s framework, Togo’s government seeks a consultant to monitor and supervise works for the two-by-two section of the 10km-long Avépozo-Togokomé road.

Consulting firm hired will also be in charge of protecting the coast from erosion by building 28 groynes, re-filling their fields, as well as carrying out related works (building infrastructures for riparian populations). 

The firm will start works in March 2019. Related contract is for three years, after which the road section should be rehabilitated, according to relevant sources.

Séna Akoda

Togo’s forest development and exploitation office (ODEF) opens today for a 3-day public event.

Organized in partnership with Ecobank, the event’s theme is “ODEF working for sustainable management of forests in Togo, with local communities”.

This will allow people to know more about actions taken by the department which is part of the ministry of environment and forest resources, to achieve a sustainable management of Togolese forests.

During the event, visitors will be able to see furniture exposed by ODEF.

Fiacre E. Kakpo

Togo’s national food security agency (ANSAT) has released a new product: organic maize flour with no iron debris.

The product comes in bags of 1 kg and 5kg. These cost respectively 260 and 1300 francs. It can be preserved a whole year with no issue.

With the new product, ANSAT wishes to boost consumption of local products, such as maize which is the most used cereal in Togo.

In comparison to the traditional 2.5 kg bowl of maize flour sold in the country, the new product (same volume) could save up to 100Cfa to consumers. Since it was introduced, a promotional campaign has been going on in Lomé, a campaign that should soon extend to the other towns of the nation.

Fiacre E. Kakpo

For the 2018-2019 agricultural season, the State granted farmers fertilizer subsidies, cutting cost of three bags to CFA27000, from CFA39000 during the past season. The subsidy is to benefit only the most vulnerable farmers.

At the end of the past week, the Agricultural Input Supply and Management Centre (CAGIA) informed farmers in the Plateaux region about the process that they need to go through to benefit from the subsidized fertilizers. On this occasion, CAGIA also presented the farmers the Agri-PME solution.

It is a solution that aims to guarantee transparency throughout the distribution of subsidized fertilizers and financial subsidies directly paid to targeted farmers. The solution has existed since 2016 and requires that a farmer willing to benefit from it lists him/herself as a vulnerable producer. This can be done via mobile.

According to testimonies collected so far, CAGIA’s initiative is highly successful. Indeed, farmers who have already registered have obtained their three fertilizer bags.

Agriculture let’s emphasize, contributes nearly 40% of Togo’s GDP and employs 70% of its active population.

Séna Akoda