Togo First
Togo: Meteorology Agency Forecast Above-Normal Rainall in Next Big Season
ANAMET, Togo’s Meteorology Agency, forecasts the next big rainy season from July to September, with normal to above-normal rainfall. The southern part may experience more abundant rainfall, increasing flood risks. The north will see above-normal to normal rainfall.
These forecasts will impact agriculture, with a late to normal end of the season in the north. The agency advises farmers to sow with the first useful rains and prioritize short-cycle, drought-resistant crops.
Hydrologically, the Oti basin will have above-normal runoff, risking overflow. The upper Mono basin will trend from average to deficit, while the Lake Togo and lower Mono basins will range from average to above-normal.
ANAMET advises against occupying flood-prone areas and rationally managing water resources for hydroelectric dams and hydro-agricultural developments.
The forecasts may change with weather conditions, as clarified by the Agency.
Esaïe Edoh
Niger Limits Freight Removal to Togo to Vehicles Registered in Togo and Niger
Niger authorities have introduced new measures regarding freight removal from Togo. The activity is now reserved only for vehicles registered in Niger and Togo. This decision aims to strengthen the Togo-Niger cooperation, amidst rising tensions between Benin and Niger.
The Nigerien Ministry of Transport and Equipment announced these measures in a May 11 statement. "These measures are in line with the bilateral agreement on road transport between the Republic of Niger and the Togolese Republic," said Colonel Major Salissou Mahaman Salissou, Secretary-General of the ministry, in a statement released on May 11.
The statement, however, stressed that exceptions may be granted for vehicles from Burkina Faso, Mali, and Ghana with ministerial authorization. "Upon exceptional authorization from the Minister of Transport and Equipment, vehicles registered in Burkina Faso, Mali, and Ghana may also participate in freight removal".
"Any violator will be subject to sanctions provided for by the regulations in force," the ministry warned.
The move comes amidst regional tensions. Since the sanctions imposed by ECOWAS, including the closure of borders, Niger has used the port of Lomé to transit its goods through Burkina Faso. After the sanctions were lifted, Nigerien and Togolese authorities ramped up efforts to bolster their cooperation, including several incentives for Nigerien operators.
Meanwhile, Niger kept its border with Benin closed, due to political tensions after the Coup that overthrew the Bazoum regime. In response, last week, Benin blocked the loading of Nigerien oil at the port of Sèmè-Podji, demanding that the new Nigerien authorities first normalize bilateral relations by reopening the borders before any shipment of the crucial crude oil, crucial for the Nigerien budget.
The recent announcement by Niger authorities could translate into stronger trade with Togo. Before the recent regional crisis broke out, Niger represented only 5% of transit via the port of Lomé, a share that Lomé has wanted to increase.
Fiacre E. Kakpo
WAEMU: Diop and Gnassingbé Review Economic the Union’s Situation in Recent Meeting
Togo has played a crucial role in improving the economic situation of the West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU), according to WAEMU Commission President Abdoulaye Diop during a meeting with Togolese President Faure Gnassingbé. The two met on May 13, 2024.
Diop noted that the Togolese economy's resilience amid international economic challenges has allowed the WAEMU to maintain its growth momentum. The Union's growth is estimated at nearly 6.0% in 2022, compared to 6.1% and 1.7% in 2021 and 2020, respectively.
The Central Bank of West African States (BCEAO) emphasized that WAEMU remains one of the most dynamic economic zones in sub-Saharan Africa, driven by member states' economic performance. BCEAO projections indicate UEMOA's growth is expected to exceed 6.0% in 2024.
Likewise, Togo is projecting a 6% growth rate this year, according to the African Development Bank (AfDB). This performance demonstrates the strength of the Togolese economy and its positive contribution to UEMOA's overall growth.
Esaïe Edoh
Togolese President in Paris for UNESCO Summit on Clean Cooking in Africa
President Faure Gnassingbé represents Togo at a UNESCO summit on Clean Cooking in Africa. The event takes place in Paris, France, today, May 14. Organized by the African Development Bank Group (AfDB) and the International Energy Agency (IEA), the summit brings together world leaders and representatives of international organizations, the private sector, and civil society.
The participants are discussing the issue of air pollution from cooking on open fires and inefficient fuels. The summit aims to make clean cooking access a key part of sustainable development. It seeks to formulate policy recommendations, mobilize financial commitments, and develop strategies in areas like carbon credit markets, development, and gender equality.
President Gnassingbé will take the opportunity to highlight his country’s efforts in promoting renewable energy, environmental protection, and improving living conditions.
Togo Faces a New Gasoline Shortage
In Togo, several neighborhoods of Lomé, the capital, and other towns, face a new gasoline shortage. The shortage started on May 12, according to the Ministry of Trade. The same source attributes the situation to supply disruptions at some gas stations.
Trade Minister, Rose Mivedor, already announced urgent measures to solve the crisis and return to normalcy. The official, among others, warned gas station managers they would be sanctioned for refusing to sell fuel.
Mivedor stressed that petroleum product prices at the pump remain unchanged nationwide. This is Togo's third gasoline shortage since September 2023.
Esaïe Edoh
Togo: Constitutional Court Confirms UNIR Staggering Victory in Recent Polls
The Constitutional Court of Togo announced the final results of the April 29 legislative elections yesterday, May 13. The ruling party, Union for the Republic (UNIR), secured a dominant victory with 108 out of 113 parliamentary seats, nearly 96% of the total.
Opposition parties claimed the remaining five seats. The Alliance for Democrats for Integral Development (ADDI) secured two, while the Alliance for National Change (ANC), the Dynamic for the Majority of the People (DMP), and the Democratic Forces for the Republic (FDR) had one each.
The voter turnout was 61.76%, with 2,565,623 votes cast out of 4,203,711 registered voters, in line with the Independent National Electoral Commission's (CENI) earlier announcements on May 4, 2024
The Constitutional Court has ordered the results' publication in the Official Journal of the Togolese Republic, with the next step being the convening of the new parliamentary session for the incoming legislature.
Esaïe Edoh
Togo and France Seal Deal Easing Schengen Visa Issuance to Togolese Professionals
Last week, Togo and France signed an agreement to streamline professional visa processes for France and the Schengen area benefiting both countries' nationals. The agreement was inked in Lomé by the French Ambassador to Togo, Augustin Favereau, and Togolese business and consular leaders.
The partnership will simplify visa applications through concrete measures. A "fast lane" will expedite processing for referenced company employees, while a "direct messaging" channel will facilitate swift resolution of issues.
These developments will reduce administrative bottlenecks to professional travel to France, boosting trade exchanges and economic growth in both countries by fostering worker mobility and strengthening economic ties.
Represented Togolese organizations included the National Council of Employers, the Association of Large Companies, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Union of Regional Chambers of Trades, EUROCHAM Togo, and the Togo Committee of French Foreign Trade Advisors.
Ayi Renaud Dossavi
WAMU Securities: Togo secured CFA33 billion in latest issuance
Togo raised CFA33 billion on the WAMU securities market last Friday. Lomé secured the funds through a simultaneous issue of Treasury Bonds (OATs) and Treasury Bills (BATs). The target was CFA30 billion.
In detail, Togo secured CFA17.7 billion through the BATs. These securities mature over 91 and 364 days, at varied interest rates. The remaining CFA15.3 billion was raised through the OATs with a 6.15% annual interest rate and a 3-year maturity.
The issuance was oversubscribed, reaching CFA54 billion, representing 181% coverage. The government will use the proceeds to meet its 2024 national budget financing needs totaling CFA2,179 billion.
Esaïe Edoh
Africa Integration Day: Togo Reiterates Call for “New Africa” Project
Togo reiterated its call for a "new Africa" during the 4th Africa Integration Day in Lomé. Foreign Minister Robert Dussey last Wednesday emphasized the vision of an independent, sovereign Africa on the global stage.
Dussey declared that the New Africa vision is one of independence and sovereignty. He added that Togo supports this pan-Africanist vision, underscoring that “it is not an exclusive movement”. “It is inclusive. It is a determination, a will of African populations and peoples to take charge of themselves", he said.
Togo, Dussey added, is driven by a desire to promote solidarity among African nations. "We do not do it because we are smarter than others; we do it based on experience. We do it because solidarity with others is essential," he said.
This solidarity is crucial for combating the threat of terrorism across the continent.
Togo's pro-pan-Africanism actions include launching the African Political Alliance (APA) platform to address peace and security issues. Lomé, the capital, will also host the 9th Pan-African Congress in Q4 2024, enabling Africans to contemplate their future in an unstable world.
Togo, it is worth noting, has played a decisive role in resolving tensions between ECOWAS and Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, demonstrating its commitment to regional peace and stability.
Esaïe Edoh
Climate Change: Volta Basin Authority (VBA) Holds Key Workshop in Lomé
The Volta Basin Authority (ABV) holds a three-day national workshop on climate change in Lomé. The World Meteorological Organization and the Global Water Partnership in West Africa back the event.
The workshop, ending on May 10th, gathers around 40 participants from various organizations, including Togo's water, meteorology, civil protection, environmental, and agriculture agencies.
The workshop aims to strengthen climate change resilience by identifying and promoting best practices and opportunities for integrated risk management and adaptation in the Volta Basin. Discussions have covered flood and drought risk management, best practice dissemination, and engaging local communities in long-term measures.
During the opening, the Minister's Chief of Staff highlighted the diversity of participants and the critical issues addressed. Concrete strategies are expected to emerge to enhance adaptation capacity in the Volta Basin.
The Volta Basin Authority covers six West African countries, spanning 400,000 km² with 20 million transboundary inhabitants. It represents the 9th largest river basin in sub-Saharan Africa.
Ayi Renaud Dossavi