Lomé currently hosts a workshop on World Trade Organization (WTO) Trade Policy. The session was launched on September 9, by Kossivi Hounakey, Togo’s Minister Delegate of Trade. The training, also held last year, will last eight weeks.

This program targets officials from trade ministries in French-speaking Africa and covers key WTO principles. Topics will include multilateral trade agreements, services, market access, and dispute resolution. The goal is to boost trade and investment in member States and foster labor mobility and industrialization under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

According to Kossivi Hounakey, the 8-week training is crucial for improving  Africa's participation in international trade. The continent only contributes to 2% of global trade.

"To turn the tides, Africa must bolster integration, skills, as well as its productive and transformative capacities. That is why the WTO's technical support and capacity-building programs on the multilateral trading system are important for Africa," the official said.

As Togo aims to diversify its trade partnerships, the WTO Regional Course will help the country better position itself in the global trading system and benefit its trade sector.

Esaïe Edoh

Lomé currently hosts a workshop on World Trade Organization (WTO) Trade Policy. The session was launched on September 9, by Kossivi Hounakey, Togo’s Minister Delegate of Trade. The training, also held last year, will last eight weeks.

This program targets officials from trade ministries in French-speaking Africa and covers key WTO principles. Topics will include multilateral trade agreements, services, market access, and dispute resolution. The goal is to boost trade and investment in member States and foster labor mobility and industrialization under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

According to Kossivi Hounakey, the 8-week training is crucial for improving  Africa's participation in international trade. The continent only contributes to 2% of global trade.

"To turn the tides, Africa must bolster integration, skills, as well as its productive and transformative capacities. That is why the WTO's technical support and capacity-building programs on the multilateral trading system are important for Africa," the official said.

As Togo aims to diversify its trade partnerships, the WTO Regional Course will help the country better position itself in the global trading system and benefit its trade sector.

Esaïe Edoh

Togo and Huawei are stepping up their cooperation on the ICT front. The two partners signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) last week in Beijing, during the 9th China-Africa Forum (FOCAC 2024).  The document was signed by the Togolese Minister of Trade and Industry.

The MoU aims to improve Togo's digital infrastructure and create new economic opportunities. Huawei, a global leader in infrastructure and connected devices, presented its technological innovation projects to the Togolese delegation. Meanwhile, Togolese President, Faure Gnassingbé, noted that these innovations align with his country's goals to develop its digital economy and position Togo as a digital hub in the region.

Besides discussing with Huawei executives, President Gnassingbé met with Chinese investors, including representatives from the China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC) and the China Africa Business Council (CABC). With them, he explored public-private partnerships for infrastructure and logistics in Togo.

Still at the FOCAC, Togo signed another memorandum of understanding with Haier, another Chinese technology giant, to enhance collaboration in the energy and health sectors.

Togo has officially joined the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) on September 4, on the sidelines of the 9th China-Africa Economic Forum (FOCAC 2024) in China. President Faure Gnassingbé chaired the related signing ceremony, alongside AIIB CEO HU Kun.

Now that it is an AIIB member, Togo should have greater access to financing for major infrastructure projects across various sectors, including health, education, energy, digital technology, transport, and water.

Le Togo devient membre à part entière de la Banque asiatique d’investissement pour les infrastructures

L’adhésion du Togo à la Banque asiatique d’investissement des infrastructures (AIIB) a été rendue publique au cours d’une rencontre ce 4 septembre 2024. La cérémonie officielle… pic.twitter.com/FRk1DKxzhT

— Présidence Togolaise/Togolese Presidency (@PresidenceTg) September 7, 2024

The AIIB was established in October 2015 and is operational since 2016. Mainly, it finances sustainable infrastructure projects in Asia and beyond. The Bank supports economic development and helps improve regional connectivity while ensuring gender equity and environmental protection.

The AIIB currently has 119 member countries and is active in sectors such as transport, energy, water, sanitation, and digital connectivity, with a funding capacity of $54 billion for these projects.

Esaïe Edoh

Togo already raised more on the West African securities market (WAMU Securities) than it eyed for the full year. With its latest issue on the market, carried out on September 6, Lomé has reached CFA621.4 billion since January. Togo’s goal for the year was CFA607 billion.

In detail, Lomé retained CFA28.3 billion out of CFA30.3 billion offered by 18 investors. The treasury, however, sought to retain CFA30 billion.

For this operation, Togo issued fungible treasury bills or BAT (Bons Assimilables du Trésor). The securities mature over 91 days and have multiple interest rates. 

Proceeds will finance Togo’s 2024 budget, set at 2,179 billion FCFA in revenue and expenditure.

Esaïe Edoh

The Togolese Ministry of Labor recruits new competent teachers to bolster the education sector. On September 5, 2024, the ministry announced a national contest to recruit 4,386 state teachers.

Applications will be accepted from September 9 to November 7, 2024, at regional education departments and regional technical education and vocational training inspectorates. Applicants, Togolese men and women, must be at least 18 and no more than 40. Selected candidates will pass written tests on December 7 at examination centers in Lomé, Tsévié, Atakpamé, Kpalimé, Sokodé, Kara, and Dapaong.

Of the selected candidates, 850 will be assigned to preschool, 1,680 to primary, 824 to lower secondary, 676 to upper secondary, and 356 to technical and vocational education.

Details on participation conditions, job distribution, and application procedures are available in the national daily Togo Presse.

Esaïe Edoh

A fire broke out at the Port of Lomé on September 5, damaging three coasters, one of which sank. The incident occurred around 9 a.m. in the area where small coasters and tugs are usually parked.

In response, the Port Authority announced plans to increase safety measures. Regular inspections and checks will be conducted to ensure fire-fighting equipment is operational. Economic operators at the port are also urged to follow safety standards and equip themselves with necessary fire prevention devices.

Rear-Admiral Fogan Adegnon, Managing Director of the Port Autonome de Lomé, stated that fire simulations will be organized as part of each structure's Operational Response Plan to improve readiness for future incidents.

Ayi Renaud Dossavi

Togo’s non-tax revenues rose to CFA12.38 billion in Q1 2024, up from CFA4.90 billion in Q1 2023 (+152.65%). The Lomé airport significantly contributed to the boom.  

Recent data from the Budget and Finance Department shows that the airport paid the Treasury CFA5 billion in fees for rehabilitation works, twice the sum the State expected. The fees made up 40% of non-tax revenues collected between January and March 2024.

During this period, the airport welcomed 325,709 passengers, against 305,515, or 6% more than, in Q1 2023. 

This year, Togo expects its non-tax revenues to stand at CFA61.97 billion. Thus, the sum generated in Q1 makes up 19.98% of the target.

Esaïe Edoh