Since adopting the military programming law in December 2020, Togo has allocated CFA624.8 billion to its armed forces. According to the Ministry of Territorial Administration, the sum amounts to 86.5% of the CFA722.3 billion forecast for the five years covered by the military program.

The funds should bolster Togo’s armed forces amidst increasing security challenges, with Operation Koundjoaré being a key focus.

The Ministry is also working to address staffing shortages, achieving an implementation rate of 89%. More military staff will be recruited this year, as noted in a report presented to the National Assembly.

Some budget adjustments have been necessary. For instance, in 2024, funding for operational capabilities was reduced from CFA28 billion to CFA12 billion. However, this decrease will be partially offset by a new program worth CFA173 billion planned for 2027. The government is discussing financing solutions with the Ministry of Economy and Finance to enhance logistical support and acquire necessary equipment.

These adjustments are crucial as security and stability remain top priorities for Togo, especially in the northern region near the Sahel, which faces threats from terrorism.

Esaïe Edoh

Togo is working with Africa50, a pan-African financial institution focused on infrastructure, to monetize the Lomé-Kpalimé road project. On January 10, Togolese Prime Minister Victoire Tomégah Dogbé met with a delegation from the institution in this framework.

"Africa50 is very interested in investing in infrastructure projects in Togo, and so we have an innovative infrastructure asset recycling project in Togo that we are in the process of setting up, and I hope to be able to announce the finalization of this project very soon," said Alain Ebobissé, Managing Director of Africa50.

Announced at Africa50's General Meeting of Shareholders in Lomé in 2023, the asset recycling project seeks to monetize current infrastructure, especially the Lomé-Kpalimé road project, through a concession awarded to private investors. The 120 km road project began in 2020, at an initial cost of CFA214 billion. 

Ayi Renaud Dossavi

The Togolese Ministry of Trade and Crafts has digitized six of its administrative services. They are available online. 

The six services include important trade procedures such as applying for import authorization certificates for sensitive products, marketing authorizations for food items, importer/exporter cards, and certificates of origin for countries outside ECOWAS.

For crafts, users can now register online for the Certificate of Completion of Apprenticeship (CFA) exam and get the CFA diploma.

The online platform allows users to fill out forms, access detailed information about procedures, and receive virtual technical assistance.

Minister Rose Kayi Mivedor said this move shows Togo's commitment to a more efficient and modern administration, making it easier for citizens and businesses.

Ayi Renaud Dossavi

Last week, Togo and Vietnam inked a new agreement to bolster their 50-year partnership. The agreement–a memorandum of understanding (MoU)-was signed on January 8, by Robert Dussey and Bui Thanh Son, respectively Togo and Vietnam’s ministers of foreign affairs. The new deal covers key sectors like agriculture, trade, investment, and telecommunications.

The agreement was signed during Dussey's official visit to Vietnam. 

J’ai signé avec mon homologue de la République Socialiste du Vietnam, M. Bui Thanh SON, un mémorandum d’entente sur les consultations politiques entre nos deux ministères. Cet important outil de concertation permettra de renforcer davantage notre coopération dans les domaines de… pic.twitter.com/CDLveWc337

— Robert Dussey (@rdussey) January 9, 2025

"I signed a memorandum of understanding on political consultations between our two ministries with my counterpart from the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, Mr. Bui Thanh Son. This important tool for consultation will enable us to further strengthen our cooperation in the fields of agriculture, trade, investment, telecommunications, etc.," Dussey posted on X.

During his visit, Dussey also met with Vietnamese President Luong Cuong to discuss new collaboration opportunities. 

Togolese businesses, especially in agriculture and tech, should benefit from the boosted collaboration with Vietnam, as the Asian nation made significant progress in these sectors in recent years.

Togo plans to spend CFA1.42 billion in 2025 to fight flooding, a common problem in the capital and other areas. The Ministry of Water and Sanitation said it would the funds to improve sanitation and drainage systems in areas most affected by heavy rains.

One major project is to improve rainwater drainage in Tokoin-Dogbeavou. This project has been ongoing for several years. 

Besides, Togo will continue to install and upgrade pumping systems in Greater Lomé, especially in Awatame, Gbomamé, and Atilamonou. The systems help quickly flush rain water, thus curbing flooding risks during heavy rains.

"Interventions will also be carried out on other depressions with pumps already available purchased or repaired during this year 2024," said the Ministry.

These initiatives are part of a broader strategy to bolster infrastructure resilience against climate-related challenges.

Esaïe Edoh

Togo will subsidize petroleum products with CFA25 billion in 2025. According to the source, the Ministry of Trade, the government’s goal is to lower the products’ prices and support households struggling amid the recent inflation. The statements were made during talks about the 2025 budget in Parliament.

The subsidies will apply to super unleaded, petroleum, diesel, and two-stroke mix, reducing prices by up to CFA233 per liter, depending on fuel type. It is worth noting that a price cut at the pump has been implemented since December 10, 2024.

Lomé also plans to subsidize domestic gas with CFA9.6 billion. This should increase people's purchasing power and lessen the impact of international price changes on the economy.

In 2022, Togo allocated CFA25 billion for petroleum subsidies, according to former Trade Minister Kodjo Adédzé.

Esaïe Edoh

Last year, 14,919 new businesses were officially registered in Togo. The figure is 13% down compared to 2023–15,654 businesses–but 4.6% more than in 2022–13,835 businesses.

Most of the new businesses registered in 2024 were Togolese-owned: 12,371. In 2023, Togolese owners had registered 13,032 businesses, 4% more than last year. Foreigners also registered fewer businesses in 2024: 2,548 against 2,622 (-2%) in 2023. 

On a positive note, the number of businesses started by women increased to 4,450 in 2024, up from 4,297 in 2023, up 3.5% from one year to the other. Women-owned businesses made up 30% of all new businesses registered last year. In contrast, the number of businesses started by men dropped by 7.8%, from 11,357 to 10,469.

Over the past few years, the Togolese government has ramped up efforts to boost its business climate, to foster business creation and attract investments. Among others, Lomé made it easier and cheaper to start a business. It also dematerialized the registration process to encourage entrepreneurship.

This article was initially published in French by Esaïe Edoh

Edited in English by Ola Schad Akinocho

Togo will allocate CFA10 billion to the Local Authorities Support Fund (FACT) in 2025, up 42% from CFA7 billion in 2024. The figure was outlined in the 2025 finance law, which has a total budget of CFA2,397 billion.

The increase follows a monitoring mission at the end of 2024 that assessed how communes used their 2023 funds. According to the Ministry of Land Planning and Development, this mission’s findings will help bolster the government's commitment to enhancing financial support for local authorities.

The CFA10 billion to the FACT is part of a broader government strategy to enhance local authorities' resources and capabilities while compensating for expected cuts in investment grants from external partners between 2023 and 2026.

Besides the FACT, Lomé still directly supports communities, through cash transfers and targeted investments. The Faîtière des communes du Togo (FCT) reported that over CFA30 billion has been allocated to Togolese communes from 2020 to 2024, helping them meet local needs and drive development.

Overall, the government seeks to help all 117 municipalities be more autonomous and achieve sustainable management. In this regard, the municipalities have been drawing plans to guide their actions and diversify funding sources. This aligns with decentralization goals, enabling local authorities to improve their financial stability and resource management.

Esaïe Edoh