EU Cooperation: Togo makes notable progress in 2021-2023

Economic governance

Monday, 02 October 2023 16:55

EU Cooperation: Togo makes notable progress in 2021-2023

(Togo First) - Togo has made significant progress in implementing its cooperation program with the European Union for the period 2021-2023. This was one of the conclusions of the recent review of the EU's portfolio in Togo. Chaired by Sandra Ablamba Johnson, Minister, and Secretary General of Togo’s Presidency, the meeting took place on September 26th.

The review, according to the Togolese Presidency, highlighted successes in three key areas: human development and socio-economic inclusion, sustainable agro-industries, natural resource management, and the consolidation of a peaceful and resilient Togolese society.

"The rate of absorption of financial commitments by Togo is remarkable. This paves the way for a new allocation for the next period. Both sides are satisfied. This is the fruit of the very close cooperation between Togo and the European Union,” said Joaquin Tasso Vilallonga, European Union Ambassador to Togo.

Commenting on the matter, Sandra Ablamba Johnson underscored the contribution of the review to the effective implementation of EU-financed projects and said there would be a mid-year review next year.

"For effective implementation, a monitoring system has been set up for the various projects. This is the purpose of the present meeting, which aims to define the various constraints and reflect on approaches to pragmatic solutions. This review is therefore timely in that, for the first phase of the 2021-2024 multi-year program, a mid-term evaluation is scheduled for next year, and its results will determine how much will be needed for the second phase in 2025-2027,” Johnson said.

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For the past few years, the partnership between Togo and the EU has been based on the major programs of the government's roadmap (Togo 2025). In this framework, several financing agreements were signed to support these programs, notably programs to fight climate change, grow agro-industries, and boost State resilience.

Two agreements were signed in October 2022. Under the first deal, the EU backed an anti-climate change program with €30 million. Under the second, Togo received €25 million to bolster its public services. The latter financing breaks down into €10 million from the EU and €15 million from France.

Similarly, two financing agreements were signed last April for the 2022 action plan. The first covers a program to support the development of agro-industries (totaling €82 million, including €30 million provided by the EU, and the remaining €82 million by France and Germany). The second agreement will help the State build resilience, through a €45 million financing.

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REFORMS OVERVIEW

STARTING A BUSINESS (more info)

At the fifteenth position, worldwide, and first in Africa, under the Starting a Business index of the 2020 Doing Business ranking, Togo sustains its reformative dynamics with more reforms….

ENFORCING CONTRACTS (more info)

Compared to some years ago when it was one of the lowest rankers under the Doing Business’ Enforcing Contracts indicator, Togo, leveraging many efforts to improve its business climate, was able to jump significantly on the index in the recent years... .

CONTRACT EXECUTION (more info)

Creation of special chambers of commerce for small debts • Creation of chambers of commerce at the Court of Appeal • Civil and commercial cases now handled by distinct clerks • Establishment of commercial courts in Lomé and Kara • Lawyers and bailiffs now have access to the FORSETI COMMERCIAL platform • A maximum period of 100 days was fixed to settle a commercial dispute .

TRADING ACROSS BORDERS (more info)

In comparison to previous years,Togo has significantly improved its ranking under the“Trading across borders” indicator by adopting multiple reforms that focus mainly on the digitization and reduction in delays, for import and export procedures related to import and export.

In comparison to previous years, Togo has significantly improved its ranking on the “Trading across borders” index by adopting multiple reforms that focus mainly on the digitalization and reduction in delays, for import and export procedures related to import and export.

CONSTRUCTION PERMIT (more info)

After moving from the 133rd to 127th place under the 2020 Doing Business’ construction permit index, Togo intends to reiterate this feat in the coming edition of the global ranking. To this end, it has introduced this year multiple reforms.

GETTING ELECTRICITY (more info)

Over the past two years, Togo’s ranking under the Doing Business’ Getting electricity and water indicator has increased consistently. Owing this performance to multiple reforms aimed at making it easier for businesses to access power and water, Lomé plans to introduce even more reforms this year to keep up its improvements.

REGISTERING A PROPERTY (more info)

Out of all the 'Doing Business’ indicators, Property Registration is where Togo has improved the most since 2018. Indeed, after spending years in the lowest part of this ranking, the country now seeks to beat Rwanda which is the best performer on this index in Africa. To do so, Lomé has been introducing many reforms, with the latest batch implemented this year.

PUBLIC PROCUREMENT (more info)

From professionalization to digitization, through legislative regulations, Togo’s public procurement framework is constantly being modernized. Several reforms have been implemented to improve the sector much to the benefit of the private sector, which is the focus of the National Development Plan.

PAYING TAXES AND DUTIES (more info)

To improve its business environment, Togo introduced some important reforms related to the payment of tax and duties. From the replacement of some taxes to the cancellation of others through exemptions, the country has only one objective: offer the most attractive tax framework to investors and economic operators. To achieve this, the authorities relied on digitization.