Togo Launches Second Edition of National School on Internet Governance

ITC

Wednesday, 09 October 2024 08:40

Togo Launches Second Edition of National School on Internet Governance

(Togo First) - The second edition of the National School on Internet Governance (ENOGI) ended on October 8, 2024. The two-day event was organized by Internet Society Togo (ISOC-Togo). It gathered in Lomé various Togolese internet pioneers, such as Jean-Marie Noagbodji, whose company manages the Togolese internet extension ".tg," along with regional experts.

"Our meeting today comes when the Internet is at a crossroads. As strong advocates for an open, free, and secure Internet, we face significant challenges that require us to rethink our long-held policies and approaches," said Emmanuel Vitus Agbenowossi, President of ISOC-Togo, on the first day.

The event covered key topics including internet governance, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and national digital regulation strategies. "We are confronted with issues related to the security of digital infrastructures and protecting users' rights. Cybersecurity remains critical due to rising cyber threats and vulnerabilities, making it essential to ensure a safe Internet for everyone," Agbenowossi declared.

The first ENOGI edition took place in 2021. It was organized in partnership with the African Union (AU) and the European Union (EU) as part of the PRIDA project. The event received nearly 500 applications, reflecting growing interest in digital governance. Out of the 500, 60 participated in online training, while 45 attended in-person sessions in Lomé.

Founded in January 1992, the Internet Society is a global organization based in the United States. It promotes the advancement of computer networks worldwide. Over the past 20 years, the Internet Society has advocated for an open, secure, and interconnected Internet in Lomé.

Ayi Renaud Dossavi

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.