Togo Updates Law on Electronic Transactions to Promote E-commerce and Build Digital Trust

ITC

Thursday, 29 June 2023 15:10

Togo Updates Law on Electronic Transactions to Promote E-commerce and Build Digital Trust

(Togo First) - Togo just revised its law on electronic transactions, on June 27th, during the fifth plenary session of the first ordinary session of the National Assembly. The update aims to match existing regulations to new challenges and issues that electronic transactions pose.

Also, the updated bill aims to create a favorable environment for the development of e-commerce and to enhance consumer trust in online transactions, according to the Togolese parliament. This initiative aligns with the rapid evolution of technology and the increasing digitalization of the global economy, and it complements the country's recent ICT reforms.

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Although e-commerce still involves a small percentage of citizens (estimated at 6% based on 2019 data), the sector is experiencing significant growth, especially due to the development of mobile money. "This bill ensures inclusive, secure, and fast digitalization for socio-economic development," stated the National Assembly. "Other merits of the law include strengthening rules related to electronic copies and the preservation of qualified electronic signatures, regulating electronic stamps and digital safes, as well as increasing obligations for trust service providers in case of non-compliance," it added.

Cina Lawson, Minister of Digital Economy and Digital Transformation, who was present during the parliamentary proceedings, praised the passage of the bill, noting that it should help establish digital trust, and foster ICT usage and that it is a step more towards Togo’s modernization and digital transformation.

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.