Togo: Five ministries capture half of the ministerial budget allocations in 2024

Public finance

Friday, 12 January 2024 16:56

Togo: Five ministries capture half of the ministerial budget allocations in 2024

(Togo First) - Over half of the total budget allocated to Togo’s 31 ministries this year will go to five of them. The big five are the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, the Ministry of Defense, the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Public Works, and the Ministry of Mines and Energy. They are set to receive CFA563 billion (out of CFA1,030 billion for all ministries), which they will share as follows:

1- Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education

Just like in the four previous years, this ministry will get the lion's share; CFA191 billion this year. In 2023, it was set to receive CFA175 billion, or 9% less than in 2024.

Dodzi Kokoroko’s ministry will use the funds to pursue its reforms and programs. Among others, new teachers will be recruited and volunteer teachers will be trained. Regarding the latter, some training sessions have already been launched, according to reliable sources.

The ministry will also keep improving school infrastructure across the country.

2- Ministry of Defense

Right after the ministry of primary and secondary education is the ministry of defense. This ministry should receive CFA118 billion this year, against CFA167 billion in 2023.

The Ministry of Defense will leverage the funds to preserve the peace and safety of the Togolese people, especially in the north which has been recording terrorist attacks since November 2021.

3- Ministry of Health

Next comes the Ministry of Health, with a provisional allocation of CFA110 billion, against CFA138 billion FCFA in 2023.

Mainly, the ministry will focus on doubling down on its universal health insurance (UHI) project. The UHI came into force on January 1, 2024.

With this in mind, emphasis will be placed on the SSEQCU, a World Bank-backed project for building and rehabilitating health centers. The ministry will also ramp up efforts to fight diseases such as malaria and tuberculosis.

4- Ministry of Public Works

Like last year, this ministry comes fourth in terms of budget allocation. This year, it is set to secure CFA85 billion.

It will continue major projects, including the development of the country's road network. Specifically, 180 km of roads (including those currently under construction) will be made ready.

5- Ministry of Mines and Energy

This year, the Ministry of Mines and Energy should receive CFA59 billion from the State budget, up from CFA52 billion in 2023 or 13% more.

It will direct the funds to projects that will contribute to Togo’s goal of achieving universal access to energy by 2030. The extension of the Blitta solar power plant, the start of construction work on the Sokodé photovoltaic power plant, and the installation of street lamps are just some of the projects on the department's agenda.

Esaïe Edoh

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