Togo: New 2024-2034 Decentralization Strategy Validated

Public Management

Monday, 16 December 2024 10:35

Togo: New 2024-2034 Decentralization Strategy Validated

(Togo First) - Togo’s new decentralization strategy, spanning 2024 to 2034, was validated last week in Kara. Held on December 12, the validation workshop gathered key stakeholders in decentralization, including governors, prefects, mayors, general secretaries of prefectures and communes, and representatives of traditional chieftaincies.

The new strategy, featuring major reforms, aims to revitalize the decentralization process. It is the fruit of a thorough assessment of the decentralization efforts initiated in 2016. This assessment provided a comprehensive overview of current progress, challenges, and opportunities to enhance decentralization by 2034.

The new strategy prioritizes several key areas, such as reinforcing local governance, improving the funding and autonomy of local authorities, effectively transferring powers from the State, and promoting citizen participation in local affairs.

According to Pali Essossinam, Director of Decentralisation and Local Authorities, decentralization is a dynamic process that requires constant attention and adaptability to effectively meet citizens' expectations.

The National Decentralisation Strategy should offer a strategic framework that enhances local actors’ capacities and fosters balanced territorial development.

Several partners will support the actions planned under the new strategy–technically and financially. For example, the German Cooperation (GIZ) backs the strategy through the Decentralisation and Good Governance Programme (ProDeG IV).

The national decentralization strategy has been validated as Togo prepares to conclude the first term for elected municipal representatives in 2025.

Esaïe Edoh

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.