Benin and Togo Unite to Enhance Cross-Border Agricultural Entrepreneurship

Public Management

Monday, 16 December 2024 12:02

Benin and Togo Unite to Enhance Cross-Border Agricultural Entrepreneurship

(Togo First) - The inaugural meeting of the Regional Program for the Integration of Agricultural Markets (PRIMA) concluded on December 12, 2024, in Grand-Popo, Benin. This event, organized by the Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Togo and Benin (CCI-Togo and CCI-Benin), is a significant step forward in fostering agricultural entrepreneurship between the neighboring countries.

The three-day meeting focused on the theme: “Agricultural entrepreneurship in the Benin and Togo corridors: Current situation, issues, challenges, and prospects.” Participants assessed the current landscape of agricultural entrepreneurship in both nations while identifying strategies to create a sustainable and inclusive environment for family farming, particularly focusing on cross-border agricultural trade. Agriculture remains a crucial sector for both Benin and Togo's economies.

During the meeting, both Chambers reaffirmed their commitment to collaborate in enhancing their roles within the agricultural markets of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), as part of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). The initiative will receive support from the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), which is set to provide technical and financial assistance for achieving the program's objectives.

Françoise Assogba, Secretary General of Benin's Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries, stated that this project marks a pivotal advancement in integrating agricultural markets between Togo and Benin. She emphasized that the Beninese government is determined to actively contribute to a sustainable agricultural future by leveraging the synergies fostered through this bilateral cooperation.

This initial meeting signifies the beginning of ongoing exchanges between the two Chambers, which share a unified vision for agricultural development. “These initiatives aim to strengthen market interconnections, enhance living conditions for small-scale farmers, and stimulate economic growth in both countries, all within a framework of regional solidarity,” asserted representatives from both chambers.

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.