Togo will host a series of meetings on Artificial Intelligence (AI) next week. Scheduled to take place on November 13, 14, and 15, the meetings are organized by the Ministry of Digital Economy and Transformation in partnership with Agence Togo Digital (ATD). "Around Artificial Intelligence" is the theme of the event, which will gather local and international stakeholders from the public and private sectors and civil society to discuss the opportunities and challenges posed by AI.

The agenda includes co-creation sessions featuring experts who will share AI strategies from countries like Singapore, Rwanda, and Ghana. Additionally, the event will host the 5th edition of IndabaX, organized by the Togolese Community for Artificial Intelligence (COTIA), which will showcase innovations in AI through hands-on workshops on machine learning. Panel discussions will cover various topics such as AI governance, cybersecurity, and experiences from other countries regarding their AI strategies.

This initiative is part of ongoing efforts by the Ministry and its partners to develop a comprehensive AI strategy for Togo, adapting to the significant changes that AI technology brings globally.

Ayi Renaud Dossavi

The Port Autonome de Lomé (PAL) is committed to getting closer to economic operators in Sahelian countries. A delegation from the platform is undertaking a promotional visit in Bamako, Mali. The delegation, which arrived in the Malian capital on November 6, was also in Niamey, Niger, last month.

In Mali, the Togolese delegation met with local economic players, including transporters, importers, exporters, and those in the textile industry. They communicated to these stakeholders the PAL’s new measures to ease ande boost trade with members of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES).

? Coopération entre le Togo et le Mali : Une délégation du Port Autonome de Lomé en mission promotionnelle au Mali #Portdelome #promotion #mission #Mali #bamako #visite #echange #economie #Togo #echange@MaritimeTg @maritimafrica pic.twitter.com/FQj71eAWht

— Port Autonome de Lomé ? ⚓ ?︎ ?? ?? (@portdelome) November 7, 2024

During the visit, the delegation also presented recent reforms introduced at the PAL to improve efficiency and attractiveness as a transit hub for landlocked countries. They also listened to the concerns and challenges of Malian operators who utilize the Port of Lomé, as understanding and addressing these needs is crucial for Togo to solidify trade with its Sahelian partners.

To further ease transit through Lomé, PAL is planning additional measures tailored to the requirements of Sahelian operators. By increasing cooperation with AES countries, Togo aims to position the Port of Lomé as a key access point for the Sahel region to international markets.

Esaïe Edoh

Zouréhatou Kassah-Traoré, former minister of infrastructure and transport, was sworn in as Governor of the Autonomous District of Grand-Lomé (DAGL) on November 6, 2024. The ceremony, attended by numerous political and administrative figures, marked the official start of her tenure following her appointment by the Council of Ministers in August.

Minister Hodabalo outlined Kassah-Traoré's responsibilities, stating: "You are the head of the autonomous district, and you coordinate, under the authority of the sectoral ministers, the deconcentrated services of the district's civil administrations." He emphasized her role as "the representative of the State, of the central power" in the 425.6 km² territory.

The DAGL, established by law on June 26, 2009, encompasses 13 communes in southern Togo (Commune Agoe-Nyivé 1, Commune Agoe-Nyivé 2, Commune Agoe-Nyivé 3, Commune Agoe-Nyivé 4, Commune Agoe-Nyivé 5, Commune Agoe-Nyivé 6, Commune du Golfe 1, Commune du Golfe 2, Commune du Golfe 3, Commune du Golfe 4, Commune Golfe 5, Commune du Golfe 6, Commune du Golfe 7). The district also serves as the local authority representing Lomé as a whole. 

With a population exceeding 2 million, the Autonomous District of Grand-Lomé is a significant demographic and economic hub. It accounts for 72% of national consumption according to available statistics.

Ayi Renaud Dossavi

In Togo, the government has taken a significant step toward creating its second parliamentary chamber, the Senate, as mandated by the country's new constitution adopted on May 6, 2024. On November 5, the Council of Ministers issued an ordinance outlining the framework for future senatorial elections.

The ordinance details key aspects of the Senate's organization and function, including the number of senators, their compensation, eligibility criteria, and appointment procedures. It also addresses incompatibilities and methods for filling vacant seats, as well as defining the status of former senators.

This legislative move marks a crucial phase in implementing the bicameral system established by Togo's new constitution. Under this system, the parliament will consist of the National Assembly and the Senate.

The Senate's composition will be unique: two-thirds of its members will be elected by representatives of local authorities, while the remaining third will be appointed by the President of the Council of Ministers (PCM).

The government's initiative to revise the 2003 organic law is necessary to align with the Senate's new roles under the Fifth Republic. Article 98 of the new Constitution permits the adoption of such provisions by ordinance to facilitate the establishment of these new structures.

Before implementation, the ordinance will be submitted to the Constitutional Court for review.

Esaïe Edoh

A semi-industrial plant for producing red oil and palm kernel oil is being built in Tchékpo Dédékpoè, a town of the Yoto 2 municipality (70 km from Lomé). The project officially began on November 5, 2024, according to Agence Togolaise de Presse, a local media.

The plant is the fruit of a partnership between Yoto 2 and Morocco. This project is funded through the Fonds Africain d'Appui à la Coopération Décentralisée Internationale (FACDI), as part of a strategic partnership with Tangier. The construction is expected to take three months.

The new plant will feature a mini-solar power facility, a methanizer, and an integrated production system capable of initially producing 500 liters of oil per day, with potential for expansion based on local demand. The region is well-suited for growing red palm.

The facility aims to utilize renewable energy and biogas, contributing to a reduction in carbon emissions and enhancing the region's energy resilience. It will help boost local resources, create jobs, and stimulate the economy. 

The project aligns with Yoto 2's Communal Development Plan (PDC) and Climate-Energy Plan, emphasizing sustainable development.

Esaïe Edoh

Togo eyes a coffee output of 50,000 tons by 2030, twice the current production. The target was revealed during the November 5 Council of Ministers which approved two key decrees relating to the coffee sector. 

The first decree approves a new agreement with the Inter-African Coffee Organization (IACO), aimed at enhancing coffee production, processing, and trade. The second decree pertains to Togo's accession to the 2022 International Coffee Agreement, which was adopted in Bogota, Colombia.

From 2013 to 2023, Togo’s coffee output has grown from 10,950 tons to 27,336 tons. The government's primary objective is to ensure fair revenues for coffee producers and equitable profit distribution throughout the supply chain.

A statement from the Council emphasized that "the priority remains the sustainable improvement of producers' living conditions and the profitability of the sector for all players in the chain." This underscores a commitment to creating a professional and competitive coffee industry that generates wealth and decent jobs, particularly in rural areas.

To achieve these goals, Togo plans to focus on professionalizing the coffee sector, enhancing living standards for producers, and increasing investments. The Council of Ministers said that “Togo's approval of the new [Bogota] Agreement paves the way for the adoption of appropriate strategies to support the production, marketing, processing and local consumption of coffee, on the one hand, and to improve the living and working conditions of producers through increased exports, on the other.”

To meet its 2030 target, Togo will need about $19.5 million in investments as outlined in its Coffee and Cocoa Sector Development Plans (PDCC). The document has been under development for several months.

Ayi Renaud Dossavi

Afriland First Holding (AFH), an investment company and subsidiary of Afriland First Group, could soon start operations in Togo. The group’s owner, Paul Fokam, confirmed the possibility on November 1. The Cameroonian billionaire said so during a meeting with Togolese President, Faure Gnassingbé, in Lomé.

AFH will operate across West Africa and focus on acquiring stakes in various companies and investment projects. In addition to equity investments, AFH will provide consultancy and support services in various areas, such as administration, commerce, accounting, human resources management, and technology.

Afriland First Holding (AFH) has been registered at the Business Formalities Center (CFE) since September 2022, with a capital of CFA100 million. It is AFG’s first subsidiary dedicated solely to investment.

Paul Fokam explained that Togo was chosen as the headquarters for this branch due to the government’s vision to create an environment conducive to wealth creation for all. “We’re here to support the President in his fight to share wealth more effectively among the various strata of the population,” he stated.

Christian Fogaing Kammogne, Fokam’s son, will lead the new subsidiary, according to the CFE. 

Based in Geneva, Switzerland, Afriland First Group is expanding its banking network with subsidiaries in France and China. The group is also present in Benin through CCEI-Bank and in Guinea Conakry with Afriland First Bank Guinea. 

Esaïe Edoh

A Turkish economic mission will visit Togo starting November 15. This was announced by the Turkey-Togo Economic Council, through a note from the Turkish Foreign Economic Relations Board (DEIK),  as reported by various national media outlets. Abide Gülel, President of the Turkey-Togo Business Council, said the mission will include institutional visits, bilateral meetings, and networking sessions to explore economic cooperation between the two countries.

The mission will coincide with the Aného International History Festival (FIHA), where Turkey is the guest of honor. “We are planning a private sector delegation program for the cities of Aneho and Lomé in Togo between November 15 and 19, 2024. As part of this program, institutional visits, bilateral business meetings, and networking meetings will be organized to assess economic cooperation and investment opportunities between Turkey and Togo,” said Gülel.

According to Agence Anadolu, $7.721 billion worth of investment opportunities are associated with the upcoming mission. “With projects worth $7.721 billion, European, Chinese, and Turkish companies are offering a major investment opportunity in Africa. What's more, all these projects are guaranteed by the State,” added another source quoting Gülel.

The economic mission aims to engage Turkish businesses in sectors such as steel, healthcare, construction, infrastructure, building materials, food and agricultural production machinery, information technology, and banking.

Ayi Renaud Dossavi