Togo’s non-tax revenues rose to CFA12.38 billion in Q1 2024, up from CFA4.90 billion in Q1 2023 (+152.65%). The Lomé airport significantly contributed to the boom.  

Recent data from the Budget and Finance Department shows that the airport paid the Treasury CFA5 billion in fees for rehabilitation works, twice the sum the State expected. The fees made up 40% of non-tax revenues collected between January and March 2024.

During this period, the airport welcomed 325,709 passengers, against 305,515, or 6% more than, in Q1 2023. 

This year, Togo expects its non-tax revenues to stand at CFA61.97 billion. Thus, the sum generated in Q1 makes up 19.98% of the target.

Esaïe Edoh

Members of the Decentralization Ministry’s top brass are participating in a training workshop on program budgeting. The workshop, which began on September 3, 2024, in Kpalimé, ends on September 8. It is part of an initiative to build capacity for preparing program budgets for the 2025 fiscal year.

The goal is to help the ministry’s workers understand the steps necessary to set up a program budget. The workshop will cover topics such as gathering preliminary information for the multi-year expenditure programming document for 2025-2027. 

Participants will also learn about decentralizing the authorizing officer's role to give local administrations more control over financial resources. The training will cover budget transfers, program reviews, and types of expenditures in a program budget.

This workshop is supported by the Decentralization and Good Governance Phase IV Program (ProDeG-IV) of the German Development Cooperation (GIZ) and aligns with the Togolese government's structural reforms. Since 2020, Togo has implemented program budgeting in line with WAEMU directives, moving away from traditional means-based budgeting. This has improved to use of funds to achieve the government’s development goals.

Esaïe Edoh

German Group Heidelberg Material (formerly known as HeidelbergCement) is planning new investments in Togo, where it already operates through its subsidiaries SCANTOGO, GRANUTOGO, and CIMTOGO. 

On September 3, 2024, Hakan Gurdal, the Group's Managing Director for Africa, the Mediterranean, and West Asia, announced these plans during a meeting with Togo's Prime Minister, Victoire Tomégah-Dogbé, in Lomé.

The new investments will focus on the environmental and industrial sectors, funding sustainable solutions in cement production using alternative materials. The Group aims to produce zero-carbon cement as part of its commitment to environmental sustainability. 

Discussions with relevant ministries are already underway, and Gurdal noted that these efforts will be expedited with the Prime Minister's direct involvement.

Heidelberg Materials has been active in Togo for several years, with an investment portfolio of €400 million (about CFA262 billion) through its three subsidiaries. The company is a major player in the cement sector, employing over 1,000 people in Togo through SCANTOGO (which produces clinker); GRANUTOGO, a gravel crushing unit; and CIMTOGO (a cement plant).

Esaïe Edoh

Togo's Court of Auditors is pushing for greater female representation in public finance audit bodies, to achieve 30% women among financial magistrates and inspectors by 2025.

The Court highlighted significant gender imbalances in these institutions. Currently, only one out of 20 magistrates at the Court of Auditors is a woman. At the Inspectorate General of the Treasury (IGT), all five officers are men, while at the Inspectorate General of Finance (IGF), just two of the ten officers are women. The General State Inspectorate (GSI) is the only body with gender parity, having five women out of ten inspectors.

Based on these findings and the Court's new organic law, the institution emphasizes the need to strengthen the female workforce in key agencies like the IGT and IGF. The aim is to promote more gender-sensitive management of public finances.

Tchakéi Essowavana, president of the Court of Auditors' 3rd chamber, stressed the importance of having competent women and men in these audit bodies. This initiative was launched at an August 30, 2024 symposium in Lomé, organized in collaboration with the German development agency GIZ.

Several heads of Togolese Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) recently participated in a two-day workshop to boost their capacities. Ended on September 4, the meeting was organized by the Ministry of Trade and Local Consumption. 

Around 30 leaders, including members from the Togolese Group of SMEs, the FAIEJ, and the Togo Chamber of Commerce and Industry, took part in the workshop. Discussions focused on crucial topics such as accessing financing, managing human resources, and finding strategic partnerships.

Chaired by Comlan Nomadoli Yakpey, Secretary General of the Ministry, the workshop aligns with the government's Roadmap 2020-2025 reforms. These reforms aim to support MSMEs through a new charter and the creation of the SME Development Agency. 

"In today's ever-changing business landscape, the ability to forge strong partnerships is more important than ever. Partnerships are more than just transactions; they are strategic alliances that, when well-managed, can bring mutual benefits and propel companies to new heights," Yakpey said at the opening.

The recent workshop and similar initiatives reflect the government's commitment to enhancing the capacities of small and medium-sized businesses, as they are key drivers of innovation and economic growth.

Ayi Renaud Dossavi

The Coordination Committee for Coffee and Cocoa Sectors (CCFCC) has extended the registration deadline for the 2024-2025 coffee and cocoa marketing season. The new deadline is September 16, instead of August 30.

The CCFCC has also urged operators with incomplete applications to finalize their documents before the new deadline. 

Approved cocoa and coffee exporters for the upcoming campaign will be announced after this period. This move comes as coffee and cocoa exports have been rising, with the 2022-2023 marketing year seeing exports of 3,500 tonnes for coffee and 9,000 tonnes for cocoa, reflecting increases of 9% and 63%, respectively.

Ayi Renaud Dossavi

Over the first quarter of 2024, Togo’s debt servicing stood at CFA269.17 billion, with 86% being domestic debt. The sum represents 40% of the debt servicing in 2023–CFA706 billion.

Debt servicing comprises all payments made by the country to meet the financial obligations associated with its borrowings, including repayment of principal (the initial amount borrowed) and interest payments. 

Principal repayments in Q1 2024 totaled CFA225.76 billion, against CFA553.05 billion throughout 2023. From 2022 to 2023, principal repayments surged 45.6%, reflecting strict public finance management despite added pressure on the State budget. 

Overall, Togo's total debt remained stable, going from CFA3,707 billion in 2023 to CFA3,740 billion at the end of Q1 2024.

Ayi Renaud Dossavi

Since 2022, the Support Program for Vulnerable Populations (PAPV) has invested CFA1.2 billion to upgrade markets in nine areas of Togo's central region. These investments aim to boost the local economy and improve living standards.

One of the beneficiaries is Kassena, where the market has been relocated to a modern five-hectare site. The new market features cantonal-type sheds, storage warehouses, a photovoltaic borehole, modern latrines, and shops, costing a total of CFA111.7 million.

"This new market is distinguished from the old one by its modern facilities and equipment designed to meet the current needs of women, traders, and users," said Kiliou Kokolou, the mayor of Tchaoudjo 2, quoted by the Agence Togolaise de Presse (ATOP). He hopes this will help boost the local and national economy.

Besides Kassena, upgraded markets are now operational in Koussountou, Bago, Séssaro, and Pagala-Gare. Work is also ongoing in Kouloumi, Adjengré, Tchifama, and Langabou. The Agence nationale d'appui au développement à la base (ANADEB) is responsible for these projects.

Ayi Renaud Dossavi