Togo’s tax authority, the OTR, should collect CFA1,210 billion in revenues this year. Philippe Kokou Tchodié, the OTR’s boss, disclosed the forecast last weekend during a staff meeting. 

The projection is 8% more than the 2024 target–CFA1,113 billion. The funds, Tchodié said, will support the 2025 State Budget, which stands at CFA2,397 billion. The money collected by OTR will help boost overall budget revenues.

In detail, the Tax Office plans to collect CFA587 billion, while the Customs and Excise Office aims for CFA613 billion. Tax revenues should thus make up over 81% of total budget revenues, expected to reach CFA1,486 billion. Other revenue sources include non-tax receipts estimated at CFA74 billion and program grants of nearly CFA12 billion, added to project grants from external partners estimated at CFA190 billion.

The OTR has performed well in recent years. In 2023, it collected over CFA1,000 billion, exceeding its initial target of CFA990 billion. For 2024, tax and customs revenue is forecasted at CFA1,042 billion.

Esaïe Edoh

February

Global Shipping Leaders Join Adétikopé Dry Port

In February 2024, the Plateforme Industrielle d'Adétikopé (PIA) welcomed several prominent players from the shipping industry. Edem Kokou Tengue, then Togolese Minister of Maritime Economy, announced this significant development on February 28. Notable companies such as MSC (Italo-Swiss), MAERSK (Denmark), CMA CGM (France), PIL (Singapore), and ONE (Japan) are now part of this logistics hub, marking a pivotal moment for Togo in its ambition to become a major logistics center in West Africa.

Suspension of the Statistical Fee and Facilities for Carriers Bound for Niger

Also in February, the Office Togolais des Recettes (OTR) announced the suspension of the statistical fee (RS) for goods unloaded at the Port of Lomé and in transit to Burkina Faso, Mali, or Niger. 

Originally set at 2% and later reduced to 1% under the ECOWAS Common External Tariff, this fee is intended to fund statistical activities. It was suspended in line with Togo’s ambition to make its port the primary entry point of goods destined for these landlocked countries. Additionally, starting June 1, 2024, Togo introduced a minimum free time of 40 days for containers in transit to Niger.

March

Launch of Construction of 21 Bridges in Togo's Economic Regions

On March 20, 2024, the country kicked off a project to build 21 Unibridge steel-concrete modular bridges in Kolidè, in the Ogou 2 municipality, about 230 km from Lomé. 

Combined, these bridges will span 2,271.6 linear meters across five economic regions: Plateaux, Maritime, Centrale, Kara, and Savanes. 

The project is financed by France and Togo. Out of its total cost of CFA65 billion, France provided CFA50 billion while Lomé added the CFA15 billion remaining. According to current projections, the project should be completed within 36 months. It should enhance inter-regional connectivity and support economic development.

June

PIL Begins Transshipment Operations at the Port of Lomé

Pacific International Lines (PIL), one of Singapore's leading shipping companies, officially launched its transshipment operations at the Port of Lomé on June 19. This milestone was marked by the arrival of the Kota Tema, a state-of-the-art vessel with the capacity to carry over 7,000 containers.

July

Interconnection of Customs Systems with ESA Countries

In July 2024, customs directors from AES countries convened in Niamey and agreed to interconnect their customs IT systems. This initiative aims to facilitate information exchange, secure transit operations, and reduce border delays. An evaluation meeting took place in September in Lomé to assess progress on this interconnection.

August

The Port of Lomé Confirms Its Leadership in Africa for the Fourth Year Running

According to Lloyd's List's 2024 ranking of the world's top ports, the Port Autonome de Lomé (PAL) has maintained its position as West Africa's leading port for four consecutive years. Handling traffic of 1.91 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEU), PAL ranks fifth on the continent overall, behind Tangier Med in Morocco (8.61 million TEU), Port Said in Egypt (4.44 million TEU), Durban in South Africa (2.54 million TEU), and Damietta in Egypt (1.97 million TEU). Worldwide, the Port of Lomé ranked 93rd in 2024, jumping one spot compared to the year before. 

September

Complete Dematerialization of International Trade Documents at the Port of Lomé

Togo achieved a major milestone by fully digitizing all formalities related to international trade documents at the Port of Lomé on September 27. This new digital platform allows economic operators to complete all procedures online, including tracking goods an innovation designed to streamline administrative processes and enhance transparency.

October

Yango Suspended

In October 2024, the Togolese government suspended Yango's operations a ride-hailing service owned by Russian tech group Yandex citing that its activities were deemed "illicit." This decision has ignited discussions about regulating digital platforms in Togo and their implications for innovation within the transport sector.

Esaïe Edoh

The agriculture sector has recorded several developments in 2024. Key highlights included increased funding for food security, support for producers, a record cereal harvest, and ongoing efforts to transform value chains through agropoles. Find below a recap of the year.

Government Allocates CFA13 Billion to Bolster Food Security

At the start of 2024, the Togolese government allocated CFA13 billion to food security. The sum, 25% of the Ministry of Agriculture's annual budget, helped support various projects, including a 7-year food security plan (2024-2030), and enhance the capacities of the National Food Security Agency (ANSAT). Both projects aimed to reduce hunger, foster sustainable agriculture, and support farmers.

FSRP Backs 30,000 Farmers

In July 2024, nearly 30,000 vulnerable producers of maize, rice, soybeans, and cowpeas received agricultural input support through the World Bank-funded West African Food System Resilience Program (FSRP-Togo). During a ceremony in Doufelgou in the Kara region (northern Togo), kits with certified seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides were distributed, prioritizing producer organizations and planned agricultural zones (ZAAP).

AfDB and BOAD Provides CFA46.4 billion for agropoles

The West African Development Bank (BOAD) and the African Development Bank (AfDB) provided a combined financing of CFA46.4 billion for phase 2 of the Togo Agri-Food Processing Project (PTA-Togo), specifically for the Kara agropolis. The investment aimed to boost output in strategic sectors like corn, rice, and soy while reducing food imports.

1.5 million Metric Tons of Cereals

Togo produced 1.5 million metric tons of cereals during the 2023-2024 campaign–a record. Grain output, let it be noted, has been growing steadily since 2019. Corn is the most widely grown cereal, followed by paddy rice and millet-sorghum.

5th National Agricultural Census

Togo launched the 5th National Agricultural Census (RNA-5) in December 2024, 12 years after the last census. The country is thus updating its agricultural data, which is key to planning public policies and guiding investments.

Agriculture employs 60% of Togo’s working population and contributes 40% of its GDP. The sector is a cornerstone of the economy and a key focus for public authorities.

Islamic Development Bank (IDB) Provides $60 Million

The IDB approved financing of $60 million (about CFA36 billion) for Togo on October 14, 2024. This funding aims to improve living conditions for vulnerable populations by enhancing agricultural productivity and income-generating activities for farming households.

4th Market for Agricultural Innovations and Technologies (MITA)

From October 21 to 25, 2024, Lomé hosted the MITA, gathering nearly 150 sub-regional experts. Organized by CORAF, this event focused on improving access to agricultural technologies and innovations, especially in managing plant and animal pests and diseases.

Agricultural Mechanization Program Launched

In March 2024, Togo inaugurated two regional agricultural mechanization centers in Tchitchao and Tové to modernize farming practices and increase productivity.

Construction of Integrated Poultry Complex at Avétonou Begins

On March 28, President Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé launched the construction of an integrated poultry complex in Avétonou. Covering 660 hectares, this project aims to modernize poultry farming and enhance food security in Togo. It includes modern farms and facilities promoting sustainable practices.

The complex, built in partnership with PORTEO-GRAINE, includes modern poultry farms, an Institut Technique de Recherche Agricole (ITRA), an Institut de Formation en Alternance et Développement (IFAD-Avétonou), and an ecovillage designed to promote sustainable agricultural practices.

Ayi Renaud Dossavi

The Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Togo (CCI-Togo) celebrated on December 31, 2024, the Togolese winners of the 3rd edition of the "Tremplin Startup WAEMU" competition. This edition was held under the theme: "Creative and digital marketing at the service of cultural and creative industries."

Although Togolese entrepreneurs did not win any prize for excellence, three projects were rewarded in the incentive category and are national winners. Artybe, a platform dedicated to booking cultural activities, received CFA6 million for the first incentive prize. Makiffa, specializing in IT and event services, won CFA5 million as second prize. Finally, Klumer,  an event management solution, took third prize, worth CFA4 million.

"The development of start-ups is a key lever for strengthening partnerships between the private sector and civil society," commented Ibrahim Tankari, WAEMU regional advisor. He added that the contest fell under a regional strategy to foster innovation and entrepreneurship.

Manzinèwè Nathalie Bitho, representative of CCR-WAEMU, added that this initiative aimed to boost competitiveness and promote companies capable of meeting regional challenges.

Finally, Péyébinesso Limaziè of the CCI-Togo lauded creative and digital marketing for providing opportunities to transform cultural industries into growth and wealth drivers across the region.

Overall, eight prizes were awarded in the competition –five regional and three national. Regionwide, 287 people applied, including 94 women or 32.75%.

Ayi Renaud Dossavi

There were many developments in Togo’s education and training sectors last year. Find below the top five.

Strict Ban on the Use of Cell Phones in Schools

On September 5, 2024, an interministerial note issued by Ministers Dodzi Kokoroko (Primary and Secondary Education) and Isaac Tchiakpe (Technical Education and Vocational Training) formally prohibited the use of cell phones for students in public and private schools, starting from the new school year on September 16.

Teachers Expelled for Rape (August)

On November 8, 2024, several teachers and principals were dismissed or banned for violating the code of ethics and professional conduct. They were found guilty of sexually harassing or raping students.

Introduction of "Project Schools" into the School Curriculum (September)

At the start of the 2024-2025 academic year, Togo introduced "project schools," which aim to combine theory and practice in education. These schools encourage students to carry out concrete projects related to their learning.

Launch of Construction of 263 Classrooms through the PAQEEB Project (October)

On October 15, 2024, Togo launched Phase 2 of its school infrastructure construction program. This phase includes building 263 classrooms to strengthen educational infrastructure by 2025, financed by CFA36 billion from the Global Partnership for Education (GPE) and the World Bank (WB).

Launch of the 5th Cohort of the Presidential Excellence Program

On October 16, 2024, Togo's presidency announced the launch of the 5th cohort of the Presidential Program of Excellence (PPE). This phase selected students from Togo's public and private universities based on excellence and merit for training in public administration.

Extension of Universal Health Insurance (UHI) Program to Students

On October 10, 2024, the Togolese government announced that the Universal Health Insurance program would extend to students in public schools. This program enables students to access health services through AMU via INAM.

State Officially Accreditates 79 Private Universities  (November)

According to a list published by the Ministry of Higher Education and Research, Togo has officially accreditated 79 private higher education establishments,  including 68 in Greater Lomé and 11 others in the interior.

In Togo, things moved a lot in 2024 in the energy and mining sectors. The country took on new solar projects, sealed strategic partnerships, and launched various initiatives to power the economy. In this article, find some of 2024’s highlights.

Forecast Energy Budget of CFA57 Billion

In 2024, the Togolese government allocated CFA57 billion for the energy sector. This funding supported initiatives like the CIZO program,  a project to electrify 317 localities,  and the expansion of the Blitta solar power plant. Both initiatives align with Lomé”s ambition to achieve universal access to electricity by 2030.

National Electrification Rate on the Rise 

Togo has been undergoing an energy transformation for over a decade. The national electrification rate increased from 23% in 2010 to 60% in 2021, projected to reach around 70% by the end of 2024. Programs like the CIZO, the Tinga Fund for electricity connections, and new solar power plants, contributed to the surge.

Electricity disruptions and rationing

Last year, outages were significant, mainly due to a supply crisis regionwide. To curb persistent load shedding, the government has gone the rationing route.

Summit on Energy Cooperation in West Africa in Lomé

From December 3 to 5, 2024, Lomé hosted the first summit focused on regional energy cooperation. Experts from 16 countries gathered to discuss infrastructure investments, cross-border collaborations, and renewable energy development.

Strategic Agreements with Haier and RELP

During the summit, Togo signed agreements with Haier and RELP to enhance solar energy storage and improve photovoltaic production. These efforts align with Togo's goal of achieving 50% renewable energy in its energy mix by 2030.

Agreement for Micro-Nuclear Reactors 

On December 2, 2024, Togo signed a key agreement with Nano Nuclear Energy,  to generate power from micro-nuclear reactors. Under this cooperation, Lomé plans to establish the Togo Atomic Energy Commission (TAEC) to oversee the peaceful use of nuclear technology.

$200 Million for Energy Reforms

Last month, the World Bank approved a $200 million financing package for Togo. This funding will support energy reforms, including a new tariff structure and initiatives for sustainable agriculture and climate change adaptation.

While there are still roadblocks, including cyclical crises and other issues in the way of Lomé’s universal access to electricity target, the work done in 2024 could propel Togo's energy transition and create a more resilient system for 2025.

Dapaong Solar Power Plant Project Tender

In April 2024, Togo announced an international call for tenders for a 25 MW solar power plant in Dapaong, complete with a 40 MWh energy storage system. The project aims to boost access to electricity in the north, under the Programme d'Urgence de Renforcement de la Résilience dans la Région des Savanes (PURS).

Prices Down

In December 2024, the government announced a reduction in the kilowatt-hour rate for some of the public utility’s customers. The goal is to make electricity more affordable for low-income households.

Progress in Mining Transparency

Togo scored 74 out of 100 on its implementation of the 2019 Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) standard, reflecting improvements in mining sector transparency.

Gautier Agbekodovi

Togo is implementing new rules for SIM card registration. A government decree issued on December 26, 2024, mandates that all users of electronic communication services must be identified before accessing these services.

ControlledSIM Sales

The sale of pre-activated or pre-identified SIM cards is now banned. Additionally, users can hold a maximum of three SIM cards per operator.

Telecom operators must also maintain a complete database of their subscribers and submit quarterly reports to authorities.

These measures aim to enhance subscriber traceability and combat fraud and cybercrime. As of March 2024, Togo had about 7.3 million mobile subscribers, indicating a penetration rate of 87.5%, up from 9% in Q2 2023.

Ayi Renaud Dossavi

Togo should have held its first senatorial elections on 2 February 2025, but the polls have been postponed to an unspecified date. The Council of Ministers announced this change on December 26, 2024.

It was the Cadre Permanent de Concertation (CPC), a coalition of political parties, that suggested the postponement. They requested more time to submit candidacies, which were due by December 23, 2024. The goal is to improve organization and encourage more participation in these elections, which will be the first of their kind in Togo.

The Council agreed to the request after consulting the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI), which will determine the new election date. These elections will fill 41 of the 61 Senate seats; the remaining 20 will be appointed by the President.

Esaïe Edoh

Togolese President Faure Gnassingbé has announced a special bonus of CFA60,000 for civil servants, religious education staff, and pensioners who are part of the Togo Pension Fund. This announcement was made on December 23 in Lomé.

The bonus will use a budget of CFA7.85 billion and is intended to help increase household purchasing power during the festive season. Many Togolese are facing a rising cost of living. According to the statement, "This initiative illustrates the authorities' constant determination to promote national solidarity."

The President urged Togolese citizens to use the end-of-year period to "strengthen social ties" and make the festive season a time for sharing. He expressed optimism about 2025, saying his government would keep focusing on building a better future next year.

This bonus is part of several social measures taken in recent years to support citizens. In December 2021, amid high inflation, President Gnassingbé provided an advance of one month's salary to all civil servants and public-sector pensioners, which was repayable over twelve months starting in January 2022.

In September 2022, the government increased civil servants' salaries by 10% to improve their income. A monthly transport allowance of CFA10,000 was also introduced to help with expenses, and the Guaranteed Minimum Interprofessional Wage (SMIG) was raised from CFA35,000 to CFA52,500 CFA starting in January 2023.

Fiacre E. Kakpo