Togo is hosting its 10th National Internet Governance Forum (Togo IGF) this week. The event will take place on Thursday, October 24, at the Maison des Jeunes de Lomé (Amadahomé).

The forum will center on emerging technologies and how they could leverage Togo's digital development. Challenges related to these technologies’ regulation, at the national and international levels, will also be discussed.

Participants will include internet pioneers, experts, and representatives from local and international companies in the Information and Communication Technologies sector. The goal is to foster experience and knowledge sharing among digital stakeholders.

“The Internet Governance Forum remains a great opportunity for Internet users to meet,” said Folli Herbert Amouzougan, Vice-Chairman of the IGF’s Board of Directors.

This forum follows a National School on Internet Governance that recently convened industry players to discuss subjects like artificial intelligence and cybersecurity.

Forum registration link

Ayi Renaud Dossavi

Abdoul Salam Bello, Executive Director of the World Bank's Africa II Group, recently visited the WACA ResIP-Togo coastal resilience program in Aného. During his visit, he assessed various World Bank-funded projects that tackle coastal erosion and poverty in rural communities.

Bello toured the area with Dr. Adou Rahim Alimi Assimiou, the program coordinator, and his technical team.  Béguédouwè Paneto, Secretary General of the Ministry of Planning, and Me Alexis John Coffi Aquereburu, Mayor of the Commune des Lacs 1 were also present.

"I had the honor of visiting the WACA project in this beautiful commune of Lacs 1 (Aného). We were very impressed by the quality of the work done by the WACA teams, but also by the vision and leadership of Mr. Mayor," Bello said. The delegation examined key infrastructure like breakwaters and dikes that protect the community and enhance living conditions for residents. "We have really appreciated all the positive externalities, including how WACA also helps fight poverty," he added.

The Secretary General of the Ministry of Planning praised the World Bank's efforts and highlighted Bello's role in expanding the WACA ResIP-Togo Project. Under his leadership, the World Bank's portfolio in Togo increased from $900 million to $1.21 billion.

The World Bank just approved a new partnership framework that will help mobilize $1.5 billion for investments in key sectors such as agriculture and energy.

On October 14, Bello met with Dr. Sandra Ablamba Johnson, Minister and Secretary General of the Togolese Presidency. The meeting was an opportunity to review the work done by Bello and his staff, as well as discuss future partnerships between the two sides. 

The World Bank currently holds its Annual Meetings in Washington. The sessions started on October 21 and ends on October 26.

Ayi Renaud Dossavi

Most Togolese products tested by local quality control institutions meet the required standards. An inspection delegation, led by Kossivi Hounaké, Minister Delegate to the Minister of Trade, reached this conclusion last weekend.

The inspection aimed to address concerns about the quality of "Made in Togo" products. The team visited key institutions, including the Institut Togolais de Recherche Agronomique (ITRA), the Institut National d'Hygiène (INH), the École Supérieure des Techniques Biologiques et Alimentaires (ESTBA), and the Laboratoire National du Bâtiment et des Travaux Publics (LNBTP).

According to Kossivi Hounaké, criticisms regarding local product quality are often unfounded. He stated that "most of them pass through these control laboratories" before reaching the market. This inspection coincided with local consumption month, serving as a boost from public authorities to promote Togo's products, nationally and internationally.

Ayi Renaud Dossavi

Togo will hold municipal elections in at least 11 municipalities this October. The Ministry of Territorial Administration announced these elections following the deaths of several mayors and deputy mayors in recent months. The elections are scheduled from October 22 to 31.

Municipalities concerned include Golfe 2, 5, and 6, Avé 2, Kloto 3, Kpélé 1, Sotouboua 2, Doufelgou 3, Tone 1, Dankpen 3, and Kpendjal Ouest 1. Voting will occur through indirect suffrage by the municipal council, with prefects and local government authorities present.

Current mayors and councilors were elected in June 2019 during the first local elections in nearly thirty years. Togo has 117 municipalities.

Ayi Renaud Dossavi 

The Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) recently approved $60.30 million (over CFA36 billion) for Togo. This funding aims to improve the quality of life for vulnerable populations. The announcement came during the IsDB's 357th Board of Directors meeting on October 14, 2024, in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

The funds will support income-generating activities and boost agricultural productivity, which are vital for Togo's economic growth. This approval is part of a larger program under which the IsDB allocated over $3 billion to 20 socio-economic development projects across 17 member countries. In Africa, countries like Côte d'Ivoire, Mozambique, and Senegal are among the beneficiaries.

In Togo, the IsDB is already involved in various initiatives, including coastal protection and rural electrification. Last year, it signed an agreement with the International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC) for $250 million to develop the energy, agriculture, and private sectors.

Ayi Renaud Dossavi

Last week, Togo hosted the second edition of the Renewable Energy Days. The event, which took place on October 18 and 19, was themed “Renewable Energies at the Service of the Agro-Industry.” It was organized by the Synergie des acteurs du secteur (SAER) and the Centre Togolais des expositions et Foires (CETEF).

The fair gathered Togolese companies active in the renewable energy sector, and featured exhibitions, conferences, workshops, and demonstrations.

According to CETEF Director Alexandre de Souza, the event highlighted new trends in renewable energy and promoted Togolese innovations, as "they are a source of hope for the country."

Last year, the CETEF and the SAER sealed a deal to raise public awareness and increase access to clean energy sources.