The World Bank Group (WBG) has endorsed a new Country Partnership Framework (CPF) for Togo, granted a special waiver for the country's access to the Prevention and Resilience Window, and approved three new loans from the International Development Association (IDA) totaling over $600 million. These measures aim to strengthen prevention and resilience, increase access to reliable electricity, improve public administration performance, and support refugees and host communities in northern Togo.
The CPF will guide WBG’s interventions in Togo over the next five fiscal years (2025-2029). It aims to address development challenges by reducing poverty, increasing shared prosperity, and promoting sustainable development for Togo's population of over 8 million. The framework focuses on creating quality jobs through the private sector, improving human capital, and promoting inclusive and resilient territorial development. It also emphasizes strengthening the macroeconomic framework and governance. Key areas of focus include agricultural productivity, logistics, and connectivity.
"This new Country Partnership Framework opens a new page for strengthening the cooperation between Togo and the World Bank Group," said Ousmane Diagana, World Bank Vice President for Western and Central Africa. "We are committed to strengthening our support for the implementation of Togo's ambitious development strategy through innovative and transformative programs that will have a significant impact on the well-being of the Togolese population."
The integrated approach by WBG includes contributions from the World Bank, International Finance Corporation (IFC), and Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA). This collaboration aims to provide solutions in priority sectors such as agriculture, energy, logistics, and connectivity.
"This synergy of actions within the World Bank Group is essential to increase our impact in Togo and strengthen the role of the private sector in supporting the structural transformation of the economy,” said Sérgio Pimenta, IFC Vice President for Africa. "IFC will work closely with the World Bank and MIGA to boost private sector participation in several promising sectors."
Ethiopis Tafara, Vice President of MIGA, added that MIGA would provide guarantees potentially supporting agriculture, public-private partnerships in infrastructure, digital investments, as well as in energy.
Additionally, a waiver was granted allowing Togo access to about $315 million from its Prevention and Resilience financing Window. This funding supports an emergency program aimed at enhancing community resilience.
Three new IDA-financed operations were also approved for nearly $298 million. These initiatives include:
1. The Inclusive Development through Electricity Access Project ($200 million), which aims to enhance electricity supply through constructing 161kV transmission lines benefiting over 1.5 million people mainly in rural areas.
2. The Public Sector Strengthening for Service Delivery Operation ($75 million), focused on improving human resources management and public finance.
3. Additional financing ($23 million) for the Gulf of Guinea Northern Regions Social Cohesion Project aimed at supporting refugees and host communities in northern Togo.
"With this Country Partnership Framework, the World Bank is scaling up its engagement with Togo," said Fily Sissoko, World Bank representative in Togo. "Youths and women will be main beneficiaries."
The International Development Association (IDA), established in 1960 as part of WBG’s fund for poorest countries provides grants and low-interest loans aiming at economic growth enhancement across eligible nations.