The World Bank Group has approved a $150 million International Development Association (IDA) operation for Togo. This funding is part of a three-year program aimed at supporting structural reforms that encourage private investment, create quality jobs, and lay the groundwork for inclusive and resilient economic growth.
This operation targets several areas crucial to Togo’s economic development. The focus includes improving agricultural productivity by reforming land security and increasing access to financing for smallholder farmers. Infrastructure improvements are also planned, particularly in energy, digital technology, and logistics. Another goal is to attract more private capital by making Togo more appealing to foreign direct investment (FDI). In addition, the initiative seeks to formalize small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and enhance skills development through changes in technical and vocational education.
"If fully implemented, this three-year program will mark a milestone for private sector development in Togo, with the potential to mobilize up to $800 million in additional private capital and improve the employment conditions of 73,000 people over five years," said Justin Beleoken Sanguen, World Bank Acting Resident Representative for Togo. "Reforms in agriculture, land and energy will be the main drivers of job creation, while additional private capital is expected to come from renewable energy projects and increased FDI attractiveness, among other things."
Key measures introduced as part of this first phase include establishing the National Land and Property Agency (ANDF) to oversee land policy coordination and speed up land document issuance. There will also be revisions to the statutes governing the Togolese Electric Energy Company (CEET), intended to strengthen its management structure and create better conditions for private investment. Additional actions involve placing a cap on wholesale broadband prices to foster competition and expand digital access; reinforcing legal protections for FDI; and promoting greater mobility between general education programs and technical or vocational training.