Togo’s top media regulator, the HAAC, recently warned French media Radio France Internationale (RFI) about its coverage of the country's socio-political news. In a letter dated May 6, 2024, the HAAC highlighted RFI's lack of neutrality and fairness in its news coverage, despite previous warnings. Telou Pitalounani, President of the HAAC, specifically criticized RFI for persistently broadcasting inaccurate information about the situation in Togo. Of particular concern was a segment aired on Sunday, May 5, 2024, at 6:30 PM UTC, in which it was incorrectly reported that a formal ban on all prote ..read more

Experts and executives from universities in 20 member countries of the Organization of African, Caribbean, and Pacific States (OACPS) are holding a three-day meeting in Lomé to discuss research and innovation (R&I) financing. Started on May 6, the roundtable aims to bolster this financing, according to local media Togopresse. Participants are exploring ways to establish national funds that promote sustainable development through research and innovation. They will also develop a manual to guide the creation of these funds, ensuring better coordination and efficient use of resources. F ..read more

The Togolese Storage Company (STE), responsible for storing and distributing petroleum products, recently inaugurated a photovoltaic plant on its premises. The ceremony, held on Tuesday, May 7th, was attended by various dignitaries. With an installed capacity of 90.6 Kwc across 426 m2, the system is set to cover a portion of STE's energy needs and reduce electricity costs. The plant is expected to generate up to 10.36 Mwh per month, equivalent to 30% of the company's total monthly energy consumption of 34.98 Mwh. "We hope that through these results, the investment will continue and reach 75 ..read more

Lomé will host the 3rd edition of the International Forum on Digital Intermediation and Innovation (FONI) on May 16th and 17th at the 2 Février Hotel. The organizer, Afrik Créance, said the event will shine a spotlight on the close ties between finance and digital technology in Africa. Between 300 and 1,000 participants are expected. Focused on the theme "Intermediation, Financing SMEs for Financial, Digital, and Social Inclusion in Africa," FONI 2024 will explore innovative solutions in banking, finance, telecommunications, and insurance. It will serve as a platform from Lomé to showcase Fin ..read more

Recent data from the BCEAO reveals that the microfinance sector in West Africa, particularly in Togo, experienced growth by the end of December 2023, despite facing some headwinds. Credit Portfolio Expansion The outstanding loans granted by Decentralized Financial Systems (DFS) or microfinance institutions in Togo increased by 6.5% in the fourth quarter of 2023 (quarter-on-quarter), marking an absolute increase of 22.5 billion CFA francs. Togo recorded the third-largest increase during this period, behind Senegal (+6.6%) and Benin (+9.5%), and ahead of Burkina Faso (+21.4 billion CFA francs ..read more

Moov Africa Togo (MAT) and Togo Cellulaire (TGC) were the WAEMU’s top two mobile internet service providers in 2023. The Togolese telecom watchdog, ARCEP, confirmed this on May 6. Leading the UEMOA Region "Both operators' internet connection performances rank them at the top two positions in the region according to the nPerf score," ARCEP noted, citing an analysis of 128 mobile operators worldwide, including 49 in Africa and 16 in the UEMOA region. MAT and TGC were respectively first and second in the WAEMU (out of 16 mobile operators). They had the best download speeds across the region-31.6 ..read more

Togo's new constitution was enacted on Monday, May 6, 2024, by President Faure Gnassingbé. This change stems from a constitutional amendment adopted by the National Assembly on April 19. The new constitution introduces a transition to a parliamentary system, a pivotal shift in the country's governance. This is accompanied by the creation of the Prime Minister position and the establishment of a State Council. The official publication of this new constitutional law in the Official Gazette of the Togolese Republic is forthcoming ..read more

Togo recently launched a news simultaneous issue on the WAEMU securities market, seeking to raise CFA30 billion. Set to close on May 10, the operation involves issuing Fungible Treasury Bonds (OAT) and Fungible Treasury Bills (BAT). According to the tender notice, the BATs have a par value of CFA1 million, with maturities of 91 and 364 days and varying interest rates. The OATs have a par value of CFA10,000, offering a 6.15% annual interest rate over a 3-year period. These funds will support Togo's balanced budget for the 2024 fiscal year, which amounts to CFA2,179 billion in revenues and expe ..read more

There are 126 licensed architects and 58 architecture firms in Togo at the moment. The National Order of Architects of Togo (ONAT) revealed this information last Thursday, May 2, presenting the 2024 Order List to the public and media. The list catalogs licensed architects authorized to practice within Togo and the UEMOA region. Among the 126 architects, there are 20 women, 106 men, and 12 trainee architects. Péyébinesso Limazie, ONAT board president, emphasized the importance of this list, claiming it allows clients to choose from the listed professionals for architectural services freely. "E ..read more

Togo's National Independent Electoral Commission (CENI) announced the provisional results of the April 29, 2024 legislative elections, revealing a dominant victory for the ruling Union for the Republic (UNIR). UNIR secured 108 out of 113 seats in the National Assembly, claiming nearly 96% of the available seats. The opposition parties collectively won only 5 seats, with two going to the Alliance of Democrats for Integral Development (ADDI), and one each for the National Alliance for Change (ANC), Dynamic for the Majority of the People (DMP), and Democratic Forces for the Republic (FDR). The a ..read more