1. At the initiative of the President of the Republic, H.E. Mr. Faure Essozimna GNASSINGBE, the conference of ambassadors and chargés d’affaires a.i. of Togo abroad was organized in Lomé on August 5 and 6, 2024. 2. Chaired by H.E. Prof. Robert DUSSEY, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and Togolese Abroad, this conference is part of the current political context of Togo following the promulgation, on May 6, 2024, of a new constitution establishing the Fifth Togolese Republic based on a parliamentary regime. 3. This present conference follows an information session, held on July 12, 2024 at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for the benefit of the diplomatic and consular corps accredited to Togo to discuss the evolution of the political situation in Togo. 4. The conference served as a framework to discuss with Togo’s representatives abroad several topics of national interest, including the Constitution of the Fifth Republic, the implementation of the government roadmap, the emergency program and strengthening of the resilience of populations in the savannah region, optimization of the diaspora in national development, the 9th Pan-African Congress of Lomé, the financial and accounting management of embassies as well as the new visa procedures for Togo. 5. Opening the proceedings, Professor DUSSEY stressed the importance of this diplomatic meeting whose main objective is to forge a common understanding of national and international political issues with a view to strengthening the effectiveness of Togo’s diplomatic missions and consular posts abroad. 6. On the political developments in the country, the conference allowed Togolese representatives abroad to be informed about the substantial reforms introduced by the new constitution of the Fifth Republic which respond to the contemporary aspirations of the Togolese people and which require a fundamental adaptation of the Togolese diplomatic approach in an international context marked by incessant political transformations. 7. Prof. DUSSEY took this opportunity to launch a vibrant patriotic appeal to the heads of Togo’s diplomatic missions abroad. He urged them to fully embrace Togo’s new vision and strategic orientations, which are particularly relevant in the current geopolitical context. 8. At the end of the discussions on the various topics on the agenda of this conference, Togolese diplomats reiterated their commitment to present a united front, actively promote Togo, defend its strategic interests and consolidate its image on the international scene. 9. The conference congratulated the Head of State for his initiative to bring together Togo’s representatives abroad to enable them to take ownership of the major socio-political innovations made and carried by the new constitution. 10. On the sidelines of this conference, the participants carried out field visits on August 3, 2024, in particular to the Nioupourma camp where the Koundjoaré task force is stationed, responsible for containing the jihadist threat in the north of the country, in order to learn about the efforts made by the government in the fight against terrorism. 11. In addition, in Mandouri, in the Kpendjal prefecture, Togo’s representatives abroad had the opportunity to interact directly with the local populations, who are on the front lines facing the effects of jihadism. These visits allowed diplomats to better understand the realities on the ground and the security challenges facing the country. 12. H.E. Prof. DUSSEY, in closing the conference, welcomed the fruitful discussions and the commitments made to reaffirm Togolese diplomacy, which is now pragmatic, bold and uninhibited. He invited the participants to support, in their respective jurisdictions, the political, diplomatic and economic efforts of the Togolese government to achieve shared and sustainable emergence. Lomé, August 6, 2024.
Participation of Togo to AGOA 2023
As an AGOA eligible Country, #Togo took part in the 20th United States-Sub-Saharan Africa Trade and Economic Forum held in Johannesburg from 1 to 4 November 2023 with a Delegation leaded by Ms. Kayi MIVEDOR-SAMBIANI, Minister of Commerce, Crafts and Local Consumption. As an AGOA eligible Country, #Togo took part in the 20th United States-Sub-Saharan Africa Trade and Economic Forum held in Johannesburg from 1 to 4 November 2023 with a Delegation leaded by Ms. Kayi MIVEDOR-SAMBIANI, Minister of Commerce, Crafts and Local Consumption#AGOAFORUM pic.twitter.com/kRR2sm5iup — TOGO IN SOUTH AFRICA (@Togo_southafrik) November 5, 2023
Meeting between the Chargé d’Affaires a.i. and the Togolese country delegate in South Africa
On 26 August 2021, Mr. John D. FINTAKPA LAMEGA, Chargé d’Affaires a.i. and Head of the Embassy of the Republic of Togo met in Pretoria with Mr. Jacques GNAMA, Togolese country delegate and President of the Togolese nationals’ associations “Nonvissi lélé” in Gauteng, exchanging views on how best they can work closely together for the advancement of the Togolese diaspora in the SADC Region and the fulfillment of the Government’s vision. Mr. FINTAKPA LAMEGA, first introduced himself briefly as the former First Counsellor and legal adviser at the Permanent Mission of Togo to the United Nations in New York and he added that it was his duty to meet with Mr. GNAMA, as being aware of the number of Togolese in Southern Africa as well as having their needs met, was crucial for the Embassy. He later asked how many Togolese associations were operational therein and how they were organized. Furthermore, He indicated that the primary mission of the Embassy is to represent Togo and report back to the Government, but another important duty at hand, is to provide information and assistance to the diaspora and encourage them to actively participate in the development of Togo. Afterward, Mr. GNAMA took the floor and introduced himself as the President of the “Nonvissi lélé Association” in Johannesburg and Pretoria and delegate of the Togolese diaspora in the SADC région, elected in November 2019. He said that upon his return to South Africa after the inauguration ceremony held in Togo, the outbreak of the COVID 19 pandemic started, causing borders closures and restrictions of people’s movements amongst the many challenges experienced globally, which consequently prevented him from visiting the SADC zone as planned. Moreover, he responded that there are 04 associations of the Togolese diaspora in South Africa and they are made up of a President, a Vice President, a Treasurer, a Secretary and an Adviser. He also stated that one association is located in the Gauteng Province, a second one in Durban, a third one in Eastern Cape and a fourth one in Cape-town, where he visited after the lockdown was lifted, and so far, there are more than 100 Togolese recorded in South Africa. The Chargé d’Affaires reiterated that this first encounter was meant to create a relationship on how best to handle the challenges ahead together. He subsequently suggested to Mr. GNAMA that any request of the diaspora should be submitted in writing so that the Embassy could see to what extent it could provide Togolese people with aid and assistance according to its availability. He also placed an emphasis on encouraging the diaspora to register in the Embassy’s database, as they need to be issued with a consular card valid for a period of two years and renewable, in order to facilitate record-keeping and acknowledgement of their citizenship. He later explained that the Embassy has an economic mission, therefore investments and economic development have to be equally brought into focus. He then urged Mr. GNAMA to contribute towards the said vision as the Togolese diaspora can play a pivotal role in the economic development of Togo, promote trade and foreign direct investment, create businesses and spur entrepreneurship, and transfer new knowledge and skills beyond their well-known role as senders of remittances. Finally, Mr. FINTAKPA LAMEGA expressed his gratitude to Mr. GNAMA for his time and availability and noted that the Embassy and the diaspora need to work alongside as he hoped both Parties would continue to carry out the economic mission of the Embassy and make joint efforts to push forward the vision of the Government. Pretoria, 30 August 2021
Togo expected at the 2021 Intra-African Trade Fair
Togo is one of the countries that will take part in the second edition of the Intra-African Trade Fair. The event to be held from November 15-21, 2021 in Durban, South Africa will bring together actors from diverse backgrounds and provide the opportunity to showcase and exhibit goods and services. As part of this second edition of the Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF2021), Togo will initially try to promote more local products. The Ministry of Commerce has launched an evaluation and selection process in this direction until August 16. It will also be a matter of the country praising Destination Togo. Previously announced in Kigali (Rwanda), the second edition of the Intra-African Trade Fair was relocated to Durban, South Africa, in the province of KwaZulu-Natal from November 15 to 21, 2021. A decision taken by the Advisory Board chaired by Olusegun Obasanjo, former President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. “The relocation of the Intra-African Trade Fair to Durban allows us to save time on the schedule and will allow African countries and businesses, as part of their recovery strategy, to take full advantage of the trade fair, which is also an important element in the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area within the framework of which trade began this year, ”the president of the advisory council argued last July. Recall that the second edition of this event was initially scheduled to be held from September 6 to 12, 2021, before a date change last March due to the evolution of the pandemic. Source: Ocean News
Launch of the Diaspora Window and the Action Program to strengthen the contributions of the Togolese Diaspora to the Togo 2025 Plan
The government wants to involve Togolese Abroad more in the development process of their country. It is in this sense that the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and Togolese abroad, Robert Dussey on Monday launched in Lomé the “Diaspora Window and the action program for strengthening the contributions of the Togolese diaspora in the Togo 2025 Plan ”. Through this initiative, the government intends to provide Togolese Abroad a flexible and inclusive platform capable of responding to their demands and expectations and supporting the implementation of the action program to strengthen the contributions of the diaspora in Plan Togo 2025. The “Diaspora window and action program for strengthening the contributions of the Togolese diaspora to the Togo 2025 Plan” follows several institutional and strategic initiatives of the government in favor of the Togolese diaspora since 2005. This is the creation of of the Directorate of Togolese Abroad (DTE) by decree in 2005, the creation the same year of the High Commission for Returnees and Humanitarian Action (HCRAH), the development and implementation of the Diaspora program in particular on the use of the skills of the diaspora (2010-2014), the creation in 2014 of the interministerial committee responsible for the coordination and monitoring of migration and development activities, the establishment of a diaspora unit responsible for supporting Togolese from the outside carrying projects in their implementation. We also note the designation since 2015 of focal points in charge of the diaspora in the diplomatic and consular missions of Togo, meeting tours with the diaspora in 2013 and 2014, the organization of major diaspora meetings in 2014 in Lomé, the ‘visa exemption for Togolese living abroad with dual nationality, the organization of editions of the “Diaspora Success” week in 2016 and 2019, the launch of the Government’s roadmap for Togolese in the outside, the election of the 77 Country Delegates followed by the official installation of the High Council of Togolese Abroad (HCTE) and the adoption of the law on the vote of the diaspora in 2019. It is a technical support body of the HCTE which develops measures and strategies to encourage and encourage Togolese living abroad to carry out projects in Togo, to attract investments to our country and thus participate in the economic, social and cultural development of Togo and promote its influence in the world. It is responsible for encouraging the savings of Togolese Abroad for investment purposes in Togo, promoting the emergence of groups of investors within the Togolese community abroad, mobilizing investors and others. international partners. Launching, the Minister in charge of Togolese Abroad recalled the importance of the more adequate involvement of Togolese Abroad in the development process in accordance with the vision of the Government’s Roadmap in favor of the Togolese diaspora presented on April 1, 2019. Robert Dussey also invited members of the Togolese diaspora to appropriate the Diaspora Window and make it a real collective tool for promoting their projects and investments in Togo. Prof Dussey then noted that the evolution of financial transfers represent nearly 8% of GDP and estimated at US $ 451 million in 2018, US $ 458 million in 2019 and US $ 441 million in 2020. In addition, he mentioned the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the implementation of projects planned by the government in favor of the diaspora. “In order to meet the challenge of mobilizing the resources and assets of Togolese Abroad despite this global health crisis affecting African diasporas, the speakers, after a reminder of the multiple initiatives in favor of the Togolese diaspora presented the Diaspora Window and the action program to strengthen the contributions of Togolese Abroad to the Togo 2025 Plan as well as the various contribution approaches of the Togolese diaspora to the development of the municipalities of Togo ”, declared Prof Dussey. Several initiatives are announced for the future. For the year 2021, two flagship projects of the action plan, including the census of Togolese Abroad and the directory of entrepreneurs and investors from the diaspora will be implemented. For the years 2022 and 2023, the action program aims to implement various projects including the platform for the placement of Togolese Abroad in national and international public structures and in multinationals, tools for monitoring contributions and facilitation of projects and investments of the diaspora in Togo, (the Observatory of the Togolese Diaspora, the Guide of facilitating projects of Togolese Abroad in the service of development, the Guide of support and access mechanisms funding). We learn that an Incubator dedicated to the Togolese diaspora, a support platform for partnerships led by the Togolese diaspora within the framework of decentralized cooperation with the Togolese municipalities and other international programs as well as the preparation of the creation of the Fund Investment of Togolese Abroad (FITEX) will also be translated into facts.
Development : the government in an inclusive approach with Togolese abroad
In view of the importance of the contribution of the diaspora to the economic and social development of our country, the government has put in place mechanisms and institutions in favor of Togolese abroad. This will of the government is manifested by the establishment of a formal framework for the benefit of the diaspora. First the High Council of Togolese Abroad (HCTE) which is a permanent structure of exchanges and initiatives aimed at creating a synergy of action between Togolese abroad, the government and fellow citizens living in country. The country now has a technical support body for the HCTE, called Guichet Diaspora. This mechanism defines strategies and measures to encourage Togolese living abroad to become more involved in development processes through socio-economic and cultural projects. To this end, the government has included in its agenda for the current year the census of Togolese abroad and the development of the directory of entrepreneurs and investors from the diaspora. Actions are also planned for the years 2022 and 2023. These include, among others, the Action Program aimed at implementing initiatives such as the positioning of Togolese abroad in public and international structures. The government will put in place tools to monitor and facilitate diaspora projects and investments. To this must be added the installation of an incubator dedicated to the Togolese diaspora and a support platform for partners within the framework of decentralized cooperation as well as the creation of an Investment Fund for Togolese of the Exterior (FITEX). These actions complement many others already undertaken by the Togolese government, in particular the “Diaspora Program” using the skills of Togolese Abroad and the Interministerial Committee in charge of coordinating and monitoring migration activities, the Week “Diaspora Success Stories”, the right to vote, visa exemption for Togolese living abroad with dual nationality and tax measures to facilitate business creation. These various measures have made Togo a model in terms of dialogue and involvement of the diaspora in Africa. In February 2021, Togo made its voice heard on this basis in the African policy of involving Africans around the world in the process of integral and sustainable development of the continent. A month ago, Togo concluded a partnership agreement with France for the implementation of the “Talents en Commun” program. It was during an official visit of the President of the Republic to Paris. This convention aims to mobilize the skills of the diaspora for the benefit of African countries, particularly in the digital economy sector. All of these inclusive approaches aim to involve Togolese Abroad in a dynamic development of the country which needs all its daughters and all its sons, both inside and outside.
Structuring the agricultural world
One million farmers will have access to the financing offered by the Incentive Mechanism for Agricultural Financing Based on Risk Sharing (MIFA) by 2025. Aid will be granted in priority to cooperatives. As long as they reorganize themselves from top to bottom. The idea that independent producers come together in cooperatives to be more efficient. Italy will provide assistance and advice through Credit Coopératif. “The objective of this project is to increase the integration of agricultural value chains to increase the productivity of cooperative societies,” said Aristide Agbossoumondè, the director general of MIFA. Based on risk sharing, the MIFA aims to professionalize the agricultural sector by structuring value chains, increasing the volume of financing allocated by financial institutions to the sector and developing innovative insurance and technological products. The MIFA is supposed to facilitate sustainable access to suitable financial services for smallholders and micro, small and medium-sized agricultural enterprises, so that they can develop their activities and access markets.
Togo has a new government
The new government team of the Prime Minister, Head of Government Victoire Tomégah-Dogbé is known. The list was made public this Thursday, October 1, 2020 through a decree of the President of the Republic Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé. The new government of the Togolese Republic has thirty-three members. Fourteen (14) new ministers are joining the Government, which thus has eleven (11) women including one woman in the Ministry of the Armed Forces. Three (3) ministers change positions, and three (3) ministries are attached to the Presidency of the Republic. The average age of the new government is around 40 years old. Here is the new Togolese executive Minister of Social Action, Promotion of Women and Literacy: Ms. Adjovi Lonlongno Apedo, wife Anakoma Minister of Territorial Administration, Decentralization and Territorial Development: Mr. Payadowa Boukpessi, Minister of State Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and Togolese Abroad: Prof. Robert Dussey Minister of Agriculture, Livestock and Rural Development: Mr.Antoine Lekpa Gbegbeni Minister of the Armed Forces: Ms. Essozimna Marguerite Gnakadè Minister of Trade, Industry and Local Consumption: Mr. Kodjo Adédzé Minister of Communication, Media, Government Spokesman: Prof. Akodah Ayéwouadan Minister of Culture and Tourism: Mr. Kossi Lamadokou Minister of Accessibility and Rural Roads: Mr. Bouraïma Kanfitine Tchédé-Issa Minister of Grassroots Development, Youth and Youth Employment: Ms. Myriam de Souza-D’Almeida Minister of Human Rights, Citizenship Training, Relations with Institutions of the Republic, Government Spokesman: Mr. Christian Trimua Minister of water and village hydraulics: Mr. Bolidja Tiem Minister of Economy and Finance: Mr. Sani Yaya Minister of Maritime Economy, Fisheries and Coastal Protection: Mr. Edem Kokou Tengué Minister of Digital Economy and Digital Transformation: Ms.Cina Lawson Minister of Primary, Secondary, Technical and Craft Education: Prof. Komla Dodzi Kokoroko Minister of Higher Education and Research: Prof. Majesté Ihou-Watéba Minister of Environment and Forest Resources: Mr. Katari Foli-Bazi Minister of Public Service, Labor and Social Dialogue: Mr. Gilbert Bawara Keeper of the Seals, Minister of Justice and Legislation: Mr. Pius Agbétomey Minister of Health, Public Hygiene and Universal Access to Health Care: Prof. Moustafa Mijiyawa Minister of Security and Civil Protection: General Damehame Yark Minister of Sports and Recreation: Doctor-Commander Kama Lidi Kedjaka Bessi Minister of Road, Rail and Air Transport: Mr. Affoh Atcha-Dédji Minister of Public Works: Ms. Zouréhatou Tcha-Kondo, spse. Kassah-Traoré Minister of Town Planning, Housing and Land Reform: Mr. Koffi Tsolenyanou Minister Delegate to the Minister of Territorial Administration, Decentralization and Territorial Development, in charge of territorial development: Mr. Essomanam Edjéba Minister Delegate to the Minister of Primary, Secondary, Technical and Crafts Education, in charge of Technical and Crafts Education: Mr. Eke Odin Minister Delegate to the Minister of Health, Public Hygiene and Universal Access to Care, responsible for universal access to care: Ms. Mamessilé Akla Agba Assih Minister Secretary General of the Government: Mr. Kanka-Malik Natchaba Under the Presidency of the Republic Minister, Secretary General of the Presidency: Ms. Sandra Ablamba Johnson Minister responsible for financial inclusion and the organization of the informal sector: Ms. Mazamesso Assih Minister Delegate to the President of the Republic in charge of Energy and Mines: Ms. Mawougno Aziablé The Ministry of Planning and Cooperation is attached to the Presidency of the Republic
A woman as prime minister
The President of the Republic, H.E. Mr. FAURE ESSOZIMNA GNASSINGBE appointed, by decree on September 28, 2020, Mrs. Victoire Tomégah-Dogbé, as Prime Minister. Thus, Togo has, for the first time in its history, a woman at the head of the Prime Minister. Previously Chief of Staff to the President of the Republic, Minister responsible for grassroots development, crafts and youth, and former UNDP senior official, the new Head of Government thus succeeds Mr. Komi Selom Klassou.
Togo is not going to do things by halves
Côte d’Ivoire has decided to reopen from July 1 international flights suspended for almost four months to curb the spread of covid-19. All passengers arriving on international flights will be subject to health checks and systematic follow-up during their stay in Côte d’Ivoire. Togo should soon open its air borders. The arrival will however be under very strict health conditions. No details have filtered for the moment concerning the device. Authorities could ask passengers on intercontinental flights to do 72- or 96-hour PCR tests before flying. Upon arrival, they will first pass through a laboratory located in the old terminal. Temperature measurement, information on the place of residence, telephone numbers to ensure traceability and random checks. Nor is it impossible that visitors are required to perform a second PCR test a few days after their arrival. All this sanitary mechanics will be clarified in the coming days. To revive the economy and allow free movement, Togo, like its neighbors, has the obligation to reopen airports. With maximum caution.