Togo, officially the Togolese Republic, is a country in West Africa. Its capital is Lomé. The name Togo is translated from the Ewe language as “behind the river.” It is bordered by Ghana to the west, Benin to the east and Burkina Faso to the north. It extends south to the Gulf of Guinea. It is a small, tropical country, which covers 57,000 square kilometers (22,000 square miles) and has a population of approximately 8.4 million. 47.8% of the population adhere to Christianity, making it the largest religion in the country. The sole official language is French.
The coast of Togo in the Gulf of Guinea is 56 km (35 miles) long and consists of lagoons with sandy beaches. In the north, the land is characterized by a rolling savanna in contrast to the centre of the country, which is characterized by hills. The South of Togo is characterized by a savanna and woodland plateau which reaches a coastal plain with lagoons and marshes. The highest mountain of the country is the Mont Agou at 986 metres (3235′) above sea level. The longest river is the Mono River with a length of 400 km (250 miles).
The climate is generally tropical with average temperatures ranging from 23 °C (73 °F) on the coast to about 30 °C (86 °F) in the northernmost regions, with a drier climate and characteristics of a tropical savanna.
Togo contains three terrestrial Eco regions: Eastern Guinean forests, Guinean forest-savanna mosaic, and West Sudanian savanna. The coast of Togo is characterized by marshes and mangroves.
Various people groups settled in the boundaries of present day Togo between the 11th and 16th centuries. Between the 16th and 18th centuries, the coastal region served primarily as a European slave trading outpost, earning Togo and the surrounding region the name “The Slave Coast”. In 1884, Germany declared the region including a protectorate called Togoland. After World War I, rule over Togo was transferred to France. Togo became independent on April 27, 1960.
Togo is a member of the United Nations, African Union, Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, South Atlantic Peace and Cooperation Zone, Francophonie, Commonwealth, and Economic Community of West African States.
GOVERNANCE
Until recently, politics of Togo took place in a framework of a presidential republic, whereby the President of Togo was both head of state and head of government. After independence, the party system was dominated first by the authoritarian Rally for the Togolese People, and later by its successor party, Union for the Republic.
The country has a multi-party system, but political power has been largely dominated by the Union for the Republic (UNIR) party. Opposition parties are allowed, but are widely considered to have no real chance of gaining power. The political landscape in Togo has been marked by periods of unrest and calls for democratic reforms, with opposition parties advocating for greater political freedoms and transparency.
In 2024, Togo’s parliament gave final approval to a new constitution extending the president’s term. The country has moved from a presidential to a parliamentary system. However, President Gnassingbé’s supporters argue the changes reduce his powers by transforming the presidency into a ceremonial role. Critics have also denounced the move as a coup, arguing that the reforms remove limits on his stay in office and their removal enables him to remain president until 2031, after which he could be appointed to the new position of “president of the council of ministers”, in effect prime minister.
Executive branch
The President is the Commander of the armed forces and has the right to initiate legislation and dissolve parliament. Executive power is exercised by the President and the government. The head of government is the Prime Minister who is appointed by the President.
The Council of Ministers is appointed by the President on the advice of the Prime Minister.
The country’s Prime Minister is Victoire Tomegah Dogbé.
In February 2020, Faure Gnassingbé was re-elected to a fourth presidential term. Faure Gnassingbé, has been in power since 2005, following the death of his father, Gnassingbé Eyadéma, who ruled for 38 years. The Gnassingbé family has ruled Togo since 1967, making it Africa’s longest lasting dynasty.
Legislative branch
The National Assembly is the unicameral legislature of Togo. It has a total of 113 members who are elected in a party list proportional representation system. Members serve six-year terms.
The current Speaker of the National Assembly of Togo is Kodjo Adedze. He has been serving in this role since June 14, 2024.
Judicial branch
The Togolese judiciary is modeled on the French system. There is a Supreme Court (French: Cour Suprême). The Constitutional Court is the highest court of jurisdiction in constitutional matters. The Supreme Court sits in Lomé; there is also a sessions court (Court of Assizes), and Appeals Courts. Tribunals of first instance are divided into civil, commercial, and correctional chambers; labor and children’s tribunals; and the Court of State Security, set up in September 1970 to judge crimes involving foreign or domestic subversion. A Tribunal for Recovery of Public Funds handles cases involving misuse of public funds.
The judicial system blends African traditional law and the Napoleonic Code in trying civil and criminal cases. In practice, the judiciary is subject to the influence and control of the executive branch.
Administrative divisions
Togo is divided in five regions: Kara, Plateaux, Savanes, Centrale, and Maritime. For administrative purposes, the regions are subdivided into prefectures, each having an appointed prefect.
ECONOMY
Togo is one of the least developed countries and its economy has struggled greatly, with development undercut by political instability, lowered commodity prices and external debts.
Its economy is classified as a lower-middle-income economy, heavily reliant on agriculture, trade, and services. The country has made strides in economic reforms aimed at improving the business environment and attracting foreign investment. The economy is characterized by a dual structure, with a modern sector that includes telecommunications and banking, and a traditional sector dominated by subsistence farming.
In recent years, Togo has focused on diversifying its economy, reducing dependence on cotton and phosphates, which are the main exports. The government has implemented policies to promote sectors such as tourism, logistics, and manufacturing. The Port of Lomé is a significant asset for the economy, serving as a major trade hub for landlocked countries in the region.
While industry and services play a role, the economy is dependent on subsistence agriculture. Trade is extremely important to Togo’s economy. The country imports machinery, equipment, petroleum products, and food. Its main import partners are France, the Netherlands, Côte d’Ivoire, Germany, Italy, South Africa and China. The main exports are cocoa, coffee, re-export of goods, phosphates and cotton.
The country has an export sector based on agricultural products such as coffee, cocoa bean, and peanuts (groundnuts), which together generate roughly 30% of export earnings. Major export partners are Burkina Faso, China, the Netherlands, Benin and Mali.
Growth remained robust in 2023, at an estimated 5.4%, and is expected to slow slightly in 2024 to 5.1% under the impact of fiscal consolidation efforts, weak external demand and regional uncertainty.
AGRICULTURE
Agriculture is a cornerstone of Togo’s economy, employing a significant portion of the population. The sector is primarily subsistence-based, with farmers growing crops such as maize, cassava, yams, and millet. Cash crops like cotton and cocoa are also important for export revenues. The government has initiated programs to improve agricultural productivity through better access to credit, training, and technology.
The majority of the Togolese population depends on unmechanized agriculture. Its agricultural products includes coffee, cocoa, cotton, yams, cassava, corn, beans, rice, pearl millet, sorghum and livestock such as fish. Food and cash crop production employs the majority of the labor force and contributes about 42% to the gross domestic product (GDP).
Despite its importance, the agricultural sector faces challenges, including climate change, land degradation, and limited access to markets. Efforts are being made to promote sustainable agricultural practices and improve food security.
INDUSTRY
Togo’s industrial sector is relatively small but has potential for growth. The government is working to promote industrialization through policies that encourage investment in manufacturing and processing industries. Key industries include food processing, textiles, and cement production.
Industrial activity showed signs of recovery in 2023 after a weak start to the year, with positive contributions from the mining, electricity and manufacturing sectors. Most industries in Togo were owned by the government until the mid-1980s when liberalization of the economy was undertaken and by 1990 almost half of the parastatals in the country had been sold or leased. By 2002, most privatization in the country had stopped.
The establishment of industrial zones and incentives for foreign investors are part of the strategy to boost the sector. However, the industry faces challenges such as inadequate infrastructure, energy supply issues, and competition from imported goods. The government is working to address these challenges by investing in energy generation and improving transportation networks.
Efforts are also being made to enhance the skills of the workforce through vocational training programs and partnerships with educational institutions. By fostering a conducive environment for industrial growth, Togo aims to create jobs and reduce reliance on imports.
Manufacturing
Manufacturing represents a small part of the economy (6–8%), with textiles and the processing of agricultural products— palm oil extraction, coffee roasting, and cotton ginning and weaving—being the most important sectors. Other industries were developed to provide consumer goods—footwear, beverages, confectionery, salt, and tires.
Extractives
The mining industry of Togo is centred mainly on the extraction of phosphate, ranking it 19th in world production. Phosphates is Togo’s most important commodity. Togo has the world’s fourth-largest phosphate deposits estimated at more than 60 million metric tons. Other minerals extracted are diamond, gold, and limestone. More minerals identified but yet to be brought into production mode are manganese, bauxite, gypsum, iron ore, marble, rutile, and zinc. The mineral sector contributes 2.8% to the country’s gross domestic product (GDP).
Mining phosphate has been facing numerous challenges as a result of the falling prices of the commodity in the world market as well as stiff competition from foreign countries. Clinker, limestone, and hydraulic cement have marked increased production in recent years.
Construction
The construction sector in Togo has seen growth in recent years, driven by infrastructure development projects aimed at improving transportation, housing, and public facilities. The government has prioritized investments in roads, bridges, and urban development to support economic growth and enhance living standards. Major projects include the construction of new highways, urban housing developments, and public buildings.
Public-private partnerships have been encouraged to attract investment in the construction sector. However, challenges such as bureaucratic hurdles, limited access to financing, and regulatory issues remain. The construction of the new international airport in Lomé and various housing projects are examples of ongoing initiatives in this sector.
The government has also focused on improving the regulatory framework for construction, aiming to streamline processes and enhance transparency. Despite these efforts, the sector still faces challenges related to quality control, skilled labor shortages, and the need for sustainable building practices.
SERVICES
The services sector accounts for more than two-fifths of the gross domestic product. Conflict in the 1990s and early 2000s disrupted the service industry, including tourism, which was a significant source of foreign revenue before that time.
The telecommunications sector has seen rapid growth in recent years, with increasing mobile phone penetration and internet access. The growth of mobile money services, in particular, has revolutionized financial transactions for many citizens, promoting financial inclusion and facilitating commerce in a largely cash-based economy.
Banking
The Central Bank of West African States (French: Banque Centrale des États de l’Afrique de l’Ouest, BCEAO) is a central bank serving the eight west African countries which share the common West African CFA franc currency and comprise the West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAMU) of which Togo is part.
In addition to centralizing the cash reserves of the Union, the main mandates of the Central Bank are: to issue currency, to manage monetary policy, to organize and monitor banking activities and to provide assistance for the WAMU member States. The Central Bank of West African States (BCEAO) is headquartered in Dakar, Senegal. Its branch in Togo is at Kara.
There are a number of commercial banks in Togo. Microfinance institutions also cater to various customer needs.
The banking sector in Togo is experiencing a surge in digital banking services, with a growing number of consumers adopting mobile banking and online payment platforms. In Togo, the Banking market is expected to witness a significant increase in Net Interest Income, with projections indicating a rise to US$672.90m in 2024. It is worth noting that Traditional Banks hold a dominant position in this market segment, with a projected market volume of US$669.80m in the same year.
Tourism
Tourism in Togo is an emerging sector with significant potential. The country boasts of diverse landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and historical sites. Popular tourist attractions include the beaches of Lomé, the Koutammakou UNESCO World Heritage site, and the Togoville region, known for its traditional voodoo culture.
The country also boasts of tourist sites such as Fosse aux Lions National Park, Kéran National Park, the cave paintings of Namoudjoga, the Mandouri game reserve, Château Viale, the Agou peak, the waterfalls of Kpimé and Akrowa, and the Djogbégan monastery.
The government recognizes tourism as a vital component of economic diversification and is working to improve infrastructure, promote cultural events, and enhance the overall tourist experience. Efforts are being made to market Togo as a unique destination in West Africa.
Togo’s tourism strategy focuses on promoting eco-tourism, cultural tourism, and adventure tourism. The government is investing in marketing campaigns to raise awareness of Togo as a unique destination in West Africa. Efforts are being made to improve hospitality services, including hotels and restaurants, to cater to the growing number of tourists.
Despite its potential, the tourism sector faces challenges, including limited infrastructure, security concerns, and the need for better marketing. According to Statista, Togo’s Travel and Tourism market is projected to witness significant growth in the coming years. In 2024, the market’s revenue is expected to reach US$32.72m, and it is projected to grow at an annual growth rate of 3.96%, resulting in a market volume of US$39.73m by 2029.
CULTURE
Togo is home to a rich tapestry of cultures and ethnic groups. There are about 40 different ethnic groups, the most numerous of which are the Ewes in the South who make up 32% of the population. Along the Southern coastline, they account for 21% of the population. Also found are Kotokoli or Tem and Tchamba in the centre and the Kabye people in the north (22%). The Ouatchis are 14% of the population. Sometimes the Ewes and Ouatchis are considered the same, while the French who studied both groups considered them different people. Other ethnic groups include the Mina, Mossi, the Moba and Bassar, the Tchokossi of Mango (about 8%).
According to Ethnologue, 39 distinct languages are spoken in the country, some of them by communities that number fewer than 100,000 members. Two spoken indigenous languages were designated politically as national languages in 1975: Ewé and Kabiyé.
The dyed fabric batiks of the artisanal centre of Kloto represent stylized and coloured scenes of ancient everyday life. There are loincloths used in the ceremonies of the weavers of Assahoun.
Traditional music, dance, and art play a significant role in Togolese culture, with festivals celebrating various aspects of life. The country is known for its vibrant arts scene, including traditional crafts, textiles, and pottery.
Togolese dances include kamou, soo, tchimou, the southern royal djokoto, the war dances kpehouhuon and atsina, the hunters’ dance adewu, the stilt dance tchebe, the miming masseh, as well as regional dances like the coastal sakpate and the kaka.
Voodoo is an integral part of the cultural identity in Togo, with many people practicing traditional beliefs alongside Christianity and Islam. The country celebrates various cultural festivals, showcasing its heritage and fostering national unity.
The country’s cuisine is characterized by its use of fresh produce, hearty staples, and a variety of spices and seasonings. Staple foods in Togolese cuisine include maize, millet, cassava, yam, plantain and beans.
The foundation of Togolese meals often includes starchy staples such as fufu (a dough-like dish made from boiled and pounded cassava or yams), akassa (fermented maize dough) and pounded yam. These staples are typically served with rich sauces and stews.
Rice is also a staple, commonly served with a variety of accompaniments. It can be found in dishes like jollof rice, which is popular across West Africa.
The sauces in Togolese cuisine often feature ingredients like groundnuts (peanuts), tomatoes, and local vegetables. A common dish is sauce d’arachide, a peanut-based sauce that can be paired with meat, fish or vegetables.
Another popular stew is sauce gombo, made with okra and typically served over rice or fufu. Other sauces are Gboma Dessi and Palm fruit soup, also known in the Togo Ewe language as Deku Dessi.
One beloved snack is akpan, a fermented corn dish that is often served with spicy pepper sauce. Another popular street food is kpalikpa, a fried snack made from corn flour, which has a crispy exterior and a soft, savory interior.
While Togolese cuisine is primarily savory, there are delightful sweets to be found. Koklo is a popular dessert made from corn and sugar, often enjoyed during festive occasions. Fresh tropical fruits, such as mangoes, bananas, and pineapples, are also widely consumed, either fresh or in fruit salads.
When it comes to beverages, palm wine is a traditional drink made from the sap of palm trees. Additionally, Bissap, a refreshing hibiscus tea, is widely enjoyed, often served cold and sweetened with sugar.
SPORTS
Football (soccer) is the most popular sport in Togo, and the country has enjoyed international success. Togolese also enjoy boxing. The country competes internationally in tennis and in African Traditional Wrestling as well.
Basketball is Togo’s second most practiced sport. Togo featured a national team in beach volleyball that competed at the 2018–2020 CAVB Beach Volleyball Continental Cup in the men’s section.
The country made its Olympic debut at the 1972 Munich Games. The country claimed its first Olympic medal at the 2008 Beijing Games when Benjamin Boukpeti placed third in the men’s kayak event.
Togo is a country with a unique blend of challenges and opportunities. Its governance, economy, and cultural richness present a complex but promising landscape for development and growth. As Togo continues to navigate its path towards progress, the resilience and creativity of its people will play a crucial role in shaping the nation’s future.