Over the past two decades, Togo, a small least developed country in West Africa, has made progress towards development and demonstrated resilience. Sustained economic growth has helped to reduce poverty and improve the response to basic needs, despite the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic.
While the economy remains anchored in agriculture, new industrial and service activities are emerging. Strategic investment in the country's port infrastructure has strengthened its position as West Africa's trade corridor: Togo is home to Africa's fourth-largest container port. However, challenges persist that hamper further progress, including limited diversification of production and trade, and low levels of productivity. They are exacerbated by the risks of regional insecurity and climate change, which cast uncertainty over Togo's future economic trajectory.
This report proposes a number of strategic actions to meet these challenges. It focuses on investment promotion, innovation and integration through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). It calls for greater support from international partners and for the private sector to take responsibility for accelerating Togo's ambitious development programme. By leveraging its comparative advantages, fostering a business-friendly environment and with effective support from the international community, Togo can accelerate its industrialisation programme and promote inclusive growth.
This policy review on economic transformation is the result of long-standing cooperation between the OECD Development Centre, the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), the International Trade Centre (ITC) and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO).
