Lomé to Host Over 600 Leaders for UK-Francophone Africa Investment Forum
Togo’s capital city of Lomé is preparing to welcome more than 600 business leaders, investors, and government officials for a landmark investment forum bridging the United Kingdom and Francophone Africa. The high-profile gathering comes as Togo continues to demonstrate significant improvements in its business climate across multiple sectors.
Building on Reform Momentum
The forum’s timing aligns with Togo’s ongoing economic transformation, particularly notable in business startup procedures. According to the 2020 Doing Business report, Togo ranked fifteenth globally and first in Africa for starting a business—a remarkable achievement that reflects the country’s commitment to economic reform.
Comprehensive Business Environment Improvements
Contract Enforcement and Commercial Justice
Togo has made substantial progress in contract enforcement, moving from historically low rankings to implementing concrete reforms. The establishment of specialized commercial courts in Lomé and Kara, along with commercial chambers at the Court of Appeal, has streamlined dispute resolution. The introduction of the FORSETI COMMERCIAL platform for legal professionals and a mandated 100-day maximum for resolving commercial disputes demonstrates Togo’s serious approach to commercial justice.
Cross-Border Trade Enhancement
International trade procedures have seen significant modernization through digitization and reduced processing times. These improvements position Togo as an increasingly attractive hub for cross-border commerce within West Africa and beyond.
Infrastructure and Utilities Access
Businesses operating in Togo have benefited from reforms in construction permits, electricity, and water access. Steady improvements in these essential services have created a more predictable environment for investment and operations.
Property Registration and Tax Reforms
Perhaps the most dramatic transformation has occurred in property registration, where Togo has climbed from near the bottom of rankings to challenging regional leaders like Rwanda. The country has simultaneously worked to create a more attractive tax framework through strategic exemptions and digitization of payment systems.
Strategic Positioning for Investment
The upcoming forum represents a strategic opportunity for Togo to showcase these reforms to international investors. With public procurement systems undergoing continuous modernization and the private sector positioned as central to the National Development Plan, the stage is set for meaningful investment discussions.
As Lomé prepares to host this significant gathering, the city embodies Togo’s broader economic ambitions—transforming from a regional player into a competitive destination for international investment through consistent, comprehensive reforms across the business landscape.
Source: TogoFirst