COMPREHENSIVE BUSINESS REFORM ANALYSIS
Togo has emerged as one of Africa’s most dynamic reform-minded economies, implementing systematic improvements across multiple business sectors. This comprehensive analysis examines the key reforms transforming Togo’s investment landscape and what they mean for international investors and local entrepreneurs.
STARTING A BUSINESS (more info)
Togo’s remarkable 15th global position and top African ranking in the 2020 Doing Business “Starting a Business” index reflects a systematic approach to entrepreneurial facilitation. The country has streamlined business registration through digital platforms like the Togo Business Center, reducing processing times from weeks to days. Practical examples include the implementation of a single-window system that consolidates registration, tax identification, and social security enrollment into one seamless process. This reform momentum continues with recent initiatives targeting specific sectors including technology startups and agricultural enterprises through specialized fast-track procedures.
ENFORCING CONTRACTS (more info)
Togo’s transformation in contract enforcement represents one of its most significant judicial reforms. From previously ranking among the lowest performers, the country has implemented a multi-pronged approach including specialized commercial courts, digital case management systems, and standardized procedures. The establishment of time-bound dispute resolution mechanisms has particularly benefited small and medium enterprises that previously faced prohibitive delays in commercial litigation.
CONTRACT EXECUTION (more info)
The creation of specialized commercial chambers represents a strategic approach to dispute resolution. Small debt chambers handle claims under 10 million CFA francs, while commercial courts in Lomé and Kara provide regional accessibility. The FORSETI COMMERCIAL digital platform has revolutionized legal proceedings by enabling electronic filing, real-time case tracking, and automated notifications. The mandatory 100-day maximum for commercial dispute resolution represents a bold commitment to judicial efficiency that directly addresses investor concerns about legal delays in West Africa.
TRADING ACROSS BORDERS (more info)
Togo’s strategic position as a regional trade hub has been enhanced through comprehensive border modernization. The implementation of the SYDAMIA World customs management system has reduced clearance times by over 60% for compliant traders. Practical benefits include pre-arrival processing, risk-based inspections, and electronic payment of duties and taxes. The Port of Lomé, already West Africa’s deepest container port, has integrated these digital systems to become one of the region’s most efficient logistics hubs, with documented reductions in both import and export processing times exceeding regional averages.
CONSTRUCTION PERMIT (more info)
Togo’s improvement in construction permitting reflects a broader urban development strategy. The digitization of land registry information and building permit applications has created transparency in a previously opaque process. Recent reforms include standardized technical requirements, pre-approved building designs for common project types, and integrated environmental impact assessments. These changes have particularly benefited the real estate development and industrial park construction sectors, with documented time savings of approximately 40% for standard commercial projects.
GETTING ELECTRICITY (more info)
Energy access reforms have focused on both connectivity reliability and administrative efficiency. The CEET (Togo Electricity Company) has implemented online application systems, standardized connection costs, and reduced processing times for commercial connections. These improvements complement national infrastructure investments including the CIZO solar electrification program and grid expansion projects. For industrial users, dedicated priority processing and customized technical solutions have addressed previous bottlenecks in power access for manufacturing and processing facilities.
REGISTERING A PROPERTY (more info)
Property registration represents Togo’s most dramatic reform success story. From historically challenging property transfer processes, the country has implemented comprehensive digitization of land records, standardized valuation methods, and transparent fee structures. The creation of a centralized land database has reduced title search times from months to days, while anti-corruption measures in the registration process have increased investor confidence. Togo’s ambitious target to surpass Rwanda as Africa’s top performer in this category reflects the strategic importance placed on secure property rights as a foundation for economic development.
PUBLIC PROCUREMENT (more info)
Togo’s public procurement modernization aligns with the country’s National Development Plan (2018-2022) objectives of private sector-led growth. The implementation of the Togo E-Procurement System (T-EPS) has created unprecedented transparency in government contracting. Practical benefits include automated bid submission, electronic evaluation processes, and real-time contract award notifications. These reforms have particularly benefited small and medium enterprises through simplified bidding procedures for contracts under specified thresholds and capacity building programs for local contractors.
PAYING TAXES AND DUTIES (more info)
Togo’s tax reform strategy balances revenue generation with investment attraction. The implementation of the ORBUS digital tax platform has streamlined compliance through electronic filing, payment, and documentation. Strategic reforms include the replacement of multiple nuisance taxes with simplified levies, targeted exemptions for priority sectors, and predictable tax holiday programs for qualifying investments. The establishment of advance ruling mechanisms for large investments provides certainty in tax treatment, while small business presumptive tax regimes reduce compliance burdens for micro-enterprises.
Strategic Implications: Togo’s comprehensive reform program represents a strategic positioning for regional economic leadership. The synchronization of reforms across multiple business environment dimensions creates synergistic benefits for investors, while the focus on digital infrastructure ensures sustainable improvements. As Togo continues its reform journey, the country offers valuable lessons in systematic business environment transformation for the wider West African region.