Togo’s 2040 vision: private sector to spearhead economic transformation

LOMÉ, July 31, 2026 — Togo is strategically repositioning its economic trajectory, placing investors and private enterprises at the core of its long-term national aspirations. In a pivotal gathering held in Lomé on Thursday, July 30, public authorities convened the nation’s leading economic stakeholders to address a critical question: how can the private sector become an indispensable pillar for the profound economic transformation anticipated in the coming years?

This crucial workshop, dedicated to the ambitious Vision Togo 2040 and the Government’s 2026-2031 Roadmap, saw the participation of representatives from the World Bank Group, prominent employers’ associations, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, major Togolese corporations, and international experts. The proceedings were officially inaugurated by Sandra Ablamba Johnson, Minister and Secretary General of the Presidency of the Council, acting on behalf of President Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé.

A transformative objective for Togo

Beyond the technical discussions lies a far-reaching ambition. Togolese authorities aim, by 2040, to significantly elevate the average living standard for its citizens, striving to double it, and to reduce the national poverty rate to below 15%. To realize these ambitious goals, the government intends to increasingly leverage the private sector’s formidable capacity for investment and job creation.

The assessment is clear: the State, acting alone, cannot shoulder the entire responsibility of an economic transformation of this magnitude. Therefore, it is imperative to attract greater capital inflows, foster the growth of domestic businesses, and cultivate an environment highly conducive to private investment.

From diagnosis to actionable strategies

It was precisely in this context that the workshop aimed to provide concrete answers. Participants were tasked with scrutinizing the necessary conditions to elevate the private sector from merely an economic player to a full-fledged partner in public policy and action. This critical reflection directly addresses crucial areas such as investment conditions, enterprise development, capital mobilization, and the initiation of new productive activities.

However, the ambition extends beyond merely articulating objectives. Authorities now seek to establish an operational action framework capable of translating the strategic directions of Vision Togo 2040 into tangible initiatives. The presence of the World Bank and international experts lends a unique dimension to these deliberations, enabling the comparison of national strategies with best practices and experiences observed in other global economies.

Private sector urged to embrace its role

The unequivocal message conveyed during this significant meeting is that the forthcoming phase of Togolese development will increasingly depend on private enterprise and investment. Ultimately, the Lomé gathering marks a pivotal moment in the pursuit of a new growth model, one that envisions an economy by 2040 capable of substantially enhancing the living conditions of its populace.

For the Togolese authorities, the immediate challenge lies in transforming this grand ambition into decisive actions, and subsequently, these actions into measurable results. Only under these conditions can the objectives set for the coming years transcend mere projections and materialize into a tangible economic and social reality.