Togo is divided into 5 regions and has a surface area one tenth that of France. It borders Burkina Faso in the north, Benin in the east and Ghana in the west. Faure Gnassingbé was elected president in 2005 (and re-elected in 2010 and 2015), following his father, General Gnassingbé, who had been in power for 38 years.

Togo depends predominantly on its agricultural industry. Nevertheless, it is the fifth largest producer of phosphates in the world, and has become established as an important hub port since two political crises in the Ivory Coast slowed activity at the port of Abidjan. Various firms have set up in the free trade zone, including pharmaceutical companies, vegetable oil manufacturers, computer assemblers, cosmetics distributors, dental technicians and road haulage firms.

These strengths have enabled Togo to achieve economic growth of 3.9% per year, although 62% of the population still live below the poverty line.

Entrepreneurs du Monde’s programs in Togo

Entrepreneurs du Monde’s initial studies and diagnostics in Togo were undertaken in 2009 and 2011.

In 2012, Entrepreneurs du Monde set up Assilassimé, a social microfinance organisation specifically for those most deprived; in particular, the disabled and those living with HIV. Microfinance certification was obtained in 2015.

In 2013, Entrepreneurs du Monde also set up an Access to Energy programme, MIVO Energie, which provides access for all, especially the most deprived, to modern cooking and lighting technology: solar lamps, more efficient stoves, and gas stoves. Distribution began in September 2014, and it became registered as an association in January 2017.

Initial assessments are already underway for the implementation of a support programme for small businesses.
