Overview of Togo’s Business Reforms

1. Starting a Business

Togo ranks fifteenth globally and first in Africa regarding the “Starting a Business” index in the 2020 Doing Business report. The country continues to enhance its business environment through various reforms aimed at easing the process of establishing new enterprises.

2. Enforcing Contracts

Once ranked low on the “Enforcing Contracts” indicator, Togo has made considerable progress in recent years. This reflects a greater commitment to improving the business climate and adhering to legal frameworks.

3. Contract Execution

Recent reforms have included the establishment of specialized chambers of commerce for small debt cases, distinct clerks for civil and commercial cases, and the creation of commercial courts in key urban areas such as Lomé and Kara. Additionally, lawyers and bailiffs now utilize the FORSETI COMMERCIAL platform, and a maximum timeframe of 100 days has been set for resolving commercial disputes.

4. Trading Across Borders

Togo has improved its ranking under the “Trading Across Borders” index through significant reforms aimed at digitizing and expediting import and export procedures, enhancing overall trade efficiency.

5. Construction Permits

Following an ascent in rank from 133rd to 127th concerning construction permits, Togo aims to continue this upward trajectory by implementing more reforms which make securing construction approvals less cumbersome.

6. Getting Electricity

Togo’s ranking for “Getting Electricity” has markedly improved. This is attributed to a series of reforms designed to simplify access to power and water. The government plans to introduce additional measures to further enhance this area.

7. Registering a Property

Property registration in Togo has seen significant improvements since 2018, with the government seeking to compete with Rwanda for the top ranking in Africa. Ongoing reforms aim to streamline the property registration process further.

8. Public Procurement

Togo is modernizing its public procurement framework through professionalization and digitization efforts. Legislative measures have been enacted to bolster the sector, ultimately benefiting the private sector as outlined in the National Development Plan.

9. Paying Taxes and Duties

To foster an attractive business climate, Togo has enacted significant reforms concerning taxation. These include the replacement and cancellation of certain taxes and duties, complemented by efforts toward digitization, all aimed at creating a compelling tax framework for investors and business operators.