In Lomé, Togo is placing renewed emphasis on its national archives, even as government agencies accelerate their digital transformation. Experts and state officials convened in the capital for International Archives Day, engaging in crucial discussions on the pivotal role archives play in safeguarding fundamental rights, preserving collective historical memory, and enhancing public sector governance.
Far beyond mere historical artifacts, archives serve as powerful instruments for promoting transparency, upholding justice, and fostering administrative efficiency. These critical themes formed the core of a dedicated day of reflection held on Thursday, July 2, 2026, at the Directorate of the National Library and Archives (DBAN). The event was aptly themed: « Archives for justice: rights, memory and futures ».
This significant gathering, organized in collaboration with the Togolese Association of Librarians, Archivists, and Documentalists (ATBAD), marked a key part of the International Archives Day celebrations. Its primary objective was to underscore the invaluable contribution of archive services to the preservation of national heritage, the protection of citizens’ entitlements, and the strengthening of accountability across public administration.
Archives: a cornerstone of modern governance in Togo
Professor Gado Tchangbedji, the Minister Delegate responsible for Higher Education and Scientific Research, formally inaugurated the proceedings. In his address, he highlighted that robust national archives are an indispensable component of state modernization efforts and crucial for elevating the standard of public services offered to the populace.
According to the Minister, effective management of documentary records not only ensures the safekeeping of Togo’s administrative and historical legacy but also streamlines access to vital information, thereby deepening trust between governmental institutions and their citizens.
Minister Tchangbedji commended the initiatives undertaken by President Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé. These efforts, focused on the digital transformation of the administration, particularly through the advancement of e-governance, were presented as essential tools for bridging the gap between state services and the public.
Anticipated recommendations to bolster Togo’s archive services
Beyond the official addresses, the event featured a series of thematic presentations, followed by engaging debates. These discussions brought together a diverse group of archive professionals, librarians, documentalists, and representatives from various public administrations across Togo.
The extensive exchanges delved into key challenges related to document preservation, the ongoing process of digitization, ensuring accessibility to records, and the broader function of archives in upholding rights and facilitating the fair administration of justice.
Concluding the proceedings, participants collectively reaffirmed the strategic importance of archives in constructing and maintaining the nation’s memory. They expressed a strong desire for the recommendations generated during the event to lead to a sustained enhancement of Togo’s archival capabilities, especially in light of the accelerated digital transition within the public sector.
