Togo’s 2040 vision: private sector drives economic transformation

LOMÉ, July 31, 2026 — Togo is firmly positioning private investors and businesses at the heart of its ambitious long-term development goals. In a significant gathering held in Lomé on Thursday, July 30, government officials convened with the nation’s key economic players to address a crucial question: how can the private sector become a fundamental pillar for the profound economic transformation anticipated in the coming years?

The high-level workshop, dedicated to exploring the Vision Togo 2040 and the Government Roadmap 2026-2031, saw the participation of representatives from the World Bank Group, the national employers’ federation, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, prominent Togolese enterprises, and international experts. Sandra Ablamba Johnson, Minister and Secretary General of the Council Presidency, inaugurated the session on behalf of President Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé.

A transformative objective

Beyond the technical discussions lies a far-reaching ambition. By 2040, Togolese authorities aim to double the average living standards for its citizens and reduce the national poverty rate to below 15%. To achieve these ambitious targets, the government intends to increasingly leverage the investment capacity and job creation potential of the private sector.

The reasoning is straightforward: the State alone cannot bear the full responsibility for an economic transformation of this magnitude. It is imperative to attract greater capital, foster the growth of national businesses, and cultivate an environment highly conducive to investment.

From diagnosis to decisive action

This workshop was specifically designed to provide concrete answers in this domain. Participants were tasked with examining the essential conditions required to elevate the private sector from merely an economic actor to a full-fledged partner in public policy and action. This critical reflection directly addresses investment conditions, business expansion, capital mobilization, and the initiation of new productive activities.

However, the ambition extends beyond merely articulating goals. Authorities now seek to establish an operational framework capable of translating the strategic directions of Vision Togo 2040 into tangible initiatives. The active involvement of the World Bank and international experts lends a unique dimension to these proceedings, enabling national orientations to be rigorously compared against experiences and best practices observed in other thriving economies.

Private sector urged to contribute its share

The unequivocal message delivered during this pivotal meeting is that the next phase of Togolese development will increasingly depend on private enterprise and investment. Ultimately, the Lomé gathering signifies a crucial step in the quest for a new growth model, aiming for a 2040 economy capable of substantially enhancing the living conditions of its populace.

For the Togolese authorities, the immediate challenge now lies in translating this overarching ambition into concrete decisions, and subsequently, transforming those decisions into measurable results. Only under these conditions will the objectives set for the coming years transcend mere projections and become a tangible economic and social reality.