Enhancing Bilateral Collaboration Between Germany and Togo

From January 27 to 30, 2024, significant discussions were held in Lomé, Togo, with participation from Germany and Togo. These talks offered an essential opportunity to evaluate current development projects, review the outcomes of the Reform Partnership (2021–2024), and establish priorities for future collaboration. The event was co-chaired by Mr. PANETO, the Secretary General of the Togolese Ministry of Development Planning and Cooperation, and Dr. FISCHBACH, the German Ambassador to Togo, and included key stakeholders such as:

• Dr. Bärbel Kofler, Parliamentary State Secretary at the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ)

• Anne Rehner, the BMZ's representative for cooperation with Togo

• Magdalena Pruna, Head of Cooperation at the EU Delegation in Togo

The conversations emphasized the strong and enduring partnership between the two nations, which actively promotes sustainable development in Togo.

Key Achievements of the Reform Partnership (2021–2024)

The Reform Partnership is a cornerstone of cooperation between Germany and Togo, and it has achieved significant outcomes in the past three years. Notable achievements consist of:

1. Financial Mobilization:

 €293.8 million was secured to support development initiatives in Togo.

These funds were strategically allocated to encourage reforms and investments in essential sectors.

1. Priority Areas of Focus:

The partnership focused on three key areas:

Business Climate & Vocational Training: Initiatives aimed at enhancing the business environment, encouraging entrepreneurship, and improving vocational training programs to provide Togolese youth with essential job market skills.

Agro-Industrial Transformation: Programs were implemented to modernize agriculture, advance agro-industrial value chains, and boost food security.

Good Governance & Decentralization: Assistance was given to reinforce public institutions, encourage transparency, and empower local governments via decentralization efforts.

Review of Ongoing Projects

The consultations also offered a chance to assess the status of ongoing projects supported by German development cooperation. These projects cover various sectors, including:

• Private Sector Development: Initiatives aimed at enhancing small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and generating employment.

• Agriculture: Programs focused on boosting agricultural productivity, sustainability, and farmers' market access.

• Decentralization: Efforts to empower local governments and enhance service delivery within communities.

• Health: Projects designed to strengthen healthcare systems and increase access to quality health services.

• Vocational Training: Programs intended to align skills training with the needs of the labor market, especially for youth.

Future Priorities for Cooperation

In the future, discussions highlighted essential areas for ongoing collaboration, such as:

• Deepening governance and decentralization reforms.

• Boosting agro-industrial transformation support to spur economic growth.

• Strengthening vocational training initiatives to tackle youth unemployment.

• Advancing private sector development to encourage innovation and entrepreneurship.

• Maintaining efforts to enhance healthcare infrastructure and services.

Next Steps: Bilateral Negotiations in Berlin (2025)

The conversations in Lomé set the stage for future cooperation. Bilateral discussions are scheduled for Berlin, Germany, at the end of 2025. These meetings will focus on formalizing commitments, distributing resources, and outlining specific objectives for the next development cooperation period.

A Shared Vision for the Future

The collaboration between Germany and Togo exemplifies the effectiveness of international cooperation in tackling global issues. Together, these countries are advancing Togo’s development goals while fostering a more sustainable and inclusive future for everyone. Let’s keep this momentum going and enhance our mutual commitment to progress and prosperity!