Restrictions on Freedoms under President Gnassingbé
President Faure Essozima Gnassingbé, who begins his fourth term in 2020, has continued to strengthen his political influence . Despite occasional improvements in the area of human rights, the Collectif des associations contre l'impunité au Togo (CACIT) drew up a mixed assessment at the end of 2023: political and civil liberties such as freedom of expression, assembly and the press remain limited. The government justifies this by the tense security situation due to the terrorist threat from the Sahel.
Social programs strengthen people's resilience
When it comes to social development, Togo is a regional pioneer. According to the World Bank, the country ranks first out of 53 African countries in terms of economic integration and social inclusion of women. The ASTRE social program, which was further strengthened in 2023, contributes to this. The program aims to lift over 1.2 million people out of life-threatening poverty by 2029, by strengthening the resilience of vulnerable households.
Health sector reforms and universal health insurance
The year 2023 saw the launch of the "One Health" multi-sector platform, aimed at strengthening the country's resilience to epidemics and health crises. Another key project was the introduction of universal health insurance in 2024. Since 2021, the state has already been covering the costs of essential medical services related to pregnancy and birth. However, respectful childbirth remains an objective: while the Ministry of Health recommends the accompaniment of births by reference persons - a novelty in a country where fathers have traditionally been excluded - a comprehensive recognition of self-determined choice of birthing position and a supportive birthing model remains to be made.
Economic growth and persistent inequality
Togo's economic recovery continued in 2023, with stable growth of around 5%. This was mainly driven by investment in urban infrastructure and reforms to improve the investment climate. However, this progress remains concentrated in the capital, Lomé, while rural areas continue to lag behind. The poverty rate there is twice as high (59%) as in the city (27%).
Climate change is exacerbating problems in rural areas: rising temperatures, droughts and irregular rainfall are threatening agricultural production and thus the livelihoods of a large proportion of the population. The result is food insecurity and falling incomes. Added to this is the sharp rise in the cost of living since 2020, which is slowing progress in reducing poverty and weighing even more heavily on the population.
A country torn between progress and authoritarian control
Togo remains a country of contradictions: on the one hand, it is at the forefront of economic and social reform, while on the other, political freedoms continue to erode. Progress in the health sector, the advancement of women and social protection through programs such as ASTRE demonstrate the country's potential. At the same time, the regime's authoritarian control prevents democratic openness and broad social dialogue.
Togo's future depends on how the government distributes economic benefits more equitably, fights rural poverty and strengthens the population against the effects of climate change. But without political reform and greater respect for human rights, the country will remain caught between progress and authoritarian control.
Key figures
Area: 56,785 km2
Capital: Lomé / approx. 1,9 million
Population: 8,9 million
Population growth: 2.41% per annum (2015: 2,7%)
Urban population: 44,5%
Infant mortality: 38,4 per 1,000 live births (2015: 45,2)
Maternal mortality: 399 per 100,000 births
Fertility rate: 4.13 births per woman (2015: 4,5)
Life expectancy: 72 years
Literacy (15 years and older): 66,5%
Source: CIA World Factbook (2024)
