Togo has signed a five-year cooperation agreement with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) aimed at expanding the peaceful use of nuclear technologies in sectors including health, agriculture and energy, the government said on Tuesday.
The agreement, known as a Country Programme Framework (CPF), was signed on Monday in Vienna by Togo’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Robert Dussey, and IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi. It will run from 2026 to 2031 and outlines priority areas for technical cooperation between Togo and the United Nations nuclear watchdog.
Under the framework, the IAEA will support Togo in applying nuclear technologies to national development priorities, including cancer diagnosis and treatment, food security, water management and energy planning. The partnership also includes capacity building in research, training and the safe deployment of nuclear-related technologies.
The CPF serves as a strategic planning tool that aligns IAEA technical cooperation with national development goals, ensuring that nuclear science and technology are used exclusively for peaceful purposes.
Health, agriculture and energy focus
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According to Togolese authorities, a key pillar of the agreement is the application of nuclear technologies in the health sector, particularly in cancer care. The IAEA is expected to assist Togo in strengthening radiotherapy and nuclear medicine capabilities, improving early diagnosis and treatment outcomes.
In agriculture, the framework will support the use of nuclear and isotopic techniques to improve crop productivity, enhance soil and water management, and strengthen food safety systems. Such technologies are increasingly used across Africa to address climate-related pressures on food systems.
Energy is also identified as a strategic area of cooperation. While Togo does not plan to develop nuclear power generation in the near term, officials say nuclear science can support energy planning, grid management and the assessment of future energy options, including the role of low-carbon technologies.
Strengthening institutions and oversight
Beyond sectoral applications, the agreement places strong emphasis on strengthening national governance and oversight frameworks. The IAEA will assist Togo in addressing structural gaps related to nuclear safety, radiation protection, security and regulatory systems.
These efforts include reviewing and reinforcing legal and regulatory frameworks, supporting the development of qualified human resources, and improving institutional coordination.
Togo has taken several preparatory steps in recent years to position itself for expanded cooperation with the IAEA. In January 2025, the country established the Togolese Atomic Energy Commission (CEAT), tasked with coordinating nuclear-related activities and ensuring compliance with international standards.
In September 2025, Togo was elected to the IAEA Board of Governors, a move officials described as recognition of the country’s commitment to the peaceful and responsible use of nuclear technologies.
Addressing funding and capacity constraints
The partnership also aims to tackle funding and capacity constraints that have historically limited the deployment of nuclear technologies in many developing countries. Under the CPF, the IAEA will provide technical expertise, training programmes and institutional support throughout the implementation period.
IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi said the agreement reflects the agency’s mandate to support member states in using nuclear science to achieve sustainable development goals while maintaining the highest standards of safety and security.
Togolese officials said the framework would help mobilise international expertise and resources while ensuring that nuclear applications are tailored to national needs.
Regional and continental context
Across Africa, interest in the peaceful use of nuclear technologies has grown steadily, particularly in health, agriculture and water resource management. Several countries have partnered with the IAEA to deploy nuclear science in areas such as cancer treatment, pest control, food irradiation and hydrology.
While only a handful of African countries operate nuclear power plants or research reactors, many use nuclear-derived techniques to support development objectives without pursuing electricity generation.
Togo’s agreement with the IAEA aligns with broader continental efforts to leverage science and technology to address structural development challenges, including climate change, public health and food security.
The government said the CPF provides a clear roadmap for cooperation over the next five years and reinforces Togo’s commitment to international norms governing the peaceful use of nuclear technologies.
