Togo has signed a partnership agreement with Brazil’s Institut Daniel Franco aimed at strengthening agri-food trade, promoting technology transfer and supporting joint investment projects, authorities said.
The accord was signed last week in Lomé and is expected to deepen agricultural cooperation between the two countries, as Togo seeks to modernise its farming sector and boost agro-industrial development.
Titled “Établissement d’un marché commun entre le Togo et le Brésil en matière d’agroalimentaire et de renforcement des capacités,” the agreement provides for training sessions, technical missions and the promotion of a competitive and sustainable agro-industrial ecosystem.
It also seeks to facilitate trade in agricultural and food products between the two nations and encourage joint ventures in processing and agribusiness.
Togolese officials say the initiative is part of a broader strategy to position agriculture as a central pillar of economic growth, job creation and income generation in the West African country.
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The government hopes the partnership will help accelerate the sector’s modernisation, increase crop and livestock output, improve productivity and expand local processing capacity.
Strengthening domestic value addition is seen as key to reducing reliance on raw commodity exports and enhancing food security.
Agriculture remains a major employer in Togo, accounting for a significant share of jobs and livelihoods, particularly in rural areas. However, productivity levels remain constrained by limited mechanisation, access to inputs and financing gaps.
By drawing on Brazilian expertise, authorities aim to introduce improved farming techniques, better livestock breeding practices and more efficient agro-industrial processes.
Founded 94 years ago, the Institut Daniel Franco is regarded as one of Brazil’s leading institutions in agriculture, livestock and agribusiness. It is particularly known for its work in animal breeding and sustainable livestock management.
Brazil has long been recognised for transforming its own agricultural sector through research, innovation and large-scale mechanisation, becoming one of the world’s leading exporters of soybeans, beef and other commodities.
For Togo, the partnership is expected to support knowledge and technology transfer in areas such as livestock improvement, agro-processing and sustainable production systems.
Officials say the agreement aligns with national development plans aimed at diversifying the economy and building resilience in the face of climate variability and global market volatility.
Further details on timelines and specific investment projects were not immediately disclosed.
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Analysts say enhanced South-South cooperation in agriculture could help African countries leverage practical expertise from emerging economies with similar climatic conditions and development trajectories.
The Togo-Brazil accord underscores Lomé’s efforts to expand international partnerships as it seeks to strengthen food systems and stimulate agro-industrial growth.
Togo considers agriculture a cornerstone of its economy, employing a large share of the population and contributing significantly to gross domestic product. Key crops include cotton, coffee, cocoa, maize and cassava, while livestock farming plays an important role in rural livelihoods.
In recent years, the government has prioritised agricultural transformation under its national development roadmap, with a focus on boosting productivity, expanding agro-processing and strengthening value chains. Authorities aim to shift from subsistence farming toward more commercial and export-oriented production, while improving food security and rural incomes.
Brazil has emerged as a strategic partner for several African countries in agriculture, owing to its experience in tropical farming, livestock breeding and agribusiness development. Through research institutions and technical cooperation programmes, Brazil has supported initiatives in crop improvement, mechanisation and sustainable land management across the continent.
The Institut Daniel Franco, founded more than nine decades ago, is recognised in Brazil for its work in animal genetics, livestock productivity and agribusiness training. Its expertise is often sought in projects aimed at modernising production systems and improving competitiveness.
South-South cooperation in agriculture has gained prominence in recent years, as African countries look to emerging economies for practical know-how adapted to similar climatic and developmental conditions. Such partnerships typically combine technical missions, capacity-building programmes and support for joint investment in processing and trade.
For Togo, deepening ties with Brazilian institutions fits into a broader strategy of diversifying partnerships and attracting expertise to accelerate agricultural modernisation and agro-industrial growth.
