Togo’s parliament has approved at first reading a bill updating the country’s environmental framework law and introducing a carbon tax, as authorities seek to strengthen climate policy and address growing environmental pressures.
Lawmakers in the National Assembly of Togo passed the reform on Thursday during the third plenary sitting of the year’s first extraordinary parliamentary session.
The government-backed legislation amends the 2008 environmental framework law, which officials say no longer adequately reflects the country’s evolving environmental challenges.
Authorities say the reform aims to modernize Togo’s environmental governance as the West African nation grapples with the effects of climate change, coastal erosion, deforestation and soil degradation.
Speaking during the parliamentary debate, Aklesso Atcholé, president of the parliamentary group of the ruling Union for the Republic, said the legislation is intended to align national policies with international environmental commitments while strengthening domestic regulatory tools.
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“The reform responds to evolving environmental challenges and seeks to harmonize national legislation with international obligations,” Atcholé told lawmakers.
A central element of the bill is the introduction of a carbon tax, which authorities say will help mobilize funding for climate-related initiatives while encouraging businesses to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Environment Minister Dodzi Kokoroko told parliament the reform introduces new policy concepts aimed at supporting sustainable development and climate resilience.
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“The text establishes new paradigms and reinforces the need to better protect the environment and prepare for climate challenges,” Kokoroko said during the session.
According to the minister, the legislation integrates emerging economic models such as the green economy, circular economy and green mobility into the country’s legal framework.
These concepts promote more sustainable production and consumption patterns, including recycling and resource efficiency, while encouraging environmentally friendly transport systems and industrial practices.
The proposed carbon tax will also support the operationalization of the National Environment Fund, a financing mechanism designed to channel resources into climate mitigation and adaptation projects.
Officials say the fund could help finance initiatives such as reforestation programs, renewable energy projects, and coastal protection measures.
The bill still requires approval from the Senate of Togo before it can become law.
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The reform forms part of broader efforts by the Togolese government to strengthen its climate policy framework and fulfill international commitments under the Paris Agreement.
Togo has in recent years taken several steps to address environmental challenges and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
In 2023, authorities adopted a decree regulating carbon management mechanisms, aimed at promoting carbon storage and supporting projects that help reduce emissions.
The initiative was designed to encourage investment in climate-related projects, including reforestation and land restoration, while allowing companies to participate in carbon credit schemes.
The government has also been working on a national strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, which forms part of the country’s broader climate commitments.
Environmental issues have become increasingly prominent in Togo, particularly as coastal communities face rising risks linked to climate change and erosion along the Gulf of Guinea.
At the same parliamentary sitting, lawmakers approved additional legislation, including a law extending the state of emergency in the Savanes region, where security concerns linked to militant activity have persisted in recent years.
Parliament also passed amendments to the legal and fiscal framework governing the West African Gas Pipeline, a regional energy infrastructure project that transports natural gas from Nigeria to several West African countries.
Authorities say the environmental reform, once fully adopted, will provide a stronger legislative foundation for managing environmental risks while supporting sustainable economic development.
The introduction of a carbon tax in particular marks a significant policy shift, positioning Togo among a growing number of countries using fiscal tools to tackle climate change and promote greener economic growth.
