Togo and the World Bank last week reviewed the implementation of 18 ongoing projects and programs in the country, valued at a total of US$1.49 billion, with a focus on improving delivery and impact for local communities.
The session brought together government officials, project stakeholders, and World Bank representatives to assess the performance of the portfolio, identify bottlenecks, and agree on measures to strengthen implementation. The portfolio includes 10 national and 8 regional projects, spanning sectors such as employment, energy, governance, agriculture, health, education, social protection, water access, transportation, local and urban development.
Separately, the International Finance Corporation (IFC), the Bank Group’s private-sector arm, invested around US$320 million between 2020 and 2025 to support Togo’s private sector development. The Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA) held a portfolio in Togo valued at US$172 million as of December 31, 2025, along with a US$585 million guarantee program, further underpinning private-sector initiatives.
The review highlighted persistent challenges that have slowed project implementation. These included delays in procurement processes, limited capacity to absorb allocated funds, and insufficient human and financial resources for timely execution. Difficulties in inter-institutional coordination and monitoring were also cited as factors affecting project delivery.
Addressing the meeting, Anumu Ketoglo, economic adviser to the President of the Council of Togo, emphasized the need for stronger discipline, speed, and coordination among stakeholders. “Portfolio performance is not limited to financial commitments or disbursements. It is measured above all by the real impact of projects on people’s lives,” he said, urging implementers to prioritize tangible outcomes.
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Despite these constraints, the World Bank praised Togo’s track record in managing development projects. Tony Verheijen, the Bank’s country director for Togo, said the nation stands out in the sub-region for the quality of its portfolio management. “This has translated into a gradual increase in the size of the portfolio over the years, with innovative projects that support Togo’s development ambitions and respond to the needs of its population,” he noted.
The World Bank’s engagement covers a wide range of sectors critical for Togo’s socio-economic development. Employment and social protection programs aim to support vulnerable groups, while investments in energy and infrastructure seek to enhance productivity and connectivity. Agriculture, water access, and local development projects focus on improving livelihoods and access to essential services, particularly in rural areas.
The meeting concluded with agreements on corrective measures to accelerate project execution. These include streamlining procurement procedures, enhancing inter-agency coordination, and improving fund absorption capacity to ensure timely implementation. Stakeholders committed to closer monitoring of activities and reporting on project impacts to ensure that investments translate into tangible benefits for citizens.
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Analysts say Togo’s continued partnership with the World Bank underscores the country’s focus on sustainable development and institutional capacity building. By combining financial resources with technical support, the Bank aims to help Togo address structural challenges while advancing key development priorities.
The review reflects a broader trend across the West African region, where governments and development partners are increasingly emphasizing efficiency, accountability, and results-oriented project management to maximize the socio-economic impact of public investments.
With a growing portfolio and ongoing reforms, Togo aims to consolidate gains in infrastructure, human capital, and private-sector development, positioning itself as a regional leader in project implementation and innovative development solutions.
