Togo has approved a new framework for allocating radio spectrum across its telecommunications sector, officials said Wednesday. The reform was adopted during a Cabinet meeting chaired by President Faure Gnassingbé.
The government endorsed a decree approving the National Frequency Allocation Plan (PNAF), which updates Togo’s regulatory framework in line with changes adopted in 2023 to the International Telecommunication Union’s (ITU) Radio Regulations at the World Radiocommunication Conference.
The updated plan aims to align the country’s spectrum management with current and future telecommunications developments, including the ongoing rollout of 5G. It designates additional spectrum bands for 5G services and high-altitude platform systems, introduces a maritime safety communications system, allocates new bands for aeronautical mobile services, and regulates inter-satellite communications, according to a Cabinet communiqué.
The PNAF, overseen by the telecommunications regulator ARCEP Togo, provides a detailed mapping of frequency bands, including 700 MHz and 2.1 GHz, specifying their designated uses across fixed, mobile, broadcasting, and satellite services, as well as the public authorities responsible for managing them.
“The decree updates the 2022 framework and brings Togo further into line with international standards in spectrum management,” the government said, noting that emerging technologies such as 5G will play an increasingly central role in enabling faster data speeds, higher network capacity, and broader digital innovation.
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Togo has positioned itself as an early adopter of 5G in West Africa. Togocom launched commercial 5G services in November 2020, primarily in the capital, Lomé. However, deployment remains concentrated in major urban centers, while 4G continues to dominate mobile internet access for the wider population.
The reform is expected to provide a regulatory foundation for future expansion of high-speed networks, improve spectrum efficiency, and support technological innovation in the telecom sector. Analysts say that by proactively updating spectrum allocation, Togo can facilitate new services, attract investment, and enhance connectivity in line with regional and international benchmarks.
As African countries increasingly adopt 5G and other advanced telecommunications technologies, the Togo government said it intends to ensure that spectrum allocation supports both private sector growth and public service needs, including safety, aviation, and satellite communications.
With this update, Togo strengthens its position in West Africa as a country preparing for next-generation telecommunications, while continuing to balance the deployment of 5G with widespread 4G coverage to ensure broader population access.
