Togo is set to invest CFA70 billion (US$115 million) in 2026 to accelerate its national energy strategy, as the West African country works toward achieving universal electricity access by 2030. The allocation, almost the entirety of the Ministry of Energy and Mines’ annual budget of CFA71 billion (US$116 million), underscores the government’s commitment to expanding access to affordable, reliable power while strengthening the country’s energy infrastructure.
The 2026 funding will support multiple ongoing and planned initiatives. A priority is the electrification of 317 localities across the country, focusing on rural and peri-urban communities that remain underserved. Alongside physical infrastructure projects, the government is expanding the Tinga Fund, a mechanism designed to help vulnerable households connect to the national grid. The fund has already played a crucial role in improving household access, offering subsidies and financing solutions that lower the upfront cost of connection.
Renewable energy development is also a key component of Togo’s strategy. The 2026 budget includes resources for expanding the Blitta solar photovoltaic plant, one of the country’s largest solar projects. By increasing renewable generation capacity, Togo aims to reduce reliance on imported fossil fuels, enhance energy security, and contribute to climate-friendly development goals.
Institutional reform and governance improvements at the state-owned utility, Compagnie Énergie Électrique du Togo (CEET), form another central pillar of the energy push. The government aims to enhance operational efficiency, improve revenue collection, and strengthen financial and technical management to ensure sustainable energy provision.
Togo’s energy expansion plans are aligned with the broader National Energy Pact, which will be implemented in 2026 under the Mission 300 initiative. This program includes the construction of 161-kilovolt transmission lines designed to reinforce the national grid and extend electricity access to an estimated 1.5 million additional people. By improving transmission infrastructure, the government seeks to reduce power losses, stabilize supply, and make electricity more reliable for households and businesses.
The push to expand electricity access comes on the back of recent progress. Authorities report that Togo achieved an electrification rate of 75 percent by the end of 2025, a significant increase compared with previous years. The government credits reforms, investment in generation and distribution infrastructure, and targeted programs like the Tinga Fund for this improvement. Nevertheless, roughly one-quarter of the population still lacks access, highlighting the scale of the challenge ahead.
Beyond household connections, Togo’s 2026 energy budget also targets broader economic impacts. Reliable electricity is considered a catalyst for growth, enabling industrial development, job creation, and the expansion of digital and service sectors. Improved power supply is expected to reduce operational costs for businesses, attract investment, and foster entrepreneurship, particularly in regions that have historically been constrained by poor electricity availability.
Experts say that Togo’s heavy investment in energy reflects a growing recognition across Africa that access to reliable electricity is fundamental for sustainable development. By concentrating nearly the entire ministry budget on these initiatives, the government demonstrates a focused approach to closing the access gap while laying the groundwork for a modern, climate-resilient power system.
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Looking ahead, the success of Togo’s energy push will depend not only on financial resources but also on effective project execution, institutional reform, and continued support for vulnerable populations. If implemented successfully, the 2026 initiatives could mark a pivotal year in the country’s march toward universal electricity access, contributing both to social development and economic growth.
