Togo’s entrepreneurial scene saw a slight cooling-off in the first quarter of 2025, with new business registrations dropping by 5% year-on-year. According to data from the Center for Business Formalities (CFE), 4,262 new businesses were registered between January and March 2025, down from the same period in 2024. While the dip raises questions about economic momentum, the numbers also reveal promising trends in local entrepreneurship and gender inclusivity. Let’s unpack the details.
Key Highlights from Q1 2025
- Homegrown entrepreneurship thrives: Togolese nationals dominated new business launches, accounting for 81% of registrations.
- Women’s growing footprint: Female entrepreneurs made up 28.6% of new ventures, underscoring gradual progress in closing the gender gap.
- January leads the way: The year started strong with 1,498 new businesses registered in January alone, outpacing February (1,314) and March (1,450).
A Decade of Reforms: Laying the Groundwork
The steady flow of new businesses—despite the recent dip—reflects the success of Togo’s decade-long push to simplify business creation. Reforms like digitized registration processes, reduced bureaucratic hurdles, and incentives for startups have made it easier for entrepreneurs to formalize their ventures. These efforts have fostered a culture of entrepreneurship, positioning Togo as one of West Africa’s emerging business hubs.
Behind the Numbers: Cyclical Dip or Long-Term Trend?
While the 5% YoY decline is notable, context matters. In 2024, Togo recorded 14,921 new businesses, with over 10% (1,492) launched in January. The 2025 January figure (1,498) aligns closely with this trend, suggesting seasonal consistency. Economists caution against overinterpreting the Q1 slowdown—it could stem from temporary factors like election uncertainty, global economic headwinds, or delayed investments. However, if the trend persists through 2025, it may signal deeper structural challenges.
Looking Ahead: Opportunities and Challenges
Togo’s entrepreneurial spirit remains resilient, driven by a young population and improving ease of doing business. Yet, sustaining growth will require:
- Boosting access to funding: Expanding microloan programs and venture capital for SMEs.
- Enhancing digital infrastructure: Strengthening online platforms for business registration and tax compliance.
- Supporting women-led businesses: Targeted grants and training to amplify female participation.
The Bottom Line
Togo’s Q1 business registration dip is a reminder that economic progress isn’t linear. While the decline warrants monitoring, the strong role of local entrepreneurs and rising female participation offer reasons for optimism. As reforms continue to bear fruit, the coming quarters will reveal whether this slowdown is a bump in the road—or a sign of shifting tides.
For aspiring entrepreneurs, the message is clear: Togo’s market remains ripe with opportunity. Stay tuned as we track how policy and innovation shape its economic journey in 2025!
Let us know your thoughts: Are you a Togolese entrepreneur? Share your experience navigating the business landscape in the comments below!
About the author
Arsenal eliminate Real Madrid from Champions League, advance to semi-final
Arsenal have advanced to the Champions League semi-final for the third time in the club's history with a 2-1 victory against Real Madrid at the Bernabeu, winning 5-1 on aggregate.Having won the first leg 3-0, Arsenal increased their advantage in the 65th minute with a lovely chipped goal from Bukayo Saka. Madrid cancelled that strike just two minutes later as Vinicius Junior caught William Saliba napping, but a goal in second-half stoppage time from Gabriel Martinelli put the result beyond any doubt.In a frenetic first half, Saka saw a Panenka penalty saved by Thibaut Courtois while VAR intervened at the other end to deny Real Madrid a spot kick of their own.
Yul Edochie shades enemies after bagging endorsement deal
Yul Edochie has announced a fresh endorsement deal with an online lottery platform, which has given him the right to clap back at critics. The actor, who has faced intense backlash over his controversial polygamy and cheating scandal, took to social media to celebrate the ambassadorial win while throwing subtle jabs at those he believes are displeased with his progress. Sharing a video of himself jubilantly endorsing the brand, he hinted that his latest success is unsettling to his detractors. The actor expressed appreciation to fans who continue to support him and, in a cheeky twist, wished more discomfort upon his critics. He wrote: “My endorsement dey pain so many people. Make e pain una well well. The people that are happy for me, God bless you. May happiness follow you. The ones wey e dey pain, make e dey […]
Black Stars budget will be made known at the right time – Sports Minister
Sports and Recreation Minister Kofi Adams has assured Ghanaians that the budget for the Black Stars’ recent World Cup qualifiers against Chad and Madagascar will be disclosed at the appropriate time. During his February State of the Nation Address, President John Mahama underscored the importance of transparency in national sports, directing that budgets for the national teams be made public. He also tasked the Ministry of Sports with ensuring the Ghana Football Association (GFA) accounts for expenditures related to the two qualifying fixtures. However, more than three weeks after the matches were played, the Ministry is yet to release the financial details, sparking criticism from the public and the media. Responding to the concerns in an interview with Channel One News, Minister Adams dismissed suggestions of concealment and reiterated his commitment to accountability. “You will know it when the time […]
Gabon forward dies following fall from 11th floor of building
Gabon forward Aaron Boupendza died following a fall from the 11th floor of a building in China, the Gabonese Football Federation (FEGAFOOT) said on Wednesday. He was 28. Boupendza, who joined Zhejiang FC earlier this year, was in good form with four goals in six matches. He previously spent time with FC Cincinnati in MLS where he helped them win the Eastern Conference and Supporters' Shield before his contract was terminated in 2024. "At 28, Boupendza is remembered as a great striker who left a lasting impression at the African Cup of Nations in Cameroon [in 2022]," FEGAFOOT said in a statement. "Trained at CF Mounana and Bordeaux in France, the Gabonese striker joined the Chinese league after a brief spell in Romania. "FEGAFOOT and the great family of Gabonese soccer offer his biological family their sincere condolences in this difficult time." […]
Rajasthan Royals wins the toss and choose to bowl
Sanju Samson and Axar Patel are out in the middle for the toss. Rajasthan Royals wins the toss and chooses to bowl. The pitch looks good to bowl first and will get better to bat on as the game goes on. Samson says they need to put their bad results in the past and keep putting their best foot forward. Same team for Rajasthan Royals. Axar Patel said they would also have preferred to bowl first, especially due to the dew factor but they are ready to go out and bat first. Axar says that they may have gotten a little complacent during the last game, due to their hot start to the season, and that they have discussed the need to re-focus and pick up momentum again. Capitals also unchanged. The pitch seems to be centreed, in that there […]
Onana to return in goal for Man Utd against Lyon: Amorim
The Cameroon international made two costly errors in last week's 2-2 draw in France in the first leg of their quarterfinal and was dropped for Sunday's 4-1 defeat against Newcastle. Back-up goalkeeper Altay Bayindir played at St James' Park but Onana will be back in goal at Old Trafford. "Onana, he will play tomorrow," Amorim said at his pre-match press conference. The Portuguese coach said: "As a coach and former player first of all I try to do things that can help a player in this situation. "We speak about managing players physically but we also have to manage them also mentally. "We had one weekend where I felt it was better for Andre Onana not to play and a good thing for Altay (Bayindir) to play." The United boss also confirmed that forward Joshua Zirkzee will miss the rest […]
Related
Togo Fête ses 65 Ans d’Indépendance avec un Logo Symbolique et Modernisé
Un Nouveau Symbole pour une Nation Tournée Vers l'Avenir À l'occasion du 65ème anniversaire de l'indépendance du Togo célébré ce 27 avril 2025, le gouvernement a dévoilé un logo officiel alliant mémoire historique et vision progressiste. Ce visuel captivant incarne l'essence même de l'identité togolaise à travers des symboles forts et des couleurs nationales. Décryptage des Éléments Clés du Logo 🎨 Silhouette Jaune : Un homme aux bras levés symbolisant libération et dignité🔴 Chiffre "6" Rouge : Représentant le sang des héros de l'indépendance🟢 Chiffre "5" Vert : Évoquant la richesse naturelle et l'espoir⭐ Étoile Blanche Centrale : Symbole d'unité nationale et de foi⛓️ Homme Brisant ses Chaînes : Hommage au monument de l'indépendance✨ Étoiles Dorées : Rayonnant un message de fierté et d'excellence Une Symbolique Profonde pour une Nation Unie "Ce logo place le citoyen au cœur du progrès national, mêlant habilement notre glorieux passé à nos ambitieuses aspirations futures."- Porte-parole du Gouvernement Les 3 Piliers Représentés: Mémoire : Hommage aux […]
Un centre de réhabilitation pour jeunes filles vulnérables bientôt inauguré à Lomé
Dans un effort concerté pour améliorer les conditions de vie des jeunes filles vulnérables, une nouvelle initiative voit le jour à Lomé. Grâce à un partenariat entre l'ONG belge Eclore et le gouvernement togolais, un centre d'accueil et de réhabilitation sera bientôt construit dans la commune d’Agoènyivé 2, au quartier Amaréto Assiko. Ce projet prometteur offre une lueur d’espoir aux nombreuses jeunes filles marginalisées et livrées à elles-mêmes dans les rues de la capitale togolaise. Un projet ambitieux pour offrir un avenir meilleur Ce centre, piloté par Eclore Afrique avec le soutien du Ministère de l’Action Sociale , devrait être opérationnel d’ici douze mois . Installé sur un terrain de 1 000 m² , il comprendra un bâtiment de trois étages comprenant : Dortoirs sécurisés Salles de formation pour renforcer les compétences Espaces de discussion pour favoriser les échanges Une […]
Togo Lance une Campagne Massive de Distribution de Moustiquaires en 2025
530 742 Moustiquaires pour Intensifier la Lutte Contre le Paludisme Le Ministère de l'Économie et des Finances a annoncé dans son Budget Citoyen 2025 un plan ambitieux de distribution gratuite de 530 742 moustiquaires imprégnées (MII) à travers le pays. Cette initiative s'inscrit dans la stratégie nationale de prévention du paludisme, maladie qui reste un défi majeur de santé publique au Togo. Chiffres Clés de la Campagne 2025 🦟 530 742 moustiquaires à distribuer📉 3,2% de moins qu'en 2024 (548 304 unités)🗓 Date : À déterminer (campagne nationale à venir) Répartition Régionale : Priorité aux Zones à Risque RégionNombre de Moustiquaires% du TotalRégion des Plateaux151 08728,5%Savanes104 69019,7%Kara89 56616,9%Maritime87 13516,4%Centrale70 38913,3%Grand Lomé27 8755,2% "Cette distribution ciblée permettra de protéger les populations les plus vulnérables"- Ministère de la Santé Pourquoi Cette Campagne est Cruciale ? 1. Des Résultats Encourageants 25% de baisse de l'incidence du paludisme (2015-2018) Mortalité réduite de 8% sur la même […]
Togo Investit 364 Millions FCFA dans le Sport de Base : Une Nouvelle Ère pour les Fédérations
Une Enveloppe Record pour Dynamiser le Sport Togolais Le Ministère des Sports et des Loisirs a officialisé le 16 avril 2025 une subvention historique de 364 millions FCFA au profit de 39 fédérations sportives et de loisirs. Ce coup de pouce financier s'inscrit dans la volonté du gouvernement de professionnaliser progressivement le secteur sportif national. Répartition Clé des Fonds 🏅 309 millions FCFA : 31 fédérations sportives🎯 55 millions FCFA : 8 fédérations de loisirs📅 Date de déblocage : 16 avril 2025 3 Impacts Majeurs de Cet Investissement 1. Formation et Compétitions Locales Perfectionnement des encadreurs techniques Organisation de championnats nationaux Détection de nouveaux talents 2. Soutien Matériel Inédit Fourniture d'équipements spécialisés Modernisation des infrastructures Kits sportifs adaptés à chaque discipline 3. Soutien aux Compétitions Internationales Prise en charge partielle des déplacements Critères d'éligibilité transparents Priorité aux événements continentaux majeurs "Cet investissement marque notre engagement pour un sport togolais compétitif et […]
Lomé Accueille un Sommet Historique pour Éradiquer les Maladies Tropicales Négligées d’ici 2030
L'Afrique Unie Contre les Tueurs Silencieux : Intensification de la Lutte contre les MTN Depuis le 16 avril 2025, Lomé est devenue l'épicentre de la bataille africaine contre les Maladies Tropicales Négligées (MTN), accueillant 150 experts de santé venus de 48 pays africains. Cet atelier historique organisé par l'OMS sous le thème "Innover pour Accélérer : Voies vers l'Élimination des MTN" marque un tournant dans la collaboration sanitaire continentale. Pourquoi ce Sommet est Crucial 🌍 1,7 milliard de personnes touchées dans le monde - 40% en Afrique💊 Seulement 0,6% du financement mondial de la santé cible les MTN🕒 Plus que 5 ans pour atteindre les objectifs 2030 Le Togo : De l'Histoire à Suivre au Leadership Continental Le choix du Togo comme hôte reflète ses réussites pionnières :✅ Premier pays africain à éliminer 4 MTN : La dracunculose La filariose lymphatique La trypanosomiase humaine africaine Le trachome "Le Togo prouve que l'élimination est possible quand la […]
Incendie Chimique à Aguiarkomé (Lomé) : Un Bâtiment Effondré Mais Aucune Victime à Déplorer
Une Nuit d'Angoisse Évitée de Justesse Un violent incendie impliquant des produits chimiques a complètement ravagé un entrepôt dans le quartier Aguiarkomé (Commune du Golfe 4) dans la nuit du 14 avril 2025. Malgré l'effondrement total de la structure, les autorités togolaises ont confirmé zéro perte humaine - un véritable miracle attribué à l'intervention rapide des secours. Points Clés de l'Incident 🔥 Heure : Nuit du lundi 14 avril📍 Lieu : Entrepôt de stockage, quartier Aguiarkomé⚠ Danger : Acides et substances chimiques inflammables🚒 Intervention : Plus de 150 secours mobilisés Comment la Catastrophe a été Évitée : L'Intervention Exemplaire Le Ministère de la Sécurité a détaillé la réponse multi-agences qui a sauvé des vies : Premiers Secours (en 12 Minutes) Les pompiers ont maîtrisé les flammes La police a sécurisé un périmètre de 500m La gendarmerie a évacué les riverains Activation du Plan ORSEC Mobilisation du dispositif national d'urgence Envoi d'experts en matières dangereuses Surveillance environnementale renforcée Suivi Post-Intervention […]
Be the first to leave a comment