Togo officially concluded its rotating chairmanship of the Council of Ministers of the Economic and Statistical Observatory of Sub-Saharan Africa (AFRISTAT) on December 31, 2025, closing a chapter marked by coordination, reform-driven engagement, and strengthened regional cooperation. From January 1, 2026, Equatorial Guinea assumed the chairmanship, continuing the organization’s tradition of rotational leadership among member states.
To formally present the outcomes of Togo’s tenure, the Minister and Secretary General of the Presidency of the Council, Sandra Ablamba Johnson, delivered a detailed activity report on Tuesday, January 13, 2026. The presentation provided a clear overview of achievements, challenges addressed, and strategic priorities pursued during Togo’s time at the helm of AFRISTAT.
Throughout its chairmanship, Togo placed strong emphasis on reinforcing the role of reliable statistics in public decision-making. Consequently, the country championed initiatives aimed at improving data quality, harmonising statistical standards, and supporting national statistical offices across member states. These efforts helped strengthen the credibility of official statistics and enhanced their usefulness for economic planning and social development.
Moreover, Togo actively promoted collaboration among AFRISTAT member countries. Through regular consultations and ministerial engagements, the chairmanship encouraged peer learning and shared solutions to common statistical challenges. As a result, member states recorded improved coordination in data production, dissemination, and utilisation, particularly in areas linked to macroeconomic monitoring and development indicators.
In addition, Togo prioritised capacity building during its leadership. The country supported training programmes designed to equip statisticians with modern tools and methodologies. These initiatives responded directly to the growing demand for timely, accurate, and disaggregated data, especially in the context of economic recovery, social protection, and sustainable development goals.
Equally important, Togo’s chairmanship focused on strengthening AFRISTAT’s institutional visibility and relevance. By engaging policymakers more actively, the leadership underscored the importance of statistics as a foundation for transparency, accountability, and effective governance. This approach helped position AFRISTAT as a critical partner for governments seeking evidence-based solutions to complex economic and social issues.
While presenting the report, Sandra Ablamba Johnson highlighted that Togo’s leadership occurred during a period of evolving regional and global economic realities. Therefore, the chairmanship adapted its strategies to support member states in responding to inflationary pressures, fiscal adjustments, and development financing needs. Through data-driven insights, AFRISTAT under Togo’s guidance contributed to more informed policy discussions across the region.
As Equatorial Guinea assumes the chairmanship, expectations remain high. Building on the foundations laid by Togo, the new leadership is expected to deepen reforms, expand technical cooperation, and further modernise statistical systems. Member states also anticipate continued focus on digitalisation, innovation, and data accessibility, which have become increasingly vital in today’s interconnected economies.
Looking ahead, the transition reflects AFRISTAT’s collective commitment to continuity and shared responsibility. Each chairmanship contributes unique perspectives while reinforcing the organisation’s long-term mission. In this sense, Togo’s tenure not only delivered immediate outcomes but also strengthened institutional resilience and regional solidarity.
In conclusion, Togo AFRISTAT completion of its rotating chairmanship represents more than a procedural handover. It signifies a period of purposeful leadership that advanced statistical governance, fostered cooperation, and reinforced the value of data in shaping Africa’s development trajectory. As Equatorial Guinea takes over, AFRISTAT moves forward with renewed momentum, guided by the shared vision of building robust, reliable, and responsive statistical systems across Sub-Saharan Africa.
