Togo has officially launched the Waste Management and Decentralization in Regional Capitals (GEDEC) project, marking a significant step towards modernizing public waste management services and promoting healthier environments in key municipalities. The launch took place on Thursday, May 22, 2025, in Kara, coinciding with the adoption of the Municipal Sanitation Policy for the municipality of Kozah 1.
The Kozah 1 sanitation policy will serve as a pilot program, implementing targeted actions to address unsanitary conditions. These actions include improving waste pre-collection services, actively involving local communities in waste management, and modernizing waste treatment infrastructure to ensure long-term sustainability.
While Kozah 1 is the pilot municipality, four other regional capitals – Zio 1, Ogou 1, Tchaoudjo 1, and Tône 1 – will also benefit from the GEDEC program. These municipalities are key economic hubs within Togo.
The GEDEC project is funded by the European Union (EU) with a contribution of €4.2 million (approximately 2.7 billion CFA francs or $4.6 million USD). Expertise France is providing technical support for the project, which aims to benefit an estimated population of over 750,000 residents across the five participating municipalities.
The project builds upon the successes of the earlier Togo Water and Sanitation Project (PEAT), which has been implemented in various localities in recent years. Togolese authorities state that GEDEC aims to consolidate the achievements of PEAT while providing more tailored and effective solutions to the specific urban and environmental challenges faced by regional centers. This initiative underscores Togo’s commitment to improving public health, promoting sustainable development, and enhancing the quality of life for its citizens in regional areas.
