Togo Expands Efforts to Strengthen Business Data
Togo launched the second phase of its General Business Census, a nationwide project designed to close critical data gaps and guide economic planning. This new phase follows the first round, carried out from March 3 to May 3 earlier this year. Authorities say the census is a key step toward building a stronger statistical foundation for both policy and investment decisions.
The census is unfolding in two major stages. From August 27 to September 10, agents will operate in the Maritime region, focusing on Zio prefecture. They will also cover selected parts of the Plateaux region, including Moyen-Mono, Haho, and Anié. In northern Togo, teams will visit the Savanes region, reaching prefectures such as Cinkassé, Kpendjal, Oti, Oti-Sud, Tandjoaré, and Tône.
The second stage runs almost in parallel, from August 27 to September 5. It targets the Central region, especially Blitta, Sotouboua, and Tchaoudjo. The Kara region is also included, with agents deployed to Binah, Kéran, and Kozah. Each stage is designed to balance coverage between rural and urban areas, ensuring no segment of the economy is overlooked.
Why the Census Matters
For Togo, the General Business Census is not just about numbers. It is about understanding the real face of the economy. By collecting detailed data on business locations, sizes, and activities, authorities can finally design policies that respond to actual conditions on the ground.
Without solid data, governments often create policies based on estimates, which can miss the real needs of citizens. With precise figures, however, Togo can design targeted programs that encourage entrepreneurship, reduce unemployment, and attract foreign investment.
Investors also stand to benefit. Reliable data provides clarity about market size, business distribution, and opportunities for growth. This transparency can make Togo more competitive in the West African region and increase confidence in its economy.
Building on Past Success
This new phase builds on lessons learned from 2017, when Togo carried out its last full business census. That exercise revealed 115,880 businesses across the country, a number that highlighted the scale of the informal sector and the potential for growth if properly supported. Since then, the country has seen rapid changes in its economy, with more entrepreneurs, small enterprises, and startups emerging.
Authorities believe the new census will capture these changes and provide an updated snapshot of Togo’s evolving business environment. The results will also serve as a benchmark for future reforms in taxation, job creation, and private sector support.
Support from International Partners
The World Bank is financing this initiative through the Harmonizing and Improving Statistics in West Africa Project (HISWA). This backing underscores the importance of reliable data not only for Togo but for the region as a whole. With a stronger statistical foundation, West African countries can coordinate better, share insights, and create more effective regional economic strategies.
International partners argue that accurate statistics help governments track progress, identify bottlenecks, and implement evidence-based reforms. For Togo, this means more targeted economic policies and stronger accountability in development programs.
A Step Toward a Stronger Future
As the census unfolds, both the government and businesses are watching closely. Entrepreneurs hope the data will translate into programs that reduce red tape, improve access to finance, and support small businesses. Policymakers, on the other hand, see it as a chance to lay down a more reliable framework for decision-making.
Togo launched the second phase of its business census, a nationwide project designed to close critical data gaps and guide economic planning. This new phase follows the first round, carried out from March 3 to May 3 earlier this year.The results of this census will shape Togo’s economic roadmap for years to come. By investing in accurate business data today, the country is preparing to build a stronger, more inclusive economy tomorrow.
