A delegation from the Agen metropolitan area in France, headed by President Jean Dionis, visited Lomé at the end of last week to sign a cooperation agreement with the Togolese commune of Golfe 1. This agreement, part of the decentralized cooperation initiative between France and Togo, seeks to move beyond traditional twinning arrangements to foster a more operational partnership and territorial innovation.
The memorandum of understanding outlines various concrete actions in strategic areas identified by both parties. In terms of waste management, the Agen metropolitan area will supply Golfe 1 with two dump trucks and 200 garbage bins, aiming to enhance waste collection significantly in the Togolese municipality.
Additionally, the partnership will address public health, renewable energy, the exchange of young volunteers, and the training of local elected officials. This broadening of cooperation areas demonstrates a mutual commitment to establishing a sustainable exchange framework based on reciprocity and complementarity.
Mayor Koamy Gomado of Golfe 1 expressed his support for this commitment, describing it as a ‘win-win’ situation. Furthermore, both parties plan to encourage business development in their regions by facilitating interactions and synergies among economic stakeholders.
This approach signifies a shift in decentralized cooperation, now viewed as a means to internationalize territories and pool resources in an interconnected global landscape.
