The Togolese government, along with the private sector, is collaborating to enhance the relationship between large corporations and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). During the Subcontracting and Partnerships Forum held in Lomé on January 30, 2025, they deliberated on establishing a subcontracting exchange aimed at facilitating connections between SMEs and larger companies.
This forum formed part of the second installment of the Private Sector Days, which brought together government officials, industry leaders, financial institutions, and representatives from SMEs. The central theme was “Partnership between large companies and SMEs: a lever for economic development.” The conversations underscored the necessity for a structured approach to enabling SMEs to access the markets of larger enterprises.
At the event, Rose Kayi Mivedor, the Minister of Commerce, emphasized the critical role of supporting the private sector to achieve sustainable development. “Recognizing the significance of the private sector in our country’s progress, its advancement must continue to be a priority,” she stated.
The suggested subcontracting exchange could function as a digital platform where larger companies can post their subcontracting requirements, and qualified SMEs can present their services. Aboki Vignon, President of the Groupement Togolais des Très Petites, Petites et Moyennes Entreprises (GTPME) (group representing micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises), noted that despite SMEs constituting 90% of businesses in Togo, they frequently face challenges in integrating into larger value chains. Jonas Daou from the Association des Grandes Entreprises du Togo (AGET) (association of large businesses) mentioned that challenges such as governance, financing access, and human resource management impede the growth of private enterprises.
