A high-level World Bank delegation visited Lomé on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, as part of the “Africa LEADS” regional workshop, which assesses the impact of development projects in West and Central Africa. The delegation met with Togo’s President Faure Gnassingbé to discuss the nation’s economic direction and explore opportunities for enhanced cooperation.
The World Bank delegation included Ousmane Diagana, Vice President for Western and Central Africa; Indermit Gill, Senior Vice President and Chief Economist; and Ethiopians Tafara, Regional Vice President for Africa at the International Finance Corporation (IFC). Discussions centered on Togo’s key economic priorities and the potential for a stronger partnership with the World Bank Group.
President Gnassingbé outlined Togo’s strategy for accelerated growth, built on three pillars: attracting domestic and foreign private investment, reforming public administration for greater efficiency, and consolidating public investment, particularly in social sectors like health and education.
Following the meeting, Indermit Gill lauded the Togolese government’s policies as “remarkable” in a volatile global economic environment. “The global economic context is very uncertain, but I came away from this meeting feeling very optimistic, because we discussed the possibilities for Togo to have an economy that grows beyond 6 or 7%,” stated the World Bank’s Chief Economist.
Discussions also addressed aligning World Bank interventions with the strategic priorities defined by the Togolese government. The International Finance Corporation (IFC), the private sector arm of the World Bank Group, reaffirmed its commitment to increasing its support to Togo, particularly in agriculture, digital technology, SME financing, and transport and logistics infrastructure.
“We will strengthen our efforts in the agricultural value chain, digital, SME financing, and transport and logistics sectors. We have promising prospects for the country, and I am very pleased with the audience,” said Ethiopis Tafara. The World Bank emphasized its support for Togo’s focus on inclusive development strategies.
