How would you describe the current relationship between Togo and India? What are some of the key areas of collaboration that have contributed to strengthening bilateral ties?
The Republic of Togo and the Republic of India enjoy excellent and mutually beneficial relations based on shared principles such as democracy, sovereignty, promotion of human rights, peace and security.
The key areas of this cooperation include peace, security, trade, agriculture, healthcare and energy. Notably, both countries engage in cooperation under the framework of the International Solar Alliance (ISA), co-chair by India and France, of which Togo is a founding member since its inception in 2018. Capacity development remains a cornerstone of the partnership, particularly through the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) program and ICCR scholarships.
Togo will celebrate its 65th Independence Day in 2025. Could you share your thoughts on the significance of this milestone for Togo, and how the country plans to celebrate this historic occasion?
Indeed, the commemoration of the 65th Independence Anniversary of Togo on 27th April 2025 is not just a celebration but also a symbolic moment of reflection, pride and gratitude for the nation’s accomplishments over the past six and half decades. It commemorates the resilience, progress and unity of the Togolese people, while also honoring the memory of the ancestors who fought for freedom. Each year, the Independence Day celebrations highlight new milestones achieved by Togo, both at home and abroad, including in India. It is also an opportunity of perspective and planning for the future of the country.
The anniversary will be marked by various events including prayers across principal religious communities, the lighting of the Independence Monument on the eve of the celebration and official parades on the 27th of April 2025 as well as popular celebrations in the neighborhoods.
In 2025, Togo and India will also celebrate 65 years of diplomatic relations. What are some of the notable achievements in these six and half decades, and what future goals do you foresee for our bilateral partnership?
Togo and India have fostered deep diplomatic, cultural and economic ties since 1980, marked by consistent achievements in education, military cooperation, investment, healthcare, agriculture and infrastructure development. The strategic position of the country in West Africa, featuring the best port and serving as a hub for the entire sub-region, has strengthened our business trade relationship with India. This led to the strengthening of the diplomatic relations with the establishment of the Togolese Embassy in New Delhi in 2010 and the opening of the Indian Embassy in Lomé in 2021.
Recent developments include the first Foreign Office Consultation (FOC) held in June 2024, resulting in two significant agreements: a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on political consultations between the Foreign Ministries of Togo and India and a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) relating to reciprocal visa waiver between India and Togo for the benefit of holders of diplomatic, official and service passports of the two countries.
Looking ahead, the priority is to deepen cooperation by expanding economic and private sector partnerships, particularly in industrialization, agri-processing, technology and skills transfer. We aim to continue to strengthen political ties with India and maintaining our shared vision within major international organizations, such as the United Nations agencies and Bretton Woods Institutions.
Togo has been making strides in attracting foreign investment. What are some key sectors that present promising opportunities for Indian investors, and what steps has Togo taken to facilitate ease of doing business?
The country’s industrialization strategy prioritizes agricultural development, including agri-business, food processing, and mechanization, areas where Indian expertise and technology are highly valued. The textile sector also holds strong potential, supported by Togo’s high-quality cotton and infrastructure projects such as the Industrial Platform of Adétikopé (PIA) in partnership with ARISE IIP.
In the energy sector, with the ambition to guarantee the universal access to energy by 2030, Togo is actively working with solar energy partnerships under the International Solar Alliance (ISA) playing a key role. Additionally, Togo has rich opportunities in mining—especially phosphate—digital services and transport infrastructure to link the port of Lomé to the landlocked countries in the Sahel.
To facilitate investment, the Government has implemented business-friendly reforms, including the digitalization of services, the establishment of a one-stop shop (“Guichet Unique”) for administrative procedures, the creation of free zones and special economic regimes, customs and tax exemptions.
The Togolese Ministry of Investment Promotion and its Investment Promotion Agency (API-ZF) also play a central role in supporting investors at every stage of their project development. This effort has positioned Togo as the top reformer in Africa and the 3rd best in the whole World according to the ranking of the World Bank Doing 2020, and 1st reforming country in West Africa according to B-Ready Report 2024.
Togo is known for its rich cultural heritage and natural beauty. Could you highlight some of the top tourist destinations in Togo that you would recommend to Indian travelers?
Togo is truly blessed with a rich cultural heritage and exceptional natural beauty, offering a diverse range of attractions for travelers. I would particularly recommend visitors to explore the historical Koutammakou landscape, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its unique mud tower houses and cultural significance. In Lomé, the Independence Monument and the Palace of Governors are must-visit landmarks, the beautiful beaches along the Atlantic coast, the Faille d’Aledjo, the lush landscapes of mountains, lake, waterfalls and parks of Fazao-Malfakassa and the Kéran National offer remarkable experiences.
Together, these sites offer a memorable combination of adventure, history and natural beauty, making Togo an increasingly attractive destination.
Togo has implemented several economic reforms and infrastructure development projects in recent years. How can India contribute to Togo’s development agenda, particularly in areas like energy, agriculture, and technology?
Having more than sixty percent of its population in agriculture, this sector is an essential one. India can contribute to its modernization through technology transfer and knowledge sharing, promoting sustainable practices, agri-business development and mechanization.
Knowing the importance of energy in daily basic and the ambition of the industrialization of the country, Indian investment and expertise—especially in renewable energy—can significantly assist Togo’s efforts towards achieving energy self-sufficiency, in line with initiatives like the International Solar Alliance (ISA).
Moreover, Togo’s growing transport and logistics infrastructure, illustrated by projects like the Industrial Platform of Adétikopé (PIA) developed in Public-Private Partnership (PPP) with ARISE IIP, offers further opportunities for Indian companies specializing in textile, engineering, technology and supply chain management.
India’s experience with large-scale digitalization, economic reforms and industrialization aligns closely with Togo’s strategic vision, making it a valuable partner.
For Indian citizens looking to visit or do business in Togo, what visa facilities are currently available, and are there any plans to simplify visa procedures in the near future?
I am glad to mention that, since the 30th of June 2022, the Togolese Government has introduced online visa. So, travelers and business visitors can obtain an e-visa through a dedicated online platform voyage.gouv.tg, with processing typically completed within three to five working days. Additionally, the High Commission of Togo in India is available to assist applicants who may require support or further information. Overall, the system is already streamlined, and efforts continue to maintain and improve the ease of travel and business between the two countries like the exemption of visa for Indian official passport holders.
Togo plays an important role in West Africa and international organizations such as the African Union and ECOWAS. How does Togo view its partnership with India in addressing global challenges, especially in areas like peace, security, and sustainable development?
Togo views its partnership with India as essential in addressing global challenges, particularly in the areas of peace, security and sustainable development. Both countries share a commitment to multilateral cooperation and the promotion of South-South cooperation. India is recognized as a reliable partner, especially through its support in peacekeeping initiatives.
Togo values India’s leadership in global forums, notably its efforts to ensure the African Union’s full membership during the G20 Summit in New Delhi in 2023—an achievement we warmly welcomed. Both nations share also a common vision of peace, democracy, respect of human rights and non-aggression in international relations. Togo also appreciates the role of India as the voice of the Global South and its advocacy for reforms within major international institutions like the United Nations, World Bank, IMF and WTO, to better reflect the interests of developing countries.
Furthermore, talking about Togo’s leadership, the Togolese Government has initiated a proposal, unanimously adopted by the African Union (AU) on the 16thof February 2025, to recognize slavery, deportation and colonization as crimes against humanity and “genocide” against the peoples of Africa. India’s expertise and support are not only expected but genuinely welcomed to support its implementation in international organization forums.
What initiatives are in place to promote cultural exchange and academic cooperation between Togo and India, and how can students from both countries benefit from these programs?
As you know, education is the main pillar of the future of every country and represents an important investment in building a thriving, enlightened and just society. Therefore, the Togolese Government prioritizes education, aiming to improve the system and achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 4 by 2030.
Several initiatives are in place to promote cultural exchange and academic cooperation between Togo and India, providing valuable opportunities for students from both countries. Togolese students and officials benefit from programs such as the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) and the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) scholarships, which offer academic and professional training opportunities.
Additionally, Togo itself awards around 100 scholarships annually to Togolese students to India and makes India a preferred destination for Togolese students. The Togolese Mission in New Delhi also plays an active role in strengthening academic ties, organizing visits with Indian universities, seminars and awareness conferences. Joint initiatives, such as education forums, are also being developed to expand academic partnerships.
On the cultural front, events such as the participation of Togolese folklore troupes help foster greater mutual understanding. The establishment of an “India Corner” at the Universities of Lomé and Kara as well as the annual Indian Education Fair and the establishment of Yoga Day in Togo further illustrates the growing ties in education and culture between the two countries.
Would you like to give any message to our Envoy Excellency readers?
First, I would like to thank Envoy Excellency for its interest in Togo and encourage for its commitment to cover exclusively through its high-quality analytical articles on events at national and international level.
Togo is a country and an ocean of opportunities, characterized by an environment of security, peace and significant economic reforms essential for any thriving business. Moreover, Togo’s exceptional leadership, exemplified by our President who serves as the Mediator of Peace for ECOWAS and the African Union (AU) in various countries, greatly values these qualities.
We thus extend a welcoming invitation to all investors, travelers and partners interested in joining us on our journey toward sustainable growth and innovation. So, I would like to warmly invite all Envoy Excellency readers to consider Togo as their next destination, whether for investment or tourism.
Together, we can build a stronger, dynamic and mutually beneficial partnership for the future.