Togo - Fishing - Pioneer of the blue economy

Togo, with its high-potential exclusive economic zone, the strategic positioning of its port, and the dynamism of companies operating in the maritime sector, is destined to become a champion of the maritime economy and blue growth. In 2021, 70% of Togo's economic activities were linked to the maritime coastline, and the country generated more than 75% of its tax revenue from it. The government has launched initiatives to provide a framework that governs and promotes the economic activities associated with it. The government has also ratified international instruments to combat illegal acts at sea, notably through its membership in the West and Central African Fisheries Organization, and regularly conducts joint operations with its neighbors to combat illegal fishing. In May 2021, on instructions given by the Head of State and the Prime Minister to the newly created Ministry of Maritime Economy, Fisheries and Coastal Protection, the country adopted a law for the protection and enhancement of the Togolese coast aimed at combating the threats to Togo's coast (pollution, coastal erosion, flooding, marine sand extraction, etc.).

Togo is also investing in state-of-the-art technologies to provide robust data in the maritime sector. For example, the country acquired three new marine weather stations in February 2021, installed at the Autonomous Port of Lomé, Kpémé, and the Kodjoviakopé customs post with technical assistance from UNDP.

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This technical arsenal allows Togo to improve the quality of its maritime services and strengthen the development of the blue economy. By generating data on the state of the sea and the marine and coastal environment, these tools facilitate maritime navigation, improve fishing activities, search and rescue at sea, and enhance the resilience of coastal populations and ecosystems.

Togo has identified the many job opportunities offered by the maritime economy, particularly in the fishing, aquaculture, tourism, transportation, and underwater mining sectors. The government is encouraging the creation of specialized schools and training institutes to prepare young people for maritime careers.

Marine ecosystems and coastal areas are subject to multiple disturbances of natural origin or linked to human activities. In response to the consequences of these disturbances, the Ministry of Maritime Economy, Fisheries and Coastal Protection is developing policies for coastal protection and economic development.

A new modern fishing port in Gbétsogbé

Located in Gbétsogbé in the eastern suburbs of Lomé, the new fishing port occupies an area of 7 hectares, the result of Togo-Japan cooperation. The work is co-financed by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to the tune of 14.4 billion CFA francs and by Togo to the tune of 2.1 billion CFA francs. The solutions provided by the new port are in line with the investments made: increased reception capacity of up to 300 pirogues, two ice factories, two fishery product preservation rooms with a capacity of 1,000 tonnes, a docking quay and a landing and rest quay. The administration also has new quarters (a complete administrative block) including a water tower, areas for inspecting fishery products as well as fishing equipment thanks to new equipment and materials. These infrastructures will improve the activities of around 5,000 women fishmongers and 3,000 fishermen.