In Togo, news website “Togo Breaking News” (www.togobreakingnews.com) just launched a crowdfunding operation. It concerns public and aims to raise FCFA 9 million.

The online media seeks alternative funding to reinforce its operational budget and implement its projects, including provision of training of practical internships to young journalists. Fundraising is placed under the theme “Faites grandir Togo Breaking News, le d’actualité togolaise” (Making Togolese news website Togo breaking News grow).

“Truly, this is what we need. Support to grow and better serve our readers so we don’t close shop. In Togo, online press has to pay for everything be it internet, rent, electricity and communication even. But it doesn’t really sell much. Free information is free and accessible to all, even to traditional media,” says Esdras Lanyo, one of Togo Breaking News’s executives.

He says it is regretful that in Togo, online media still do not benefit from public assistance to press.