• Tax exemption planned under the 2026 finance bill
• Measure aims to support local meat production and lower input costs
• Policy aligns with efforts to boost food security and reduce imports

The Togo government will exempt feed imports from taxes starting in 2026. The measure, included in the draft finance bill adopted late last week in the Council of Ministers, will take effect after approval by both houses of Parliament.

Authorities say the decision aims to strengthen local meat production. Feed, which covers food for livestock and poultry, remains one of the main expenses for farmers.

The exemption is expected to play a key role in government plans to improve food security and increase the competitiveness of animal production, amid efforts to promote local consumption. The tax relief will give farmers access to more affordable inputs, help improve their margins, and support stable operations despite volatile global raw material prices.

The measure is also expected to boost domestic production of meat, eggs, and poultry, leading to lower consumer prices and reduced imports of frozen poultry and other meat products.

This planned tax relief follows other actions taken in recent years to support local producers. In addition to training programs for sector actors, the government reinstated in February 2025 a rule requiring importers of fish, poultry meat, and related products to buy at least 10 % of their requested volumes from local producers before receiving an import permit.

Esaïe Edoh