• Rules set technical requirements and ensure fair competition in market

• Reform targets safer infrastructure and consumer protection in construction sector

Togo on Monday introduced three new cement standards aimed at improving product quality in the domestic market, promoting fair competition, ensuring infrastructure safety and protecting consumers and the environment.

The standards were presented to cement producers and importers operating in the country at a meeting held in Lomé the same day. The initiative is led by the ministry in charge of investment promotion and economic sovereignty, through the Haute Autorité de la Qualité et de l’Environnement (HAUQE) and the Agence togolaise de normalisation (ATN). The move is part of broader efforts to improve construction material quality and strengthen consumer protection.

The new standards set technical requirements for the composition, performance and testing of cement sold in Togo. Authorities say they aim to ensure that products on the market comply with reliable and recognised specifications.

According to the ministry, the reform also seeks to ensure fair competition between producers and importers “while combating the circulation of products that could compromise the safety of public and private infrastructure.” It is also expected to reduce risks linked to non-compliant products, improve construction quality and enhance the safety of buildings and infrastructure.

Four companies dominate Togo’s cement market: Germany’s HeidelbergCement, through its subsidiary CimTogo; Burkina Faso’s CIL Metal, under the Cimco brand; India’s WACEM, which markets the Fortia and Diamond brands; and Nigeria’s Dangote, present with Dangote Cement.

Esaïe Edoh, with Togo First