• Togo adopts 2025-2034 decentralization roadmap to strengthen local governance

• Policy targets capacity building, resource transfer, citizen participation

• Reform aims boost communes’ service delivery, planning, revenue mobilization

Togo has adopted a new decentralization roadmap covering the period from 2025 to 2034, aimed at strengthening local governance. The policy framework was approved by the Council of Ministers on Wednesday, Dec. 24, 2025.

According to an official statement, the national decentralization policy will serve as a strategic framework to strengthen local governance, build the capacity of local authorities, and advance decentralization in support of local development and citizen participation. It builds on the government’s existing roadmap and incorporates recommendations made during the fifth meeting of the National Decentralization Council in November 2022.

Launched in 2019 with the election of municipal councilors and the creation of new communes, the decentralization process has emerged as an effective response to development and democratization challenges, the Council of Ministers said. The updated framework is intended to address shortcomings identified in the transfer of powers and financial resources to local authorities.

The roadmap is expected to strengthen communes’ capacity to undertake large-scale projects, particularly in the delivery of local public services, land-use planning, and local revenue mobilization.

Togo has 117 communes, grouped into 39 prefectures across five administrative regions. In addition to the central government and local authorities, several technical and financial partners are closely monitoring the process, which is viewed as critical to sustainable public policy and territorial inclusion.

R.E.D.