• Togo forms first cabinet under Fifth Republic, 31 total posts

• New ministries focus on economy, digital transformation, planning

• Key ministers retained; four top posts under council remain vacant

After months of speculation, Togo unveiled the lineup of its first government under the Fifth Republic on Wednesday, October 8.

The new cabinet, announced by a decree signed by Council President Faure Gnassingbé, marks a major political shift and formally establishes a parliamentary system.

The government is composed of 27 members, 17 ministers and 10 minister delegates, and includes four ministries reporting directly to the Presidency of the Council: National Defense, Civil Service, Labor and Social Dialogue, and Transportation. This brings the total number of cabinet positions to 31.

The new ministerial structure reflects an effort to streamline and better coordinate government action. Badanam Patoki, former President of the WAEMU Financial Markets Authority, has been appointed to head the newly created Ministry of Economy and Strategic Intelligence, responsible for anticipating economic shocks and monitoring national competitiveness.

Cina Lawson, who previously led the digital economy portfolio, retains an expanded ministry covering Public Service Efficiency and Digital Transformation. Essowè Georges Barcola will oversee the Finance and Budget Ministry.

Several key figures were retained in the new government. Gilbert Bawara, formerly Minister of Civil Service, is now Minister for Parliamentary Relations, while Robert Dussey (Foreign Affairs) and Calixte Madjoulba (Security) remain in their posts.

Kodjo Sévon-Tépé Adedze, former President of the National Assembly, has been appointed Minister of Regional Planning and Housing, making it a key ministry for territorial planning.

Notable additions to the streamlined cabinet include Manuella Modoukpè Santos, appointed Minister Delegate for Investment Promotion and Economic Sovereignty, and Martine Moni Sankaredja, who becomes Minister for Solidarity, Gender, and Family. As of now, the four portfolios under the Presidency of the Council remain unfilled.

R.E.D