Togo Makes Progress in UEMOA Reforms and Projects

The annual review of reforms, policies, programs, and projects of the West African Economic and Monetary Union (UEMOA) took place in Lomé, Togo, on November 9, 2026. The Togolese government expressed satisfaction with the significant progress made in project execution but raised concerns about the decline in the implementation of community texts. According to the Director of Cabinet of the Minister of Finance and Budget, who represented Essowé Georges Barcola, the populations expect tangible results from the integration efforts, including access to clean water, quality healthcare, education, decent employment, and microcredit.

The annual review, proposed by Faure Gnassingbé in 2012, aims to assess progress, identify obstacles, and make corrections. In 2025, the implementation rate of 145 evaluated reforms was 68.7%, down from 77.9% the previous year. Togo still has 22 untransposed or unapplied community texts, including 19 directives, two regulations, and one decision, mainly in agriculture, culture, and crafts. The Director of Cabinet emphasized that transposing directives is not optional but a commitment of the states, and the credibility of the Union depends on it.

In contrast, the review showed a positive assessment of programs and projects, with an execution rate of 91.6%, up from 78.9% the previous year, and a disbursement rate of 83.6%. Several texts were adopted this year, including a law against money laundering and terrorist financing, a plan for radio frequency allocation, and regulations on renewable energy and tourism. As a result, the self-assessment conducted in late September showed an implementation rate of 79.8%, an increase of 11.1 points compared to 2025.

The representative of the UEMOA Commission in Togo, Alioune Sene, welcomed the 12th edition of the technical review phase, highlighting its usefulness in harmonizing national legislations, improving the monitoring of community projects, and promoting healthy competition among member states. He emphasized the importance of providing concrete evidence of progress achieved to report objectively and transparently to the highest authorities of the Union.

The review also highlighted the commitment of the Togolese authorities and the strong mobilization of administrations. The conclusions will be recorded in a consensual memorandum signed by Togo and the Commission. This exercise has been ongoing for over ten years, allowing for the assessment of progress and identification of areas for improvement.

Despite the progress made, challenges persist, particularly in the implementation of community texts. The Togolese government and the UEMOA Commission will work together to address these issues and ensure the effective implementation of reforms and projects. The review will continue for three days, with experts from the UEMOA Commission validating the results.

The annual review demonstrates the ongoing efforts of Togo and the UEMOA Commission to promote economic integration and cooperation among member states. The progress made in project execution and the implementation of reforms will contribute to improving the living standards of populations and promoting economic growth in the region.

Key points

• Togo's implementation rate of UEMOA reforms and projects increased to 79.8% as of September 2026.
• The country still has 22 untransposed or unapplied community texts, mainly in agriculture, culture, and crafts.
• The execution rate of programs and projects reached 91.6%, with a disbursement rate of 83.6%.