Togo's Local Authorities Trained on Artificial Intelligence and Decision Support Systems

The Togolese National Agency for Local Authorities Training (ANFCT) is conducting a training session in Blitta-Gare from November 12 to 19, focusing on Decision Support Systems (SAD) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) for mayors and secretaries general of Togo's 117 communes. This initiative is part of a project aimed at strengthening the capacity of local authorities to develop decision support systems and utilize AI. The project is a collaboration between the Ministry of Territorial Administration, the National Fund for Professional Learning, Training, and Perfectionment (FNAFPP), and ACC Education.

The training is divided into four one-day sessions and follows a previous workshop held in Tsévié on October 26-27. Its primary goal is to modernize local governance by equipping participants with the knowledge to understand and adopt AI and SAD. The program aims to enable these local leaders to identify technicians in their communes who will receive further training to implement suitable tools for their communities. The training modules are designed to help authorities comprehend the benefits and limitations of AI, collect and process data, and utilize AI in their municipalities.

Denyo Dodzi Komi, Director General of ANFCT, emphasized that AI and SAD are significant levers for transforming municipal management. He noted that these tools optimize service and infrastructure management, improve citizen relations, and aid decision-making for elected officials. Anakpa Mani, Prefect of Blitta, highlighted the importance of reliable information in decision-making and encouraged participants to engage fully in the training while ensuring responsible AI use and adherence to data protection laws.

Participants have welcomed the opportunity to learn about SAD and AI, recognizing its potential to boost communal development. The mayor of Kpendjal 1 commune, Mme Lamboni Kouniyénini, expressed her appreciation for the training, stating that it will enable her to better select competent agents for further training in this field. The training is expected to enhance the capacity of local authorities to harness AI and SAD for improved governance.

The project is implemented by ANFCT, with support from the Ministry of Territorial Administration, FNAFPP, and ACC Education. The training is tailored to address the specific needs of local authorities, focusing on practical applications of AI and SAD in commune management. By equipping local leaders with these skills, the project aims to contribute to the development of Togo's communes.

The use of AI and SAD is expected to bring significant benefits to Togo's local governance, including improved service delivery, enhanced citizen engagement, and more informed decision-making. The training program is a step towards achieving these goals, and its impact is anticipated to be felt across the country's communes.

As the training concludes, participants are expected to return to their communes with a deeper understanding of AI and SAD, as well as the skills to implement these tools effectively. The project's success will depend on the continued support and engagement of local authorities, as well as the effective integration of AI and SAD into commune management practices.

Key points

• The training aims to modernize local governance in Togo by equipping authorities with AI and SAD skills.