Togo is set to cultivate a vibrant hub for agricultural processing, thanks to a fresh investment of US $26.55 million from the African Development Bank Group (AfDB). This second phase of the Agro-Food Processing Zone Project aims to transform the nation’s agricultural landscape, empowering young people and women in the country’s northern regions.
“This project is a game-changer for Togo’s agricultural sector,” declared Wilfrid Abiola, the AfDB’s Country Manager in Togo. “Building upon the successes of the first phase, we’re focusing on constructing and operationalizing a central agro-industrial park. This will include a network of essential infrastructure – roads, utilities, and communication lines – to create a fertile ground for private businesses to flourish.”
The project, approved in Abidjan on July 19th, 2024, is designed to attract significant private investment into key agricultural sectors like rice, maize, soybeans, sesame seeds, cashew nuts, and broiler chickens. This investment, channelled through the AfDB’s Transition Support Facility, will bolster inclusive agricultural growth, create jobs, and ultimately reduce Togo’s dependence on food imports.
This initiative goes beyond infrastructure development. “We’re firmly committed to supporting the structure of the Togo Agro-Food Processing Zone Project (Togo Agropole) through this second phase,” Abiola emphasized. “This translates to establishing and operationalizing a dedicated company to manage the agro-park itself.”
The project also sets its sights on Broukou, a Doufelgou prefecture township where an agro-industrial park will take root. This development will be accompanied by improved road access, reliable electricity and street lighting networks, and the construction of a central hub encompassing administrative, financial, and security functions.
Women, a crucial pillar of Togo’s agricultural workforce, will find particular support through this project. Funds will be allocated for acquiring small-scale equipment dedicated to vegetable production plots, specifically tailored for women’s needs. Furthermore, the project will equip agricultural producers, including women, with enhanced skills in production, processing, storage, and marketing techniques, empowering them to connect with markets and sell their produce more effectively.
This multi-faceted project promises to unlock Togo’s agricultural potential, fostering economic growth and creating a brighter future for its citizens, particularly young people and women in the country’s northern regions.
