Financial Crime World

Togo’s Anti-Corruption Laws and Regulations Boost Business Environment

In its pursuit of a business-friendly environment, Togo has continued to reform its laws and regulations to combat corruption and streamline processes for entrepreneurs. The country’s efforts have yielded impressive results, with significant improvements in several key areas.

Starting a Business

Togo has jumped 15 positions worldwide and remains the first in Africa under the Doing Business’ Starting a Business index. This improvement is attributed to reforms aimed at simplifying procedures and reducing bureaucratic hurdles.

  • Simplified procedures for starting a business
  • Reduced bureaucratic hurdles

Enforcing Contracts

In recent years, Togo has made substantial progress in enforcing contracts, rising significantly on the Doing Business’ Enforcing Contracts indicator. The country has implemented measures such as:

  • Creation of special chambers for small debts
  • Distinct clerks for civil and commercial cases
  • Establishment of commercial courts in Lomé and Kara

Contract Execution

Togo has set a maximum period of 100 days to settle a commercial dispute and has also introduced the FORSETI COMMERCIAL platform to facilitate access for lawyers and bailiffs. These reforms aim to:

  • Reduce delays
  • Increase transparency in contract execution

Trading Across Borders

Togo’s efforts to digitize and streamline import and export procedures have yielded significant improvements, making it easier for businesses to trade internationally.

  • Digitization of import and export procedures
  • Streamlined processes for international trade

Construction Permit

After a notable improvement in 2020, Togo is poised to repeat this feat in the coming edition of the Doing Business ranking. The country has introduced several reforms aimed at simplifying construction permit procedures.

  • Simplified construction permit procedures
  • Reduced bureaucratic hurdles

Getting Electricity and Water

Togo’s consistent improvement on the “Getting electricity and water” indicator over the past two years is attributed to reforms aimed at making it easier for businesses to access power and water. The government plans to introduce even more reforms this year.

  • Simplified procedures for accessing power and water
  • Reduced bureaucracy

Registering a Property

Togo has made significant strides in registering property, with its ranking improving significantly since 2018. The country aims to surpass Rwanda’s performance on this index, which is the best in Africa.

  • Improved procedures for registering property
  • Increased transparency

Public Procurement

Togo has modernized its public procurement framework through professionalization, digitization, and legislative reforms. This has improved the sector for private companies, a key focus of the National Development Plan.

  • Professionalized public procurement framework
  • Digitized processes
  • Legislative reforms

Paying Taxes and Duties

To create an attractive tax framework for investors and economic operators, Togo has introduced several reforms related to tax payments and duties. The government has relied on digitization to simplify procedures and reduce bureaucracy.

  • Simplified procedures for paying taxes and duties
  • Reduced bureaucracy
  • Attractive tax framework for investors and economic operators