The United Nations (UN) stands by Togo to facilitate the implementation of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. Thus, the government of this West African country recently signed an agreement with the Togolese representation of the UN for the mobilisation of 247 million dollars (135.8 billion CFA francs) dedicated to the financing of 42 sustainable projects in water, energy, health, education and agriculture.
The funds mobilised by the two partners over the next three years will be invested in the promotion of sustainable growth, the strengthening of access to basic social services and the establishment of inclusive governance with the taking into account of MDG5 on gender equality. According to Ablamba Ahoéfavi Johnson, the Secretary General of the Presidency of the Republic of Togo, the initiative will eventually allow the integration of the private sector, schools, traditional and local authorities in sustainable development policies and strategies.
“The aim is to create the conditions for diversification of the Togolese economy by strengthening the entrepreneurial capacities of young people and the participation of the most vulnerable populations in the value chains through the creation of decent jobs. Support will be given to institutions and communities to adopt sustainable natural resource management mechanisms to be more resilient to the effects of climate change and disaster risks,” explains Aliou Dia, the UN Resident Coordinator in Togo.
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In terms of water and sanitation, as recommended by MDG6, the West African country launched the National Strategy for Universal Access to Safe Drinking Water and Sanitation in early 2023. At a total cost of 2.2 billion euros (1,450 billion CFA francs) co-financed by the French Development Agency (AFD), the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the World Bank, this Togolese government programme aims to build boreholes, pumping stations, treatment plants and reservoirs. The work carried out will enable this West African country to achieve a drinking water access rate of 85% by 2025.
Benoit-Ivan Wansi