The World Bank Group (WBG) has approved $300 million to help Togo become a center for agribusiness and animal nutrition in the region. The fund will help Togo scale up its Agricultural Modernization Program (ProMAT) and transform its agricultural sector through productive and climate-smart investment.
This Sustainable Agricultural Transformation Program-for-Results (PforR) will last for 10 years. The funding will be divided into two phases — the first phase will get $150.2 million and the second will get $149.8 million. The aim is to strengthen agricultural institutions, give smallholder farmers better access to machinery, financial services, and markets, and attract more private investment into the agricultural sector.
About 7,200 hectares will benefit from expansion of irrigation, water management, and draining services. The project will also promote climate-smart agricultural technologies and practices, helping to make sure 50,000 hectares are farmed in a more sustainable way.
More than 340,000 farmers — including 114,000 women and 102,000 young people — are expected to benefit from this transformation. It is also expected to create 72,500 new jobs.
“At the 2024 Togo Agricultural Producers’ Forum, farmers asked for strong support from the World Bank Group to transform their agricultural sector. This innovative program, led by the World Bank and IFC, is a first. It combines the expertise of the Group — IFC’s know-how in developing agribusiness and strengthening agricultural value chains, the World Bank’s policy expertise, and MIGA’s ability to guarantee financing — to help Togo become a regional hub in agribusiness.” Fily Sissoko, the World Bank’s Resident Representative in Togo, said.
Josiane Kwenda, Regional Representative for Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, and Togo, explained that more private-sector participation is key to developing Togo’s agricultural industry. “Private investment is a powerful tool for job creation and growth. By strengthening agricultural value chains and improving access to finance, we aim to equip smallholder farmers and businesses with the resources to produce more and become more competitive.”
The Sustainable Agricultural Transformation Program is financing the first phase of Togo’s Agricultural Modernization Program (ProMAT 2025-2034). The Togo government is leading this program through its Agricultural Transformation Agency (ATA). The aim is to move from small, traditional agricultural practices to a more market-oriented approach. The Planned Agricultural Development Zones (ZAAP) will be expanded to help smallholders become more productive and connect directly with markets.
This funding signals a strong future for Togo’s agricultural industry. With the right resources and support, Togo can become a hub for agribusiness in West Africa.
