Togo Roundup: Women empowerment, graduates beg Nigeria, plan to become Africa's Shenzhen
Blacklisted university graduates beg Nigerian FG
In a significant plea, graduates from blacklisted universities in Togo and Benin Republic are urging the Nigerian Federal Government to overturn its invalidation of their degrees. This ruling, which is based on a certificate racketeering report, has inflicted considerable stigma on over 30,000 graduates, prompting a call for intervention from the National Assembly. According to Punch, the affected individuals have branded the decision as traumatic, urging the Education Minister, Tahir Mamman, to reconsider his stance, as they assert that the institutions in question are accredited and reputable. They highlight that systemic issues within Nigeria's education framework have pushed students to pursue education abroad.
Goal to become Africa's Shenzhen
Togo is poised to reshape its economic landscape with aspirations to become Africa's Shenzhen, supported by China. Xie Yanshen, president of the Overseas Chinese Association in Togo, highlighted the potential of China-Africa partnerships, anticipating a peak in cooperation between these regions. The emphasis is on a collective quest for modernisation, promising significant prospects for economic growth and integration as reported by ECNS. Togo's commendable business climate reforms have garnered it a ranking of fifteenth globally and first in Africa for ease of starting a business, reflecting its dedication to improving its investment landscape. This encompasses key initiatives: the establishment of specialised courts for enforcing contracts, digitisation of cross-border trading processes, and reforms in construction permit acquisition.
Ruto courts support for Raila in Togo
On September 4, 2024, Ruto met with Togolese President Faure Essozimna and Malian President Colonel Assimi Goita at the FOCAC summit in Beijing. Raila, Kenya’s candidate for the February 2025 AUC chairmanship, also attended. Ruto shared on X that they discussed support for Raila's candidacy and a pan-African Congress in Lome, Togo, later this year. According to People Daily, Ruto underscored the importance of unity within Africa to address collective aspirations, such as the Continental Agenda 2063. The upcoming pan-African Congress in Togo will serve as a platform for Odinga's bid, which faces considerable competition in a crucial election requiring a two-thirds majority.
Calls for more women in finance auditing
Togo's Court of Auditors aims for 30% female representation in public finance audit bodies by 2025. Currently, only one of 20 magistrates is a woman, and gender imbalances exist in other institutions. The Court's new law emphasises strengthening the female workforce in key agencies. This initiative was launched at an August 30, 2024 symposium in Lomé, organized with GIZ, reports Togo First.
Registration deadline for the 2024-2025 coffee and cocoa extended
The Coordination Committee for Coffee and Cocoa Sectors (CCFCC) in Togo has extended the registration deadline for the 2024-2025 marketing season to September 16. Operators with incomplete applications are urged to finalise their documents. Approved exporters will be announced after this period. Coffee and cocoa exports have risen, with the 2022-2023 season seeing increases of 9% and 63%, respectively, reports Togo First.
