Togo Moves to Turn Diaspora Strength into Engine for National Growth

Lomé has taken a decisive step to reposition its diaspora as a core driver of economic transformation, as government officials, global Togolese professionals, investors, and development partners converged for a four-day economic roundtable in December.

The forum, held from December 9 to 12, focused on shifting diaspora engagement beyond remittances toward structured investments, skills transfer, and enterprise development. It was convened by Togo’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, with technical support from the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and financing from the African Development Bank (AfDB), alongside the 9th Pan-African Congress on the role of diasporas.

With an estimated 950,000 Togolese living abroad and remittances accounting for a significant share of national income, authorities say the country can no longer afford to rely solely on household transfers. The new approach seeks to unlock collective capital, professional expertise, and global networks within the diaspora to support job creation and long-term growth.

Government officials outlined plans to align diaspora investments with priority sectors under Togo’s development agenda, including entrepreneurship, infrastructure, and youth-led enterprises. The discussions also emphasized the need for a more predictable business climate, stronger public–private partnerships, and sustained dialogue between diaspora communities and local stakeholders.

IOM representatives noted that diasporas are increasingly central to development strategies across Africa, not only as financial contributors but as sources of innovation and resilience. Participants at the Lomé meeting echoed this view, committing to channel more resources into productive ventures rather than short-term consumption.

To ensure continuity, a technical committee was set up to track commitments and support projects emerging from the forum, with the aim of translating discussions into measurable economic outcomes.

For Togo, the message from Lomé was clear: its diaspora is no longer seen as a distant community abroad, but as a strategic partner in shaping the country’s economic future.