====== Togo ====== **Region:** Western Africa **Regional Economic Communities (REC):** ECOWAS · CEN-SAD · OHADA → [[https://iiag.online/locations/tg.html|View IIAG Country Statistics]] ---- ^ Indicator ^ Data ^ | **Governance (IIAG)** | Overall Governance score: 53.8 / 100 · Rank: 22nd / 54 · [[https://iiag.online/locations/tg.html|View IIAG Country Statistics]] | ---- ===== PART 1 – HIGH-LEVEL COUNTRY MAPPING ===== ==== Institutions and Stakeholder Database ==== (To be linked) ---- ==== REC Membership ==== * ECOWAS * CEN-SAD * OHADA ---- ==== Population size and size of the informal economy ==== Togo’s population is estimated at approximately **9.7 million (2025)**. The informal economy is substantial, accounting for approximately **25–30% of GDP** and a dominant share of employment, including: * Nearly **90% of urban jobs** * Over **80% of total employment (excluding agriculture)** Informal economic activity is driven by small household enterprises, with significant potential for formalisation. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0} ---- ==== Nature of the legal system and ILO status ==== Togo operates a **civil law system** influenced by French legal traditions. Togo has been a member of the **International Labour Organization (ILO) since 1960** and implements a **Decent Work Country Programme (DWCP)**. The DWCP focuses on: * Job creation * Expansion of social protection * Gender equality * Elimination of child labour Key national initiatives include programmes such as **NOVISSI**, aimed at supporting vulnerable populations. ---- ==== Workers’ rights in human rights system, national labour law / social protection and scope of protection ==== Workers’ rights are governed by: * **Constitution (Act No. 2024-005 of 6 May 2024)** * **Labour Code (2021)** Key protections include: * Right to form and join trade unions * Collective bargaining * Right to strike (subject to limitations) * Protection against discrimination The Labour Code provides for: * 40-hour working week * Mandatory rest periods * Overtime pay * Telework regulation * Occupational health and safety protections Social protection operates through multiple programmes addressing: * Health * Old age * Poverty * Unemployment Coverage remains limited, particularly for informal workers. ---- ==== Existing laws, policy and regulatory initiatives for the protection of workers in the informal economy ==== Togo has adopted a range of measures aimed at: * Extending social security coverage * Promoting formalisation of informal activities * Supporting vulnerable workers through social programmes * Developing circular economy and environmental initiatives ---- ===== PART 2 – SECTOR SPECIFIC REGULATION ===== ---- ==== Domestic Work Sector ==== **Order No. 002/2012 /MTESS/CAB/DGTLS** * Requires employers of domestic workers to register with the **CNSS** within 8 days (Art. 20) * Domestic workers are compulsorily covered under the general social security scheme (Art. 21) ---- ==== Street Vendor ==== Street vending is regulated through a combination of national and municipal frameworks. * **Legislative Ordinance No. 79-021 (1979)** – framework for trade regulation * Municipal by-laws regulate: * Licensing * Locations * Operating hours Vendors are generally required to: * Register their activities * Obtain installation or operating licences However, a large portion of street vending remains informal, with inconsistent enforcement and limited social protection. ---- ==== Waste Reclaiming ==== **Framework Law on the Environment (Law 2008-005)** * Provides the legal basis for waste management (Arts 101–111) **Decree No. 003/2011** * Regulates plastic waste collection and recycling Policy developments include: * Circular economy strategies (2024–2030) * Inclusion of informal workers in waste management systems * Public-private partnerships in urban areas ---- ==== Home working ==== The Labour Code (2021) recognises **telework**. * Requires formal agreement between employer and employee * Guarantees equal rights to in-office workers * Employers must: * Provide or compensate equipment * Ensure occupational safety Work-related accidents in home settings are recognised as occupational incidents. ---- ==== Gig Work and the Platform Economy ==== No dedicated legal framework exists for gig work. Relevant provisions include: **Social Security Code (Act No. 2011-006)** * Extends coverage to: * Self-employed workers * Informal economy workers **Craft Code (Act No. 2012-009)** * Defines independent work * Provides social insurance mechanisms for craftsmen Platform work remains largely within a regulatory grey area. ---- ==== Farm Work ==== Agricultural labour is regulated under general labour laws with sector-specific adaptations. * Annual working hours: approximately **2,400 hours** * Daily working limits: 10–12 hours * Minimum wage (2023): **CFA 52,500/month** Protections include: * Social security coverage * Paid leave * Maternity protection (14 weeks) * Prohibition of child and forced labour ---- ==== The Mining Sector and Artisanal Mining ==== **Mining Code (Act No. 96-004 of 1996, amended 2003)** * Governs all mining activities * Applies to: * Prospecting * Exploration * Exploitation * Processing and trade Artisanal mining is defined as: * Non-mechanised or minimally mechanised activities * Requires an **artisanal licence** issued by the Directorate of Mines Recent policy efforts aim to: * Formalise artisanal mining * Improve governance * Address illegal mining ---- ==== Taxi and Transport Sector (Gig-work/platform economy overlap) ==== **Transport Law (2023)** * Aims to formalise and professionalise the sector Key features: * Licensing of operators * Registration of vehicles * Regulation of e-hailing platforms * Defined operating zones Additional reforms focus on: * Integration of informal operators * Safety and pricing regulation ---- ==== Cross-Border Informal Trade ==== Cross-border trade is influenced by: * ECOWAS frameworks * Trade Facilitation West Africa (TFWA) Programme * AfCFTA initiatives Policy direction focuses on: * Formalisation of informal traders * Reduction of trade barriers * Integration into formal systems Informal trade remains prevalent due to administrative and regulatory constraints. ---- ===== Sources / Links ===== * IIAG – Togo: https://iiag.online/locations/tg.html * Constitution of Togo (2024) * Labour Code (2021) * Framework Law on the Environment (2008) * Mining Code (1996, amended 2003) * ILO – Decent Work Country Programme * UN Population Data :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}