Togo

Region: Western Africa Regional Economic Communities (REC): ECOWAS · CEN-SAD · OHADA

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(To be linked)

• ECOWAS
• CEN-SAD
• OHADA

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}

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 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.

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

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 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.

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

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.

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.

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

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

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 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.

• 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}