Togo about to seal $200M deal with World Bank for major electricity and internet project

Energy

Wednesday, 22 November 2023 16:04

Togo about to seal $200M deal with World Bank for major electricity and internet project

(Togo First) - Togo could soon secure $200 million from the World Bank for the Improved Digital Access and Electricity Access Project (IDEA). The latter aims to boost access to the internet and power in the country.

In case it comes through, the $200 million financing would be the biggest Togo ever received from the World Bank.

According to someone familiar with the matter, a deal could be signed soon. Referring to the IDEA, the source said: “This project has been in the pipeline for some time”. Documents consulted by Togo First indicate that the project has four goals.

Firstly, it aims to improve the reliability of transmission services in northern Togo, where current losses in electricity distribution represent over 17%, according to the latest statistics.

Secondly, it seeks to extend the coverage of electricity services, both on and off the grid, in target areas.

Thirdly, the IDEA project aims to increase broadband network coverage and access to digital services, in a country with an internet penetration rate of 35% (DataReportal).

The last objective of the IDEA is to bolster the operational performance of the CEET, Togo’s power utility.

Under the project, a 161 kV high-voltage transmission line will be built to reinforce the CEET’s grid. Also, around 262 km of lines will be laid across the country, thus supplying power to remote areas. At the same time, the new project incorporates an innovative digital dimension. Fiber optic cables will be installed along the new high-voltage transmission lines, creating a state-of-the-art communications infrastructure.

"These lines will be equipped with fiber optic cables to extend the reach of the fiber optic network of SIN [the company responsible for managing the state's digital and public telecoms infrastructures, ed. note], thus enabling equitable distribution of bandwidth to all telecoms operators in Togo," said sources close to the matter. This is a major development, according to the sources who added that "it will reduce the digital divide and boost socio-economic development in previously isolated areas of Togo".

The project also supports the deployment of smart stand-alone solar systems in rural areas, like other national projects in the CIZO which provides affordable solar home systems.

Fiacre E. Kakpo

Tinga Fund Expands to Togo's Maritime Region, Bringing Affordable Electricity Access

Tony Elumelu Foundation Sets May 5th as Deadline to Apply to Women Entrepreneurship for Africa Program

BRVM and GGGI Partner to Boost Green Finance in UEMOA Countries

CCI-Togo Kicks Off Candidate Applications for Upcoming Consular Elections

UOMA Securtities Market: Togo Records New Success

Djobo-Babakane Coulibaley Sworn in as Head of Togo's Constitutional Court

Togo Closes Land Borders Amidst Regional and Legislative Polls

Togo Holds Regional and Legislative Elections Today

Cooperation: Togolese Top Officials meet with Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council

Togo: Government Launches Energy Training Program Targeting 500 Young Men and Women

REFORMS OVERVIEW

STARTING A BUSINESS (more info)

At the fifteenth position, worldwide, and first in Africa, under the Starting a Business index of the 2020 Doing Business ranking, Togo sustains its reformative dynamics with more reforms….

ENFORCING CONTRACTS (more info)

Compared to some years ago when it was one of the lowest rankers under the Doing Business’ Enforcing Contracts indicator, Togo, leveraging many efforts to improve its business climate, was able to jump significantly on the index in the recent years... .

CONTRACT EXECUTION (more info)

Creation of special chambers of commerce for small debts • Creation of chambers of commerce at the Court of Appeal • Civil and commercial cases now handled by distinct clerks • Establishment of commercial courts in Lomé and Kara • Lawyers and bailiffs now have access to the FORSETI COMMERCIAL platform • A maximum period of 100 days was fixed to settle a commercial dispute .

TRADING ACROSS BORDERS (more info)

In comparison to previous years,Togo has significantly improved its ranking under the“Trading across borders” indicator by adopting multiple reforms that focus mainly on the digitization and reduction in delays, for import and export procedures related to import and export.

In comparison to previous years, Togo has significantly improved its ranking on the “Trading across borders” index by adopting multiple reforms that focus mainly on the digitalization and reduction in delays, for import and export procedures related to import and export.

CONSTRUCTION PERMIT (more info)

After moving from the 133rd to 127th place under the 2020 Doing Business’ construction permit index, Togo intends to reiterate this feat in the coming edition of the global ranking. To this end, it has introduced this year multiple reforms.

GETTING ELECTRICITY (more info)

Over the past two years, Togo’s ranking under the Doing Business’ Getting electricity and water indicator has increased consistently. Owing this performance to multiple reforms aimed at making it easier for businesses to access power and water, Lomé plans to introduce even more reforms this year to keep up its improvements.

REGISTERING A PROPERTY (more info)

Out of all the 'Doing Business’ indicators, Property Registration is where Togo has improved the most since 2018. Indeed, after spending years in the lowest part of this ranking, the country now seeks to beat Rwanda which is the best performer on this index in Africa. To do so, Lomé has been introducing many reforms, with the latest batch implemented this year.

PUBLIC PROCUREMENT (more info)

From professionalization to digitization, through legislative regulations, Togo’s public procurement framework is constantly being modernized. Several reforms have been implemented to improve the sector much to the benefit of the private sector, which is the focus of the National Development Plan.

PAYING TAXES AND DUTIES (more info)

To improve its business environment, Togo introduced some important reforms related to the payment of tax and duties. From the replacement of some taxes to the cancellation of others through exemptions, the country has only one objective: offer the most attractive tax framework to investors and economic operators. To achieve this, the authorities relied on digitization.