Togo is writing a new chapter in its rural development history,with numbers that confirm an unprecedented transformation. Through a strategy focused on empowering young agricultural entrepreneurs,the country has created 68,800 direct jobs and 840,123 seasonal positions,supported over 4,500 productive initiatives,and mobilized more than $44 million in credit.
The shift began in 2016 with the launch of the Support Project for Youth Employability and Integration in Growth Sectors (PAEIJ-SP),which has benefited 1,420 young entrepreneurs,41 SMEs,and 3,178 agricultural groups focused on soy,cassava,maize,poultry,and livestock. These sectors have become the foundation of a model that integrates training,access to finance,and market linkages with a strong local approach.
Lesotho reduce las muertes maternas con un salvavidas digital
The results are also evident in business expansion. Yao Toyo’s JCAT scaled from handling 1,000 tons of soy in 2011 to 30,000 tons today,employing more than 250 people. Meanwhile,SAM Togo,led by Jean Paul Bogley,increased its revenue fivefold between 2015 and 2022 through organic soy exports. In Kamina,Dodji Ognankitan’s NSCPA grew its producer network from 174 to 3,700 in less than six years. Komi Kanko now manages a network of 44 livestock aggregators,supported by a nationwide logistics system.
In response to this measurable success,Togo scaled up its efforts in 2023 with a new $20.4 million program aimed at launching 9,278 youth-led enterprises—at least 30% of which will be led by women—and training 12,000 young people and women in business skills aligned with key value chains.
Beyond employment,the social impact is also tangible: 565 rural women have been taught to read and write as part of the inclusion process. These figures not only reflect a revival of the country’s agricultural potential but also a serious commitment to transforming the economic indicators of Togo’s rural areas through its youth.
United News - unews.co.za