Togo has earmarked CFA35 billion (about $63 million) in its 2026 Finance Law to advance the implementation of its decentralisation and deconcentration policy, despite ongoing fiscal constraints that continue to limit the capacity of local authorities.
According to projections contained in the budget, the funds will be mobilised by the Ministry of Territorial Administration, Decentralisation and Customary Affairs and represent 94 per cent of the ministry’s total allocation, estimated at CFA37 billion for the year.
The significant budgetary commitment is aimed at strengthening technical and administrative support for decentralised and deconcentrated structures, including communes, regional councils and governorships. Authorities say the funding will support the gradual transfer of powers to local governments, enabling them to respond more effectively and independently to the needs of citizens.
The ministry, led by Awaté Hodabalo, is expected to use the resources to reinforce institutional capacity at the local level and improve service delivery, in line with the government’s broader decentralisation agenda.
The renewed push follows the recent renewal of executive bodies across Togo’s 117 communes, a move the government believes will accelerate grassroots development through stronger and more accountable local governance.
In addition, regional councils, which assumed office in January 2025, are expected to consolidate their role in territorial administration and development planning. The government views these councils as critical intermediaries between the central administration and local communities.
Support will also be extended to governors, whose nationwide deployment was completed in 2024, to ensure better coordination and coherent implementation of public policies at the subnational level.
While the decentralisation drive is seen as key to inclusive development, analysts note that persistent fiscal limitations remain a challenge, potentially affecting the pace at which local authorities can fully assume their expanded responsibilities.
