The Togolese Republic (or “Togo” for short) is a small West African country with an estimated population of about 7.8 million people. About 40% of Togo’s population lives in urban areas in major cities and towns such as LOME, the capital. Lome contains about 1 million people.

The Togolese Republic is blessed with abundance of natural resources including limestone, phosphates, marble, and arable land. However, despite the abundance of natural resources, with 56% of its population living below the international poverty line, it is one of the poorest countries in Africa. Many struggle daily to meet their basic needs. Education is a pressing concern, particularly for girls; only 55% of females over 15 can read, perpetuating cycles of poverty and limiting opportunities.

Health issues compound these struggles, as 2.4% of adults live with HIV/AIDS, and a range of diseases—such as malaria, dengue fever, and hepatitis—pose ongoing threats to the population’s well-being. Additionally, environmental crises, including deforestation, water pollution, and the impacts of climate change, are jeopardizing the livelihoods of farmers and their families who face the harsh realities of droughts and unpredictable rainfall.

Corruption is also a major issue with Togo scoring 126th least corrupt country out of 180 countries (according to the Global Corruption Barometer 2023)