Promoting sustainable economic development in Togo

Project description

Title: Programme for Sustainable Economic Development ProDED
Commissioned by: German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ)
Country: Togo
Lead executing agency: Ministry of Development Planning and Cooperation
Overall term: 2020 to 2023

Context

Togo’s economy is developing at a slow pace. Young people have few job prospects, as there is little industry and related employment. Consequently, some two-thirds of the population work in agriculture.

At the same time, training programmes are frequently outdated and do not meet the needs of the private sector. This gives vocational education a bad reputation, despite the need for skilled workers. Moreover, there is a lack of financial and technical support for people who wish to start their own business. The situation is especially difficult for women and people with disabilities.

Existing youth employment measures are also not well coordinated. Although Togo’s Government gives high priority to the issue given its huge economic, social and political relevance, so far this has not been reflected in the allocation of funds.

The Togolese Government wishes to transform the outdated technical and vocational education system into a modern, dual cooperative system that is more closely aligned with the needs of the private sector.

Objective

For young people in particular, the opportunities for training, employment and generating income are improved in selected development areas in Togo.

Approach

The Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH is supporting Togo on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). The project aims to set up sustainable economic development areas throughout the country and to this end is fostering the development of small and medium-sized enterprises by providing in-depth analysis. Secondly, the project uses the ‘Training and Business Development’ tool (Formation et Développement des Affaires, FoDA), which also addresses the needs of young men and women with little or no schooling and people with physical disabilities.

Career guidance and training are key aspects of the project’s activities. For example, a dual cooperative vocational training system has been developed specifically for Togo, complemented by a range of short-term technical training courses. All the models are centred on local steering structures, and involve government structures as well as chambers of crafts, schools, apprentices and parents. For example, the project is helping the ministry develop curricula and a quality control system.

In addition, the project is promoting dialogue between policymakers, the private sector and the stakeholders who provide training measures. It also identifies skilled occupations that could appeal particularly to young women and people with disabilities. These social groups are especially frequently excluded from educational opportunities and therefore affected by extreme poverty. 

Results

Currently, training under this dual system is being carried out in six Togolese cities for five occupations: cycle technician, vehicle mechanic, tailor, building electrician and joiner. Training courses in entrepreneurship have been developed to create prospects for self-employment. They help young people start their own business or to manage their existing business better.

In addition, the project has helped the Togolese employment agency ANPE (Agence nationale pour l'emploi) to develop its career guidance services. Overall, coordination of the various policy measures promoting youth employment and vocational training has been improved.

Last updated: June 2021