Togo's push towards digitalization has gained momentum following the creation of Agence Togo Digital, a government agency overseeing digital projects. To accelerate progress, the country is actively seeking partnerships.

Togo and Kazakhstan have expanded their bilateral collaboration in information and communication technologies (ICT) through a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed at the Digital Almaty Forum.

Signed by Togo's Digital Economy Minister Cina Lawson and Kazakhstan's Digital Development Minister Bagdat Mussin, the MoU focuses on supporting the "Togo Digital 2025" strategy, particularly digitizing administration and citizen services.

This cooperation aligns with a broader rapprochement between the two countries, following President Faure Gnassingbé's visit to Astana in November 2023 and the upcoming prospecting mission by a Kazakh delegation to Togo this week.

Under the MoU, Kazakhstan will assist Togo in implementing its digital agenda, drawing on its own e-governance experience. Kazakhstan launched its eGov.kz portal in 2006, offering over 200 automated services, and ranks 28th globally in the UN's e-Government Development Index (EGDI).

Similarly, Togo launched its national public services portal in 2022, including services like passport applications and building permits. This partnership aims to accelerate digitization in Togo, leveraging Kazakhstan's expertise.

Samira Njoya