Togo’s lawmakers passed a 207-article agricultural policy bill in its first reading on Thursday, 22 October 2026. The proposal aims to improve farmers’ access to finance and markets, raise agricultural productivity and promote local processing of crops. The government outlined its provisions on 25 October. The Senate must still examine the bill as the legislative process continues.
On financing, the bill provides for the proposed creation of a National Agricultural Development Fund, according to the Togolese Press Agency. It is intended to help organise investment in farming and provide a more stable framework for producers. Passing the first reading does not mean the fund is already operational or that fresh financing has been disbursed.
The proposed legislation also covers agricultural land tenure, irrigation, mechanisation and research. Better access to water, equipment and technical knowledge is among the measures intended to improve production capacity. Sustainable resource management and adaptation to climate risks are included in the framework.
Another stated priority is to process more farm products within Togo instead of selling them mainly as raw commodities. The authorities want a larger share of the value generated by farming to remain in the domestic economy and to support agribusiness activity. Training and opportunities for women and young people also feature in the bill.
The vote took place during the National Assembly’s fourth plenary sitting of its second ordinary session, chaired by Speaker Komi Selom Klassou. Agriculture Minister Antoine Lékpa Gbégbéni was among the government officials present. Klassou stressed the connection between increasing agricultural output and adding value through domestic processing, both central ambitions of the proposed reform.