Togo: President Faure Gnassingbé praised for the significant progress in economic and social development achieved under his leadership.
Following the protocols of the annual general assembly of Africa 50, which took place in Lomé from Monday, July 3rd, to Tuesday, July 4th, 2023, the visionary and action-oriented leader, His Excellency Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé, President of the Republic of Togo, has been commended for the numerous advancements that Togo is making in its economic and social development.
Indeed, President Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé held discussions with several personalities who arrived in Lomé for the annual general assembly of Africa 50. He met with Dr. Sidi Ould Tah, the Director-General of the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA), and Dr. Ajay Mathur, the Director-General of the International Solar Alliance (ISA). The Head of State also received the Mauritanian Minister of Economic Affairs and Promotion of Productive Sectors, Ousmane Kane, and the Gambian Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs, Seedy Keita.
After his meeting with the President, Dr. Sidi Ould Tah, the Director-General of BADEA, stated that they discussed the remarkable performances of Togo in terms of socio-economic development, as well as the important role that the country is playing as a regional hub in aviation, the industrial sector, and logistical infrastructure.
«It is also an important financial hub. As you know, there are several financial institutions based here in Lomé. It was an opportunity for me to review the cooperation between the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa and the Republic of Togo. The cooperation is exemplary, but we would like to further strengthen it and increase the volume of financing granted to the Togolese government», said Dr. Ould Tah.
Regarding projects related to access to solar electricity in Togo, Dr. Ajay Mathur, the Director-General of ISA, stated that he discussed various aspects with President Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé.
However, the most important aspect was discussing how to proceed with ongoing major projects and make them viable and feasible in a short period of time.
They also talked about small projects, exploring how mini solar grids can be implemented to reduce the amount of energy imports.
These mini solar grids provide electricity to people who have never had access to it before and, at the same time, create jobs where none existed previously,” explained the Director-General of ISA.
Furthermore, he emphasized that mini solar grids also alleviate the burden of urbanization because people have jobs in rural areas and, more importantly, they can afford electricity prices.
«We are looking forward to working with the Togolese government to enable this, so that the private sector can invest. It is not necessary to rely on government investments to ensure that every person in Togo has access to electricity and solar power», he added.
In conclusion, the Mauritanian Minister of Economic Affairs and Promotion of Productive Sectors, Ousmane Kane, and his Gambian counterpart, Seedy Keita, conveyed warm greetings from their respective Presidents to the Head of State.
They reiterated their Presidents’ commitment to continue strengthening the friendship and cooperation between their countries and Togo for the well-being of their peoples.
Sitou Sitouvi
