Togo is strategically located between two major economic hubs. These are Nigeria and Ghana-Cote d'Ivoire economic hubs. This makes the country, especially its southern and middle belt regions, have great potential economically.

The country is the fourth smallest country in West Africa. It has Ghana as a Western neighbour. To the east is the Republic of Benin. The north and south have Burkina Faso and the Gulf of Guinea, respectively. With a current population of less than 9 million, the country is projected to double it in the coming decades—good market prospects.

The territory used to be a German possession until France “took” control after the defeat of Germany in World War I. Togo had a coup in the third year after independence. It was the first country south of the Sahara to experience a successful military takeover.

The country is a major producer of phosphate and limestone in the region and Africa. In 2021, it produced 1.45 million tonnes of phosphate. It also produces gold and diamonds in significant quantities.

Prospecting for more gold deposits has recently become competitive in the country. Sharing a border with Ghana and Burkina Faso—two major producers of the metal in the region, many believe Togo may harbour great potential. Togo has found new mineral deposits like uranium that are attracting investors to the country. Its growing youthful population is also an asset as education improves.



Security challenges:
Issues securitized by Togo include terrorism, long-term domestic security, and stability. The threat of desertification in the north is a major environmental challenge.

ISIS and Al Qaeda groups threatening Sahel states have recently attacked Northern Togo. This has involved the death of personnel of the Togolese security forces. Desertification, on a southward push in the North, also poses a challenge regarding food security.



Verdict:
Despite its positive economic outlook, Togo's political environment is adversarial. Political protests by the opposition, which sometimes escalate into macabre clashes with security forces, are a significant security concern.

Tensions between the military-backed government and the opposition became unpredictably dangerous when the current leader effectively expunged term limits from the constitution.

This notwithstanding, protesters have not particularly target businesses and multinationals during protests. This puts Togo in a medium-risk zone environment for investment.