Togo reactivates its Trade Barrier Alert Mechanism to ensure sustainable growth
A decisive step was taken today in the modernization of Togo's trade framework with the official re-launch of the Trade Barrier Alert Mechanism (MAOC). The reactivation is the fruit of collaboration between the International Trade Centre (ITC), the Ministry of Trade, Crafts and Local Consumption of the Togolese Republic, and the Togo Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCIT), and benefits from financial support from Germany and the European Union.
Strengthening the MAOC is one of the objectives of the Facilitation of Improved Access to International Markets (AMI Commerce Togo) project, launched in January 2024 as part of the Program to Promote the Competitiveness of the Private Sector in Togo (ProComp), co-financed by Germany and the European Union and implemented by the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ).
Objectives of the MAOC relaunch
The Trade Barrier Alert Mechanism is an innovative platform that aims to:
- Enable companies to rapidly notify the competent authorities of any difficulties encountered in their import or export activities;
- Provide business support institutions with real-time data on obstacles affecting businesses; and
- Help public authorities to identify and effectively remove trade barriers.
This reinforced platform is part of a drive to improve the business climate, boost the competitiveness of Togo's private sector, and stimulate trade at national, regional and international levels, particularly in the context of the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
At the event celebrating the reactivation of the MAOC, representatives from public authorities, business support institutions and the private sector had the opportunity to discuss the best approaches for ensuring the efficient operationalization of this mechanism. Emphasis was placed on the importance of close collaboration between the public and private sectors to ensure the rapid and efficient resolution of reported obstacles.
Discussions also focused on data collection and analysis methods, real-time access to information, and the need for a rapid response from the relevant authorities to reinforce the confidence of economic players. A second day, scheduled for February 20, will be devoted to mainstreaming this tool among the private sector, marking the start of a nationwide campaign to raise awareness and mobilize the private sector.
MAOC is designed to be a lever for inclusive and sustainable growth. By improving the business environment, it will promote increased trade, market diversification and the integration of Togolese SMEs into regional and global value chains.
Ludmila Azo, ITC Country Manager for Togo, explains the motivation behind the reactivation of MAOC: "In a global context marked by increasing fragmentation and tensions on supply chains, it is essential to remove the obstacles that hold back Togolese companies on regional and international markets. The MAOC platform offers them a practical solution for reporting these obstacles and gaining easier access to the opportunities generated by the AfCFTA."
The representative of the Ministry of Trade, Crafts and Local Consumption welcomed this major event: "The re-launch of MAOC is a concrete illustration of our shared commitment to promoting competitiveness and facilitating market access for Togolese businesses."
Lastly, the President of the CCIT summed up the challenges facing the MAOC: "The private sector is at the heart of economic development. This mechanism will enable companies to express themselves freely on the difficulties they encounter, with the assurance that rapid solutions will be found."
Notes to editors:
About the International Trade Centre
The International Trade Centre (ITC) is the joint agency of the World Trade Organization and the United Nations. ITC assists small and medium-sized enterprises in developing and transition economies to become more competitive in global markets, thereby contributing to sustainable economic development within the frameworks of the Aid-for-Trade agenda and the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.
About the German Agency for International Cooperation
The Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH is the German agency for international cooperation and sustainable development. Present in over 120 countries, GIZ promotes economic development, governance, education and environmental sustainability. In partnership with governments, international organizations and the private sector, GIZ provides tailored solutions to global challenges, particularly in the field of trade, by supporting initiatives to build capacity, improve market access and promote inclusive, sustainable value chains.
About the Facilitating better access to international markets project
The "Facilitation d'un meilleur accès aux marchés internationaux" (AMI Commerce Togo) project aims to improve trade by eliminating trade barriers and enhancing transparency. It has three main objectives:
- Identify and remove barriers to trade through stakeholder engagement and prioritization;
- Strengthen Togo's Trade Barrier Alert Mechanism (MAOC); and
- Facilitate international trade for Togolese SMEs through a trade facilitation portal (PFE) and the simplification of administrative procedures.
The project aims to create a more efficient and accessible business environment, to the benefit of the Togolese private sector and economic growth.
For further information, please contact:
Kwami Ossadzifo Wonyra, National Coordinator, AMI Commerce TOGO Project
Email : kwonyra [at] intracen.org (kwonyra[at]intracen[dot]org)
Tel : +228 / 90.01.32.09
