Togo ranks second in Africa for women’s economic rights, according to the Women, Business and the Law 2026 report published by the World Bank.
With an overall score of 79.33 out of 100, the country stands out among the 190 economies assessed for progress made in advancing gender equality within legal and institutional frameworks.
The study awards Togo a perfect score of 100/100 on the legal framework in the areas of pay, marriage, asset management, and pensions, reflecting firmly established formal equality in these sectors. The country also performs above the Sub-Saharan African average in parental rights and entrepreneurship.
Regarding mobility, the legal framework scores 75/100, while the effectiveness of rights implementation reaches 68.75/100. Togo is also one of the few countries on the continent offering flexible work arrangements, supporting women’s entry into and retention in economic activity.
The report’s methodology is based on three dimensions: the existence of laws guaranteeing formal equality, the institutional mechanisms responsible for their implementation, and the assessment of the practical enforcement of these rights. On this last point, Togo records a score of 64.54/100, reflecting tangible progress in the exercise of women’s economic rights.
These results align with reforms undertaken under the leadership of the President of the Council, Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé, aimed at empowering women and promoting gender equality.
Key measures include the revision of the Persons and Family Code, which recognizes women’s non-monetary contributions in the event of marital dissolution, as well as the adoption of the 2022 Penal Code, which strengthens penalties for rape, sexual harassment, and gender-based violence.
The legal framework also guarantees equal access to land ownership and enhances protection for women during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
On the economic front, support mechanisms for women’s entrepreneurship have been strengthened, notably through the National Fund for Inclusive Finance (FNFI), which has already supported more than one million beneficiaries.
Authorities also highlight increased female participation in public procurement, agricultural value chains, and decision-making positions, illustrating a growing dynamic of women’s leadership.
The government has reaffirmed its commitment to continuing these reforms in order to consolidate progress and promote inclusive and sustainable growth based on equal opportunity.
