Togo’s economy continues to expand. In the first quarter of 2026, gross domestic product (GDP) grew by 3.8% year-on-year, compared with 3.6% during the same period in 2025, according to recently published quarterly national accounts from the National Institute of Statistics and Economic and Demographic Studies (INSEED).
This growth follows stronger performances recorded in the second, third and fourth quarters of 2025. However, comparing the first quarter with the same period of the previous year provides a clearer picture by minimizing seasonal effects, as the beginning of the year is traditionally less dynamic for certain economic activities.
Industry Drives Growth
The secondary sector emerged as one of the main drivers of this performance. It grew by 5.1%, contributing 1.1 percentage points to GDP growth, mainly supported by manufacturing activities.
The textile, clothing and footwear manufacturing industry recorded the most spectacular increase, rising by 36.4%, after declining by 16.5% a year earlier.
Construction also maintained its momentum, growing by 7.4%, while the manufacture of chemical products increased by 9.7%.
This strong growth in the textile industry comes as industrial capacity continues to expand at the Adétikopé Industrial Platform (PIA). Several production units, particularly those targeting export markets, have stepped up their activities, including Togo Apparels Source.
Transport, Logistics and Trade Provide Support
The tertiary sector, meanwhile, grew by 2.8%, contributing 1.3 percentage points to overall growth.
Transport and storage led the way with a contribution of 0.6 percentage points, followed by trade with 0.3 percentage points. This momentum has notably benefited from increased logistics activity linked to the Port of Lomé.
Economic performance at the beginning of the year was therefore driven by three particularly prominent sectors: industry, logistics and trade.
Figures to Be Interpreted with Caution
These quarterly figures should nevertheless be analyzed in light of the specific cycles affecting several sectors. Agriculture, industrial production cycles, trade and port activities are all subject to significant seasonal fluctuations.
A direct comparison between the first quarter of 2026 and the final quarter of 2025 could therefore provide a distorted picture of the country’s economic trajectory. A year-on-year comparison between the first quarters of 2026 and 2025 offers a more relevant assessment.
According to INSEED data, growth at the beginning of 2026 was mainly driven by the strong performance of industry and logistics, as well as by an increase in net taxes on products, whose contribution reached 1.2 percentage points.
Togo has therefore started 2026 on a positive trajectory, with the manufacturing industry gradually taking on a more significant role in the country’s economic growth.