Lomé (Togo), 19 July 2024 (ECA) - As part of the implementation of the African Union's Roadmap "Reaping the full benefits of the demographic dividend by investing in youth", the Sub-Regional Office for West Africa of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (SRO-WA/ECA) is providing technical support to the Government of Togo for the operationalization of Demographic Dividend Sensitive Budgeting.
This technical support aims to strengthen Togo's efforts to accelerate the capture of the Demographic Dividend, which is essential for inclusive, transformative, and sustainable economic development in the country.
According to estimates by the National Institute of Statistics, Economic, and Demographic Studies (NISEDS), based on the results of the latest general population and housing census (GPHC5, November 2022), young people under 15 years old and those under 25 represent approximately 37.5% and 59% of the Togolese population respectively. The annual population growth rate is estimated to be 2.30% in 2023, and the total population could double every 30 years.
This demographic profile highlights two interdependent imperatives: investing in gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls, as well as accelerating the capture of the demographic dividend. To address these requirements, it is essential to allocate public resources effectively and efficiently through the State budget, which serves as the primary tool for implementing Togo's development objectives.
Given the decline in the total fertility rate, which decreased from 6.8 children per woman in 1981 to 4.14 children per woman in 2023 (UN World Population Prospects, 2022), it is evident that Togo has initiated its demographic transition.
This technical support comes at the right time, as it allows the integration of demographic dividend-sensitive budgeting into Togo's 2025 budget, thereby solidifying the country’s strong commitment to accelerating the capture of this dividend.
Mr Anakpa Essokiza, the Director General of Budget and Finance of Togo stated: "We are convinced that demographic dividend-sensitive budgeting is a key strategy for transforming demographic potentials into real societal benefits, integrating demographic dynamics and considering gender in the budgetary process will make policies more inclusive and effective, thereby contributing to sustainable and equitable development for all".
As for her part, the Director of SRO-WA/ECA, Mrs. Ngone Diop, stated: "The technical support provided by ECA to Togo align with the country's commitment to accelerating the capture of the demographic dividend and promoting gender equality through appropriate allocation of public resources to the health, education sectors and the creation of decent jobs for young people".
This initiative is being carried out in partnership with the DDSB Togo team, gender focal points, Administrative and Financial Directors, the DPSSEs of the ministries and institutions, as well with UNFPA.
Issued by:
Communications Section
Economic Commission for Africa
PO Box 3001
Addis Ababa
Ethiopia
Tel: +251 11 551 5826
E-mail: eca-info@un.org