Togo plans to double its coffee output to 50,000 tonnes by 2030 through an $18.5 million investment in the sector. The government aims to enhance living conditions for producers, increase profitability, and stimulate farming interest. Recent production growth of 27,330 tonnes and an increase in coffee exports reflect the impact of government and private sector reforms launched in 1996, despite previous socioeconomic challenges.
Prime Minister Victoire Tomegah of Togo has announced plans to invest $18.5 million to bolster the coffee sector, aiming to enhance robusta production to at least 50,000 tonnes by 2030. The campaign seeks to improve prices for farmers and stimulate interest in coffee farming, emphasizing the significance of sustainable living conditions and profitability for all industry stakeholders.
This investment reflects the government’s commitment to revitalizing both coffee and cocoa sectors, alongside generating wealth and decent jobs, particularly in rural areas. Konlani Dindiogue, Chief of Staff of the Ministry of Agriculture, highlighted the importance of effective farm maintenance, including proper fertilizer application and the rehabilitation of aging plantations.
Togo’s coffee production, which reached 27,330 tonnes in 2023, shows an impressive rise from only 10,950 tonnes in 2013. This translates to nearly a 150% increase over the last decade and surpasses the country’s outputs in previous decades, despite historical declines due to investment deficiencies and farmers shifting to more profitable crops.
Recent export figures also reflect growth, with Togo exporting 60,000 bags of coffee from March 2023 to February 2024, up from 50,883 bags the previous year. This trend is attributed to government and private sector initiatives aimed at reinforcing the coffee sector reforms that begun in 1996, although these efforts faced various socioeconomic challenges over time.
The coffee market in Togo is currently dominated by major players including STCP, Yentoumi, Olam, and Banamba. These companies together account for a significant proportion of Togo’s coffee exports, estimated between 50% to 80%. Enhanced financing will be crucial for sustaining the ongoing reforms and achieving the ambitious goal of doubling coffee output in the next five years.
Togo is set to significantly enhance its coffee production and market strategy by 2030, with substantial investments aimed at improving living conditions for farmers and boosting profitability in the sector. Despite past challenges, recent growth trends in production and exports suggest a positive trajectory that could see Togo emerge as a key coffee producer in West Africa, provided adequate financing and support continue to bolster ongoing reforms.
Original Source: stir-tea-coffee.com
