Togo Country Commercial Guide
Learn about the market conditions, opportunities, regulations, and business conditions in Togo, prepared by at U.S. Embassies worldwide by Commerce Department, State Department and other U.S. agencies’ professionals.
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Selling Factors and Techniques
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Trade Promotion and Advertising 

Key events in Togo include the Lome International Fair (FIL), the Made in Togo Fair, and the Adjafi Fair, all of which attract regional and international businesses. Sector-specific expos, such as those focused on maritime, health, and telemedicine, also provide valuable entry points for U.S. companies seeking to showcase products and build partnerships. Advertising and promotion are most effective through national newspapers, radio, and television, with social media increasingly playing a key role in reaching urban and younger audiences. The Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Togo (CCI-Togo) and the Centre Togolais des Expositions et Foires (CETEF) serve as the primary organizers for these events and can provide support and guidance for foreign exhibitors.

Pricing 

Togo applies a standard Value Added Tax (VAT) of 18%. Businesses with annual turnover above CFA 100 million are required to register for VAT. Import duties generally range from 5% to 35% of the CIF (cost, insurance, and freight) value, depending on the type of goods. Companies should also plan for additional levies and fees under WAEMU rules — including the statistical tax, community solidarity levy, and customs inspection fees — which can add roughly 1–2% of the CIF value. Other national taxes, such as excises, may further increase the total landed cost of imported goods. 

Sales Service/Customer Support 

Providing French-language customer support, including WhatsApp hotlines, is essential to building consumer trust in Togo. Consumers expect reliable delivery updates and clear after-sales assistance, particularly in urban markets where online purchasing is more common.

Local Professional Services 

Legal, accounting, customs, and logistics expertise are available locally. The CCI-Togo can connect foreign firms with vetted providers.

Principal Business Associations 

  • CCI-Togo – trade facilitation, B2B links, fair participation. Accepts foreign company participation.
  • CETEF – manages major fairs, supports SME and foreign exhibitors. Accepts foreign company participation.
  • AGET – brings together large-scale companies in various sectors. In 2024, the 87 members generated a combined turnover of about $2.6 million in revenue.

Limitations on Selling U.S. Products and Services 

Most sectors are open to foreign sellers, with restrictions mainly on defense, media, and some agricultural land ownership.
 

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