In Lomé, the Ministry of Fisheries, Livestock and Transhumance last week brought together livestock stakeholders and investors to explore opportunities in a sector seen as underdeveloped.
The meeting, financially supported by the African Development Bank (AfDB), highlighted the need to make livestock a pillar of food security and rural development.
Officials stressed three priorities: ensuring food security, spurring growth, and strengthening the resilience of rural communities. “Livestock remains underestimated, yet it should be a national priority,” said Dr. Matéyendou Lamboni, Secretary General for Animal Resources.
Representing the AfDB, Dr. Eklu Atiobevi Somado described livestock as “a promising engine for the Togolese economy,” adding that the government’s strategy could attract major structural investment.
Beyond the sector’s weaknesses, the stakes are economic and social. Livestock can create jobs, improve trade balance, and bolster food sovereignty. “Supporting livestock is not just investing in an agricultural subsector, it is investing in the security and resilience of our country,” said Minister Katari Foly-Bazi.
According to the Agriculture Ministry, Togo’s livestock population reached about 38 million heads in 2024, mostly poultry, with a forecast of over 41 million in 2025. The pig and goat sectors are also growing, with 2.24 million sheep and 6.36 million goats in 2024. This progress, partly due to stronger vaccination campaigns, still requires significant investment to be sustainable.
