Togo and the World Bank have reviewed progress on major coastal protection works underway in Aného as part of the regional WACA-ResIP programme aimed at combating coastal erosion and flooding across West Africa.
During a recent visit to the coastal area, World Bank Regional Director Harold Tavares joined Togolese officials and project teams to inspect ongoing construction works along the Gbodjomé-Agbodrafo-Goumoukopé coastline and lagoon restoration efforts in Aného. The project is focused on protecting vulnerable coastal communities from rising environmental risks linked to erosion and climate change.
According to project updates, 14 of the 22 planned groynes along the seven-kilometre coastal stretch had been completed by the end of April 2026. The structures, built by Boskalis under technical supervision from INROS LACKNER, are designed to stabilize the coastline and reduce long-term erosion. Each groyne measures between 60 and 75 metres in length.
The broader project also includes offshore sand dredging, beach replenishment, lagoon rehabilitation, and flood prevention infrastructure aimed at improving coastal resilience and reducing the threat of inundation in surrounding communities.
World Bank officials emphasized that the programme delivers both environmental and economic benefits. In addition to strengthening climate resilience, the works are creating local employment opportunities and helping revive economic activities in protected coastal areas.
Authorities in Aného say sectors such as fishing, catering, and leisure activities are gradually recovering as shoreline conditions improve. The restoration of coastal areas is expected to support local livelihoods while protecting infrastructure and communities from future environmental damage.
The WACA programme, co-financed by the World Bank and the French Development Agency (AFD), supports climate adaptation and coastal resilience projects across six West African countries, including Togo.
