Togo and Germany have launched a new phase of their development cooperation with the introduction of the GNOZOU project, a four-year initiative designed to strengthen local and regional governance. Officially launched in Kara, approximately 412 kilometers north of Lomé, the program is supported by funding of 4.85 billion CFA francs (€7.4 million) and will focus on the Kara and Savanes regions.
The project aims to support decentralization and local development by strengthening the capacity of regional and municipal authorities. Key areas of intervention include regional planning, local economic development, job creation, financial governance, civic participation, and the effective management of local resources and public assets. Through these measures, the initiative seeks to improve the ability of local governments to drive sustainable economic and social development within their communities.
Implemented by the German development agency GIZ and financed by Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), the program is intended to help local institutions better utilize available resources while improving governance practices. The project also places particular emphasis on encouraging youth participation in local development processes and fostering stronger social cohesion across the target regions.
The launch of GNOZOU aligns with Togo’s National Decentralization Policy 2025–2034, which aims to transfer greater responsibilities and decision-making powers to local governments. As the country continues its decentralization reforms, the initiative is expected to help transform institutional progress into concrete improvements in public services and local development outcomes.
A wide range of stakeholders will participate in the implementation of the project, including regional governorates, regional councils, municipalities, civil society organizations, private-sector actors, and public institutions. Through this collaborative approach, the program seeks to strengthen local governance systems and support more effective management of responsibilities delegated by the central government.
