Key Economic Insights: The economy of Togo generates an estimated GDP of $11.89 billion ($1,384 per capita) supporting a population of 8,591,626. Productive output is anchored by 61.7% services, 21.0% industry and manufacturing, and 20.3% agriculture and natural resource extraction. Key merchandise exports include gold, refined petroleum, phosphates, soybeans, and plastic products.
Togo, with a population of about 8,591,626 (World Bank, 2025), is ranked among the world’s mid-sized nations. Located in West Africa, it covers 56,790 square kilometers, ranking 120th globally, just below Latvia.
As of 2025, Togo’s GDP stood at approximately $11.89 billion (World Bank), up from about $8.3 billion in 2022. The GDP per capita in 2025 was approximately $1,384 (World Bank), after steady growth in recent years.
Despite its challenges, Togo’s economy shows potential for growth and development, with opportunities for diversification and increased productivity in various sectors.
Togo Economic Structure & Sector Analysis
| Economic Dimension | Figure | Authoritative Source |
|---|---|---|
| GDP & Macro Output | Nominal GDP: $11.89 billion | Per Capita: $1,384 | World Bank WDI / IMF |
| Sector Breakdown | Services: 61.7% | Industry: 21.0% | Agriculture: 20.3% | World Bank National Accounts |
| Trade & Commodities | Top Exports: gold, refined petroleum, phosphates, soybeans, and plastic products | UN Comtrade / OEC |
| Demographics & Labor | Population: 8,591,626 | ILO / UN Population Division |
- Primary activities: 20.3% of GDP (World Bank, 2025).
- Secondary activities: 21.0% of GDP (2025).
- Tertiary activities: 61.7% of GDP (2025).
Primary Sector of Togo
With 70.23% of land dedicated to agriculture, the country produces a diverse range of products like cassava, yams, maize, and more. Agriculture contributes 20.3% to the GDP.
The top ten agricultural products, including oil palm fruit, soybeans, and cotton, highlight the sector’s significance and variety, sustaining the country’s agricultural sector.
The country’s geological diversity, with rich deposits of phosphates, limestone, marble, and vast arable land, fuels its primary sector. These resources drive the economy through mining, agriculture, and construction industries, contributing significantly to national development.
Secondary Sector of Togo
The secondary sector involves industries that produce finished goods from raw materials. In Togo, main industrial products include agricultural processing, cement, handicrafts, textiles, and beverages.
In 2023, Togo’s manufactures exports accounted for 35.95% of total exports, indicating their relatively lower significance in driving the country’s economy compared to other sectors.
Tertiary sector of Togo
The tertiary sector in Togo encompasses a wide range of services that focus on enhancing productivity and meeting various needs. Some key activities in Togo’s tertiary sector include restaurants, healthcare and medical care, education and training, banking and finance, communication and information exchange, and tourism and hospitality. These services help drive economic growth and improve quality of life in the country.
Notably, Togo’s economy heavily relies on tourism, contributing significantly to its GDP. With 876,000 annual arrivals, the industry is a major part of the economy. Lomé, the capital city, and the picturesque coastal town of Aneho are among the most popular destinations, attracting visitors with their vibrant culture and natural beauty. The tourism sector’s impact on Togo’s economic growth is undeniable.
Another example of tertiary economic activity is the mobile cellular sector, with approximately 6.6 million subscriptions, supporting technological growth by enhancing communication and access to digital services across the population.
Military Activities and Economic Sectors of Togo
It involves the primary sector, as resources are extracted for military use. The secondary sector includes the manufacturing of military equipment. Services provided by the military fall under the tertiary sector. The quaternary sector focuses on military research and development, while the quinary sector deals with high-level military decision-making and strategy.
In 2023, Togo’s military expenditure was approximately 276.3 million US dollars, which was about 4.0% of the country’s GDP (World Bank, 2023). The active military force consists of roughly 8,550 personnel, resulting in about 1.0 active military member per 1,000 capita.
International Trade of Togo
Import Activities of Togo
Togo’s imports, about $2.97 billion in 2024 (around 28% of GDP), help meet domestic needs and support economic growth.
Togo’s key import activities include refined petroleum, crude petroleum, motorcycles, garments, and rice. Its top import partners are India, China, South Korea, Nigeria, and Taiwan.
Exports Activities of Togo
In 2024, Togo’s total exports amounted to approximately $1.37 billion (World Bank/WITS), representing about 13% of its GDP. This highlights the significant role export activities play in the country’s economy.
Togo’s export activities are diverse, with key partners including India, Burkina Faso, Benin, Mali, and Cote d’Ivoire (World Bank WITS, 2023). The country primarily exports gold, refined petroleum, phosphates, soybeans, and plastic products. India is among Togo’s largest single export destinations, with regional West African partners (Burkina Faso, Benin, Mali, Cote d’Ivoire) collectively accounting for a substantial share.
Togo economy challenges in 2024
In 2024, Togo faces challenges with high rural poverty despite improvements in transparency and privatization. The agrarian economy struggles to lift many out of poverty, while the phosphate mining industry remains a key player. The country’s growing international shipping hub offers hope for economic growth, but the deep-rooted issues of poverty persist.
Sources
- World Bank Data: Togo
- IMF: Togo Country Profile
- World Bank WITS: Togo Trade Summary
- UN Comtrade Plus: Trade Flow
Last updated: October 2026
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