Economic Activities in Togo: Primary, Secondary, Tertiary, and Quaternary

Togo, with a population of about 9,515,236 (World Bank, 2024), 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 2024, Togo’s GDP stood at approximately $10.65 billion (World Bank), up from about $8.3 billion in 2022. The GDP per capita in 2024 was approximately $1,119 (World Bank), reflecting 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.

What are the economic activities of Togo?

• Primary activities: 28.8% of GDP (CIA World Factbook, 2017 est.).
• Secondary activities: 21.8% of GDP (2017 est.).
• Tertiary activities: 49.8% of GDP (2017 est.).

Primary Sector of Togo

Togo’s primary sector, predominantly agriculture, thrives due to its tropical climate and rich natural resources. With 70.23% of land dedicated to agriculture, the country produces a diverse range of products like cassava, yams, maize, and more. Agriculture contributes 28.8% to the GDP, showcasing its economic importance.

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

What is the secondary sector or what are secondary activities?

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. These products are manufactured for domestic consumption and export, contributing to the country’s economy and development.

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

What is the tertiary sector or what are tertiary activities?

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 play a crucial role in driving economic growth and improving the overall quality of life in the country.

Notably, Togo’s economy heavily relies on tourism, contributing significantly to its GDP. With an impressive 876,000 annual arrivals, the industry plays a crucial role. 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

The military is a key example of many economic activities in 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 import activities, totaling about $2.97 billion in 2024 (around 28% of GDP), are crucial for meeting domestic needs and driving 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
• CIA World Factbook: Togo
• World Bank WITS: Togo Trade Summary
• UN Comtrade Plus: Trade Flow

Last updated: June 19, 2026