Published on and written by Cyril Jarnias
Moving to Togo to work, start a business, or launch a project means entering an ecosystem where human relationships matter as much as the business plan. The economic fabric is taking shape, public programs are multiplying, digital technology is expanding, but what really opens doors are the bonds of trust you manage to build with Togolese people… and with other expats already on the ground.
Good to know:
To build a strong network in Togo, an expat needs to adapt to the local business culture, leverage government initiatives and digital platforms, participate in economic events and international programs, and adopt good communication practices in a multilingual context.
Understanding the Togolese ecosystem before “networking”
Arriving in Togo unprepared means risking missing the essentials: the central role of hierarchy, respect, and personal relationships in professional life. The country has over 40 ethnic groups, a patchwork of languages and traditions, with French as the official language, but also widely spoken languages like Ewe and Kabiyè.
Caution:
Togolese society is highly hierarchical: age, rank, and role influence professional interactions. The final decision often rests with the most senior person, with a clear chain of command in public and private organizations. To develop a network, it is crucial to identify from the outset who decides, who influences, and who relays information.
Business culture places great importance on reputation, courtesy, and maintaining harmony. Negotiations move at a slower pace than in many Western countries, often requiring several meetings before reaching an agreement. So you need to integrate two cardinal virtues from the start: patience and perseverance.
Relational codes in Togo: the foundation of any network
Before even talking about “networking strategies,” an expat must master the gestures that show they know—or at least respect—local codes.
Greeting, asking how someone is, then talking business
In Togo, ignoring someone, walking past without greeting, or getting straight to the point with no preamble is poorly perceived. The right-handed handshake is the norm, sometimes accompanied by a slight bow or placing the left hand on the forearm to show extra respect, especially toward an elder or a superior.
Tip:
After the greeting, always ask how the person is, about their family or their day. This short ‘small talk’ phase is not a waste of time: it is the first building block of trust. Not neglecting it, even in a very professional context, shows that you are adapting to the local way of building connections.
Hierarchy and speaking up
In a meeting, you greet the most senior person first. Openly challenging a superior is rare and generally frowned upon. Disagreements are expressed in an indirect and nuanced way, especially when they involve a decision-maker.
In exchanges, the expat must therefore calibrate their directness. Too blunt or aggressive communication closes doors. Conversely, a polite, respectful tone, combined with open-ended questions and active listening, makes it easier to build long-term alliances.
Negotiation and building trust
Negotiations in Togo are deeply relational. Often, initial meetings are primarily about “getting to know each other” rather than immediately diving into the contract details. Decisions frequently involve several hierarchical levels; don’t be surprised if an agreement requires multiple back-and-forths.
Example:
An expat should rely on consistency—keeping commitments, responding to messages, and meeting agreed deadlines—to gradually build credibility, because the real agreement often rests as much on mutual trust as on the contractual document.
Gifts, invitations, and hospitality
Small gifts are appreciated, for example after a successful negotiation or during festive periods. Choose modest presents, sometimes related to your home country, avoiding anything that might seem ostentatious or corrupt. When offered a gift, receive it with your right hand, thank the giver, and don’t necessarily open it right away.
Accepting invitations to a meal or a social event is an excellent way to strengthen a professional bond. In Togo, sharing a meal is often a key moment to move a relationship from “contact” to “trusted partner.”
Managing the language factor: key to an effective network
French is the official language—of administration, education, and business. Yet not all Togolese speak French at an equal level, and many interactions take place in Ewe or Kabiyè depending on the region. English, since Togo joined the Commonwealth, is gaining importance but remains far behind French in most professional situations.
For an expat, developing a network therefore requires smart management of language barriers.
Good to know:
Investing in learning French is essential for working. Mastering a few phrases in Ewe or Kabiyè helps with integration and creates closeness with local contacts.
Next, in meetings and negotiations, using simple French, without jargon or complex idioms, makes understanding easier. Rephrasing, checking that everyone has grasped the key points, and sending written summaries after exchanges—these habits reinforce the expat’s perceived reliability.
Finally, for more technical projects, using specialized interpreters or translators can pay off, especially when it comes to contracts, training, or sensitive procedures.
Using expat communities as a springboard
One of the most rewarding reflexes upon arrival is to rely on existing communities.
InterNations and other expat networks
InterNations has a specific community for Togo, part of its network in 420 cities. The local chapter offers:
– social events (like the Lomé DinnerNations Group, which has already organized dinners on the beach or culinary-themed evenings),
– regular gatherings between expats from different countries,
– thematic groups that members can create themselves.
Good to know:
These meetings help break isolation and provide concrete data on promising sectors, reliable employers, active incubators, and trusted service providers (lawyers, accountants, real estate agents).
Other platforms like Expat.com complement this network, with forums, classified ads, and useful feedback to identify good neighborhoods, schools, doctors, and also potential partners.
Local associations and clubs
Several organizations mentioned in the data (local associations, language clubs, NGOs, etc.) serve as additional contact points. Simply getting involved in associative, sports, or cultural activities creates natural interactions with Togolese from very diverse backgrounds, including corporate executives, civil servants, and entrepreneurs.
For an expat, these hybrid spaces—neither entirely “business” nor purely social—are often where the most lasting ties are formed.
Opening up to the Togolese entrepreneurial ecosystem
Entrepreneurship is a powerful networking driver in Togo, especially now that authorities and many international partners are increasing support and matchmaking programs.
CCI-Togo, Ministry of Trade, and capacity-building programs
The Togo Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI-Togo) plays a central role. It is preparing a dedicated investment fund for start-ups, targeting high-potential sectors like digital, agro-industry, crafts, and services. Beyond financing, the chamber also provides technical support: mentoring, business model structuring, governance improvement, and market access.
The Ministry of Trade also organizes workshops for leaders of Very Small, Small, and Medium Enterprises (VSSMEs), covering key topics: access to finance, human resource management, and strategic partnership development. For an expat entrepreneur, participating in these training sessions is a double opportunity: upgrading skills and meeting a core group of motivated business leaders, often looking for technical or financial partners.
We can summarize some useful institutional levers in the table below.
| Entity / Program | Main benefit for the expat’s network | Key sectors / Themes |
|---|---|---|
| CCI-Togo | Start-up fund, mentoring, market access | Digital, agro-industry, crafts, services |
| Ministry of Trade (VSSME workshops) | Training, contacts with VSSME leaders | Finance, HR, partnerships |
| ANPE (National Employment Agency) | Employment intermediation, market info | All formal sectors |
| E-business strengthening programs | E-commerce training, incubators | Online commerce, marketing, legal |
International programs: Tony Elumelu, IYBA-SEED, Fanaka & Co
Several pan-African programs include Togo and offer excellent networking opportunities:
Good to know:
The Tony Elumelu Entrepreneurship Programme provides up to $5,000 in non-repayable seed capital, 12 weeks of training, mentoring, and access to an international network. Togolese project leaders, at any stage (idea or existing), can apply. Those not funded still get access to the training and can reapply. Expats can contact alumni in Togo to meet entrepreneurs with international standards.
– IYBA-SEED Togo works to network the entrepreneurial ecosystem actors across the country, including universities, training schools, and media. The initiative promotes alternative financing (business angels, crowdfunding, “investment readiness”) and highlights local success stories in the press. By joining these communities, an expat can quickly identify the most dynamic hubs, as well as financial or technical partners.
Strengthening support structures
Structured program with Fanaka & Co and Deloitte Africa for incubators, hubs, and associations: training, tailored support, networking, and workshops.
Intervening as an expert, mentor, or trainer boosts visibility and positions you at the heart of the key players’ network.
Collaboration with Fanaka & Co and Deloitte Africa to provide quality support to innovation structures.
Dedicated events and workshops to connect foreign professionals with influential ecosystem players.
Diaspora, “Diaspora Desk,” and investors
Another powerful lever is the government’s proactive policy toward its diaspora. Togo has established a Diaspora Desk, a technical unit of the High Council of Togolese Abroad, which helps Togolese abroad carry out projects in the country (formalities, business plans, finding partners, even tax exemptions for certain equipment).
The country has also conducted a digital census of its diaspora to map skills and investment capacities. Tools like a future diaspora investment fund (FITEX), a dedicated incubator, and placement platforms in institutions are being prepared.
For a non-Togolese expat, it is particularly interesting to connect with these diaspora networks. They bring together profiles often straddling multiple cultures and are already structured around entrepreneurial or investment initiatives. Building ties with these players can sometimes be the key to forming a credible consortium for a large-scale project (digital, agro-industry, energy, etc.).
Leveraging digital tools to expand and maintain your network
Even though online communication is less dominant than in Europe or North America, Togo’s digital landscape is evolving fast. As of late 2025, there are 8.4 million active mobile connections, or 86% of the population, and over 3.6 million internet users (about 37% penetration rate).
Facebook, TikTok, WhatsApp… and professional platforms
Facebook is the most used platform, with over 80% market share among connected users. Facebook Marketplace alone handles more than 2.5 million transactions per month and remains the top social commerce space. For a professional expat, it would be a mistake to see Facebook only as a “personal” tool: it is also a huge channel for visibility and prospecting.
50
TikTok Shop accounts for more than half of social commerce transactions.
LinkedIn remains a minority in user volume, but its role is growing in B2B relationships. More and more sellers, consultants, and service providers use it to find clients and partners. The platform Go Africa Online, positioned as an African professional network, also deserves attention: it allows you to publish content, build a community, and increase visibility in the West African Francophone space.
Useful uses for the expat
Summary of the most useful uses for an expat
Simplification of procedures and official documents
Tools to stay in touch with family and colleagues
Access to healthcare and medical coverage abroad
Managing accounts and international transfers
| Platform | Main use in Togo | Network value for expat |
|---|---|---|
| Facebook / Marketplace | Social, news, local commerce | Find clients, providers, pro & expat groups |
| WhatsApp / Business | Direct communication, customer relations | Prospect follow-up, sector groups, quick distribution |
| TikTok / TikTok Shop | Social commerce targeting youth | Product/brand visibility, understand youth trends |
| Instagram / Shopping | Fashion, lifestyle, brands | Brand image, influencers, marketing partnerships |
| Professional connections, job postings, B2B | Target decision-makers, expert visibility, sector monitoring | |
| Go Africa Online | African pro network, business directory | Local SEO, B2B contact initiation |
Assinyon and other local initiatives
A local platform like Assinyon, launched by the ministry in charge of Trade and Quality Control, aims to promote Togolese products by simplifying online market access for entrepreneurs. For an expat, being present on it (or supporting a local partner on it) allows you to connect with a community of producers, traders, and artisans who may not master the algorithms of major international platforms but are well rooted on the ground.
Participating in events like the Social Media Meet Up—a gathering dedicated to social media and influencer marketing professionals—is also an effective way to meet the new faces of Togolese digital communication: community managers, agencies, content creators, etc.
Taking advantage of major economic events for smart networking
Togo increasingly hosts regional forums and trade fairs, bringing together investors, policymakers, and entrepreneurs from across the continent.
Biashara Africa Forum, BOAD Development Days, UK-Africa Forum…
Events like the Biashara Africa Forum in Lomé gather over 1,500 participants from several African countries, with conferences, thematic panels, B2B sessions, a Togo “village” for national exhibitors, and dedicated networking spaces. For an expat, these events condense in a few days what would be difficult to build over several months of individual efforts: an overall view of state priorities, major investment projects, and companies seeking partnerships.
Good to know:
The BOAD Development Days, organized by the West African Development Bank, bring together ministers, international donors, commercial banks, real estate developers, and energy and climate specialists. This event allows you to identify bankable projects in real estate, infrastructure, green energy, and sustainable cities, and to position yourself as an expert, consultant, supplier, or investor.
The UK–West and Central Francophone Africa Trade and Investment Forum, co-organized by the Togolese government and British authorities, illustrates the growing role of Lomé as a dialogue platform between foreign investors and Francophone countries. The expat will find both Togolese officials ready to present their pro-business reforms and British companies seeking credible local partners.
Good to know:
It is possible to quickly map the types of contacts available at these events, which helps identify the relevant interlocutors.
| Event | Profiles encountered | Potential network for expat |
|---|---|---|
| Biashara Africa Forum | African investors, SMEs, decision-makers | Regional partnerships, intra-AfCFTA projects |
| BOAD Development Days | Ministers, donors, banks, developers | PPP structuring, energy, real estate, infrastructure |
| UK–West & Central Africa Forum | UK officials, companies, Togolese government | Joint ventures, export financing, professional services |
| SIEF (Women’s Entrepreneurship Fair) | Women entrepreneurs, trainers, sponsors | Program co-creation, mentoring, B2B offers |
| SIPEN-UEMOA (digital economy) | Startups, tech players, investors | Digital projects, fintech, agritech, cybersecurity |
Each time, the challenge for the expat is not to “collect business cards,” but to target a few quality meetings, follow up after the event, and turn them into concrete collaborations (short assignment, workshop, co-project, introduction to other contacts, etc.).
The Togolese job market is transforming rapidly under the influence of digitalization, major infrastructure projects, and agricultural modernization. For an expat, establishing yourself in the right sectors increases the likelihood of building a useful network.
Recent data highlight several high-demand areas:
Promising sectors in Togo
Opportunities in key business sectors
Web and mobile development, cybersecurity, design, IT services.
The deep-water port of Lomé makes it a major regional hub.
Roads, housing, infrastructure.
Medical and paramedical professionals, facility management.
Every business needs these skills.
Modernization of production and processing.
An expat specialized in these areas should prioritize their networking efforts toward:
– established large companies (banks, telecoms, industrials),
– growing local start-ups and SMEs,
– support structures (incubators, consulting firms, public agencies),
– online sector communities (WhatsApp, Facebook, LinkedIn groups).
Building your credibility step by step
In Togo, formal employment opportunities remain limited relative to the size of the working population, with a high prevalence of the informal sector. The network plays a crucial role in accessing the “right” positions or contracts. But this network is only fully given to profiles perceived as serious, respectful, and committed over the long term.
For an expat, a few principles apply:
1. Clarify your positioning: be able to explain in a few sentences what you bring to the Togolese market (expertise, technology, project structuring capacity, access to international networks).
Good to know:
Participating in workshops, offering free talks at schools or incubators, and leading training sessions are actions that build trust and visibility, even if they are not immediately profitable.
3. Nurture the intercultural dimension: if possible, train in a structured approach to cultural differences, especially in communication, negotiation, and project management. Some organizations offer seminars dedicated to relations with Togolese people; taking advantage of these modules can avoid many misunderstandings.
4. Maintain the network over time: a regular message, sharing opportunities, connecting two Togolese contacts, a courtesy call before a major event—these small attentions build lasting relational capital.
Leveraging support mechanisms for businesses and investors
Beyond the “human” dimension, the expat must know the main counters and structures that shape the business environment in Togo. Not only do they simplify procedures, but they are also nodal points of the local economic network.
They can be grouped as follows:
| Structure / Mechanism | Key role | Network value for the expat |
|---|---|---|
| Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI-Togo) | Business support, funds, trade fairs, matchmaking | Access to business leaders, events, calls for projects |
| Business Formalities Center (CFE) | One-stop shop for business creation | Meet other founders, service providers, get advice |
| Investment promotion agencies | Project support, sector information | Introduction to institutions and major projects |
| Diaspora Desk | Support for Togolese abroad with projects | Connection to binational investors and entrepreneurs |
| ANPE, youth employment programs | Employer–candidate matching | Recruitment of local talent, understanding the labor market |
Approaching these structures in the first few weeks saves valuable time, avoids mistakes, and above all gets you noticed by the people who “see” most serious projects pass through.
Adapting your pace to local realities
A final dimension, often underestimated by expats, concerns time management and the calendar. Togo, like many countries in the region, has a number of public holidays (national and religious) that significantly impact economic activity: office closures, service slowdowns, and unavailability of certain contacts.
Good to know:
Punctuality is appreciated at formal appointments, but you must accept that meetings may start late, decisions may take longer, and projects may materialize after a few months’ delay, all while maintaining contact without excessive pressure.
In summary: a network that is earned, not declared
Developing your professional network in Togo is not about collecting business cards over a few evenings, but about entering a logic of lasting relationships, built on:
– respect for cultural and hierarchical codes,
– communication adapted to linguistic realities,
– active presence in expat communities and local associations,
– involvement in the entrepreneurial ecosystem and major economic events,
– frequenting institutional counters and support programs,
– consistency in exchanges and keeping commitments.
Good to know:
By combining several dimensions (sectoral, institutional, associative, digital), an expat can, within a few months to a year, become a recognized and integrated player in Togo. This approach turns their experience into a career or entrepreneurial project accelerator.
This country, which bets on innovation, agro-industry, services, and digital technology, offers fertile ground for those who accept to learn its codes, adapt to its pace, and actively participate in building its economic future. The network is not just a tool; it is the backbone of long-term success.
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Cyril Jarnias is an independent expert in international wealth management with over 20 years of experience. As an expatriate himself, he is dedicated to helping individuals and business leaders build, protect, and pass on their wealth with complete peace of mind.
On his website, cyriljarnias.com, he shares his expertise on international real estate, offshore company formation, and expatriation.
Thanks to his expertise, he offers sound advice to optimize his clients' wealth management. Cyril Jarnias is also recognized for his appearances in many prestigious media outlets such as BFM Business, les Français de l’étranger, Le Figaro, Les Echos, and Mieux vivre votre argent, where he shares his knowledge and know-how in wealth management.
