For decades, Togo’s leadership was predominantly male-dominated. Although women comprise 51.3% of the population and represent 51.1% of the agricultural workforce, their presence in high-level governance remained minimal. In 2017, women held only 17.6% of parliamentary seats; in 2019, they occupied just 29.5% of senior and middle management positions. However, that changed when Victoire Tomegah Dogbé was appointed Togo’s first female Prime Minister in September 2020. With her 2024 reappointment under Togo’s new parliamentary system, the Prime Minister and President of the Council of Ministers has received more executive power.
Building a New Legacy
As Prime Minister of the Togolese Republic under President Faure Gnassingbé’s leadership, Dogbé has taken steps to strengthen the country’s economy, empower women, and modernise governance. Thanks to her contribution to running the country, Togo has seen economic growth average 6.1% (2021–2023) despite global challenges. There has also been a record number of women in government, with nearly 30% of ministerial positions held by women.
Additionally, financial inclusion has expanded, with over 1.7 million people accessing funding through initiatives like the National Fund for Inclusive Finance (FNFI), which she actively supports.
Redefining economic and financial inclusion
Victoire Tomegah Dogbé has prioritised structural reforms, investment policies, and rural development to ensure growth reaches grassroots communities, women, and small businesses. Some of these initiatives include;
1. Finance work for the people
Access to finance has been one of the most significant barriers for small businesses and vulnerable communities in Togo. The Prime Minister supports initiatives like FNFI and Novissi to change that. More than CFA98 billion has been distributed to help entrepreneurs, especially women, launch and grow businesses, improve household incomes, and boost the economy.
2. Infrastructure
Dogbé has also investigated rural road rehabilitation projects to facilitate market access for farmers’ and artisans. Investing in these projects has boosted the local economy, reduced regional inequalities, and promoted trade expansion.
3. Investment and growth
Her administration has been modernising agriculture, developing industrial zones, and improving the business environment. These reforms are positioning Togo as a regional investment hub, which is increasing interest from foreign investors who see the country as an emerging player in West Africa’s economy.
Leading with gender-inclusive policies
In addition to the economic aspect of her role, Victoire Tomegah Dogbé has been a fierce advocate for gender equality. She is pushing for policies that break barriers for women in politics, business, and education. As Prime Minister, she has appointed more women to government positions than her predecessors. Women now hold nearly 30% of ministerial positions, increasing female representation in decision-making.
She has used programs like PEFA (Program of Excellence for Women in Africa), FAIEJ and PAEIJ-SP, to provide training, mentorship, and funding for youths and women in business. She also launched the HeForShe campaign in Togo as a strong political commitment to gender equality and women’s empowerment.
Furthermore, Togo now ranks among the leading sub-Saharan countries regarding legal protections for women, with 77% of rights available to men now extended to women. Victoire Tomegah Dogbé has also been involved in partnerships like the German-Togo reform partnership, which focuses on sustainable industrial development, vocational training, and good governance.
