Togo has demonstrated strong political commitment to private sector development, with small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) representing the vast majority of registered businesses and contributing significantly to national GDP. However, their integration into regional value chains (RVCs) remains limited due to challenges such as informality, inadequate infrastructure, limited access to financing and weak technological capabilities. 

The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) offers new prospects for trade and industrial diversification, but more targeted policies are needed to unlock the potential of Togolese SMEs. 

To support this effort, UNCTAD is implementing a project to strengthen SME participation in RVCs by providing policy tools, institutional support and data-driven insights. The initiative focuses on sectors such as agro-processing, textiles, logistics services, fisheries, renewable energy and the blue economy. 

The national validation workshop will serve as a platform to present and refine the findings of a national study conducted under this project. It aims to validate sectoral recommendations and foster alignment with national strategies, while encouraging dialogues between government actors, the private sector and development partners. 

The workshop will bring together around 40 stakeholders and will cover thematic discussions, presentation of findings and policy options to accelerate SME integration into RVCs within the AfCFTA framework.