Work & Business Guide · TogoWork & Business Guide in Togo
Job market, business opportunities, and work permits for expats
Employment Rate
95.9%Very high employment rate (95.9%) reflecting low official unemployment (1.9-4%), but dominated by informal sector (55% of labor force). Agriculture employs 30-42%, services 49%, with youth and gender gaps in formal jobs.
Startup Ecosystem
35.0%Emerging ecosystem with government support via SCAPE and Vision 2030 emphasizing trade and job creation. Limited VC funding and incubators, but opportunities in agrotech and services amid entrepreneurial culture in informal markets.
Average Salary Range
F CFA 2,000,000 - F CFA 15,000,000 annually
Average salaries ~3-8M XOF/year; agriculture low (2-4M), services/manufacturing higher (5-15M). Low cost of living boosts purchasing power, but informal jobs often cash-based with minimal benefits.
Work Visa Requirements
Visa-free entry up to 90 days; work permit required via Ministry of Labor for longer stays. Carte de séjour needed for residence.
Work visa and permit required; apply via Togolese embassy with job offer, processed 1-3 months. Special authorizations for investors/skilled workers.
Strict work authorization needed for all foreigners; employer-sponsored permits common. Processing 1-3 months; investment visas faster under APIEX. No digital nomad program.
Business Registration
3-7 business days
Streamlined via APIEX one-stop shop: online/in-person registration for SARL (LLC equivalent, no min capital). Requires ID, articles of association, fees ~100k-500k XOF. Togo ranks improved in Ease of Doing Business.
Remote Work Policies
No specific remote work law; governed by Labor Code allowing telework by agreement.
Limited remote culture due to informal economy and infrastructure; growing in services/tech with hybrid options in Lomé. Co-working spaces emerging, but power/internet challenges persist.
Key Industries
Job Opportunities by Sector
High demand for farm managers, agribusiness specialists, crop processors. Employs 30-42% workforce; growth in cash crops, food production. Entry-level 2-4M XOF, skills training via govt programs.
Opportunities in trade, transport, finance (49% GDP). Jobs for logistics coordinators, bankers, retailers. Lomé port drives demand; salaries 4-10M XOF with career growth.
Expansion in textiles, food processing; roles for technicians, supervisors (20% employment). Govt incentives boost sector; competitive pay 5-12M XOF.
Public projects create engineer, construction manager jobs. Steady growth from investments; expat opportunities in contracts, 8-15M XOF.
Port of Lomé hub needs customs agents, supply chain experts. Trade strategy fuels demand; multilingual skills valued, salaries 6-12M XOF.
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