TOGO - Structure and strengthen the capacities of Togolese ESOs

Strengthening a dynamic but fragmented entrepreneurial ecosystem in Togo

In Togo, Enterprise Support Organizations (ESO) play a crucial role in the development of young businesses. However, this dense ecosystem is still too fragmented, with ESOs varying in maturity, visibility and specialization. Mainly concentrated in Lomé, they struggle to meet the needs of entrepreneurs throughout Togo, particularly in rural areas where access to support services remains limited. 

Lacking coordination and sustainable business models, these ESOs often lack visibility and resources, and struggle to offer quality support to young entrepreneurs. 
To meet these challenges, IYBA-SEED has launched a technical assistance program to structure and strengthen the capacities of Togolese ESOs.

A structuring technical response for the Togolese SAE ecosystem

The 18-month technical assistance mission is led by a consortium involving IYBA-SEED, Fanaka&Co and Deloitte Africa. It will adopt an approach combining in-depth diagnosis, targeted intervention and participative collaboration with all members of the Togolese entrepreneurial ecosystem. 

With a particular focus on developing synergies and common frames of reference between ESO, it will help to improve support for entrepreneurs in the pre-seed and seed stages through:

• Setting up a common reference system of quality standards for the ESOs in Togo and strengthening the organisational and operational capacities of 10 to 15 ESOs.

• Support for the development of specialisation programs for 5 pilot ESOs and support for the 5 pilot ESOs in the deployment of their specialisation programs by accompanying cohorts of entrepreneurs.

• Setting up a collaborative digital platform and shared tools.

• The creation of an active inter-ESO network at national and regional level.

A 18-month program to transform the entrepreneurial ecosystem

To achieve these objectives, the mission is structured in 6 complementary phases:

1) Participatory definition of performance standards for Togolese ESOs, based on African best practice.

2) In-depth diagnosis of some fifteen ESOs to assess their capacities and identify their specific needs.

3) Design and implementation of tailor-made capacity-building programs, combining group training and individual coaching.

4) Support for specialisation: five pilot ESOs will be helped to roll out specialised programs (agribusiness, bioenergy, ICTs, etc.).

5) Promotion of peer learning and collaboration, to encourage exchanges between structures and pool resources.

6) Capitalising on and disseminating good practice, with particular attention to gender equality and territorial anchoring.