Togo: When the state and civil society join forces to safeguard financial integrity

In Togo, the fight against money laundering and terrorist financing has reached a new milestone. Aware of the stakes, the authorities and civil society actors are intensifying their efforts to regulate non-profit organizations (NPOs) with a dual objective: preventing any misuse of these structures for illicit purposes while preserving their legitimate activities.

This initiative, which is part of the implementation of Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Recommendation 8, deserves recognition for its inclusive approach and its clear focus on effectiveness.

A two-day roundtable organized by the West Africa Network for Peacebuilding (WANEP-Togo) and opened on Thursday, March 26, 2026, perfectly illustrates this commitment to consultation.

Bringing together public stakeholders, financial institutions, and civil society organizations, this meeting offers a privileged framework for discussing shared challenges and developing tailored responses.

“It is essential to work together to prevent the misuse of NPOs and to protect the integrity of financial systems,” emphasized Seyram Adiakpo, coordinator of WANEP-Togo, at the opening of the proceedings. A statement that captures the spirit of this partnership-based approach.

This initiative takes place in a context of ambitious reforms. In early March 2026, Togo adopted a new law on money laundering and terrorist financing, significantly strengthening due diligence obligations and monitoring mechanisms.

By aligning its legislation with FATF international standards, the country demonstrates its determination to protect its financial system from the risks of infiltration by criminal activities.

The regulation of NPOs is a particularly sensitive component of this reform. Recognized for their essential role in social development, mediation, and assistance to vulnerable populations, these organizations cannot, however, remain beyond all oversight.

The challenge is considerable: striking the right balance between preserving their freedom of action and establishing sufficient safeguards to prevent them from being exploited by malicious networks.

The roundtable organized by WANEP-Togo responds precisely to this requirement.

By bringing together the various stakeholders around the same table, it fosters collective ownership of the new provisions and helps identify best practices.

This participatory approach, which involves civil society in designing control mechanisms, is a guarantee of effectiveness and legitimacy.

Beyond compliance with international standards, it is the credibility of  the entire association sector of Togo that is at stake.

By demonstrating its capacity for self-regulation and cooperation with public authorities, Togolese civil society strengthens its position as a reliable partner.

This virtuous dynamic, combining rigor and trust, sets an example for the subregion.

Thus, through this collective mobilization, Togo is moving resolutely along the path of transparency and financial security, without sacrificing the essential space reserved for citizen organizations. An advance that does credit to both the State and civil society.

Chantal TAWELESSI