Togo: Creates SONADU Decree, Merges Urban Planning Agencies

• Togo established the National Urban Planning and Development Company (SONADU) on October 6, 2026, through a Cabinet decree in Lomé.
• SONADU was formed by merging the Togolese Urban Planning and Development Company (CITAFRIC) and the Urban Works Implementation Agency (AGETUR-TOGO).
• The new entity aims to address rapid urbanization pressures and the growing demand for housing and infrastructure, particularly in Greater Lomé.
• Its responsibilities include planning and developing urban areas, improving housing, and managing urban projects for state and local authorities.
• The government intends for SONADU to rationalize public interventions, strengthen coordination, and improve governance in the urban sector for more efficient management.

This new entity is designed to centralize urban planning and development functions, addressing the pressures of rapid urbanization and the escalating demand for housing and infrastructure across Togolese cities.

Togo officially announced the establishment of the National Urban Planning and Development Company, known as SONADU, on Tuesday, October 6, 2026. This significant step in the nation's urban policy was formalized through a decree approved during a Cabinet meeting held in Lomé. The creation of SONADU represents a strategic move by the Togolese government to consolidate its efforts in managing the country's rapidly evolving urban landscape.

This new entity is designed to centralize urban planning and development functions, addressing the pressures of rapid urbanization and the escalating demand for housing and infrastructure across Togolese cities. Its formation marks a pivotal moment for the nation's approach to sustainable growth and the systematic organization of its urban areas, aiming to streamline processes and enhance efficiency in public interventions related to urban expansion.

SONADU was not created from scratch but emerged from the merger of two existing governmental bodies: the Togolese Urban Planning and Development Company, CITAFRIC, and the Urban Works Implementation Agency, AGETUR-TOGO. This consolidation reflects a deliberate strategy to unify expertise and resources under a single, more powerful umbrella, thereby improving the coordination of urban development initiatives.

The impetus behind this merger and the subsequent creation of SONADU stems directly from the challenges posed by the swift expansion of Togolese cities, particularly the Greater Lomé area. This rapid growth has led to an urgent and increasing demand for essential urban amenities, including housing, improved road networks, public facilities, robust sanitation infrastructure, and reliable utility networks. The government views SONADU as a critical instrument to better plan for and effectively manage this ongoing urban expansion, ensuring that development is both orderly and responsive to the needs of its growing population.

The responsibilities assigned to SONADU are extensive, encompassing the comprehensive planning and development of urban areas throughout Togo. Its mandate includes improving housing conditions and overseeing urban projects on behalf of both the state and local authorities. This broad scope positions SONADU as a central player in shaping the future of Togo's urban environment.

According to the Cabinet, the establishment of SONADU is intended to rationalize public interventions, bolster coordination, and enhance technical expertise within the urban sector. Furthermore, it aims to improve the governance and monitoring of urban development operations, all with the overarching goal of achieving more effective and efficient management. SONADU will operate within Togo’s established spatial planning framework, which already includes foundational documents such as the National Spatial Planning Scheme (SNAT), urban development master plans (SDAU), and local urban plans (PLU), integrating its work into these existing structures.

The government's clear objective with SONADU is to achieve superior planning and management of urban expansion. By centralizing functions previously handled by separate entities, the new company is expected to foster a more cohesive and strategic approach to urban development across the nation. This consolidation is anticipated to lead to more streamlined project execution and a more integrated vision for urban growth.

Ultimately, SONADU is poised to become the primary governmental vehicle for addressing the complex demands of urbanization in Togo. Its creation underscores a commitment to proactive urban management, aiming to transform the challenges of rapid growth into opportunities for structured and sustainable development that benefits all citizens.

Lawyers advising on real estate, construction, or infrastructure projects in Togo should note SONADU as the new central authority for urban planning and development. This consolidation may streamline project approvals or introduce new regulatory requirements, necessitating engagement with this entity for all relevant permits and compliance.

Source: Original reporting on Togo's urban development initiatives.