Togo HAUQE: Boosts SME Market Access Via Quality Certification

Togo's High Authority for Quality and the Environment (HAUQE) convened business support organizations and private-sector representatives in Lomé on Thursday, September 3, to review and advance the Q-Boost program, aimed at integrating ISO 9001 quality management systems for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs). This meeting, part of the broader Alliance for Product Quality in Africa (AfPQ) project implemented by GIZ, focused on assessing the support provided to businesses and discussing strategies for embedding quality management into their operations. The Q-Boost program specifically targets micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises, offering comprehensive training based on ISO 9001, assistance with international certification processes, and guidance to meet evolving market requirements. The initiative extends beyond mere product quality, encompassing internal organizational structures, traceability protocols, and adherence to procedures throughout the entire production and distribution chain. The program has already seen significant engagement, with 17 SMEs selected for its second cohort in May, following a first cohort that supported 21 businesses from August 2025 to March 2026.