Togo SONAFIR: Naka Gnassingbé de Souza Appointed Director General

• Naka Gnassingbé de Souza was appointed Director General of Togo's new road financing agency, SONAFIR, on October 23, 2026, in Lomé.
• SONAFIR, formally established by decree on June 26, 2026, replaces the previous agency, SAFER, which had operated since 2012.
• The government initiated this restructuring to address difficulties in raising sufficient funds for the growing financial needs of the road sector.
• Under the new framework, SONAFIR is responsible for financing road infrastructure, while AGEROUTE TOGO will oversee project implementation.
• The reform aims to diversify funding sources and build new partnerships, moving beyond SAFER's reliance on petroleum taxes and road tolls.

The government's primary motivation for this comprehensive restructuring stems from persistent challenges in mobilizing adequate financial resources to meet the escalating demands of the road sector.

On October 23, 2026, Naka Gnassingbé de Souza officially assumed her role as the inaugural director general of Togo's newly established road financing agency, the Société nationale de financement routier (SONAFIR), during a ceremony held in Lomé. Her appointment marks a significant transition in the nation's infrastructure funding landscape. Prior to leading SONAFIR, Ms. Gnassingbé de Souza served as the head of the Agence nationale de promotion et de garantie de financement des PME/PMI (ANPGF), an agency dedicated to facilitating access to financing for small and medium-sized enterprises.

This leadership change also signifies the formal replacement of the previous road financing entity, Société autonome de financement de l’entretien routier (SAFER). Ms. Gnassingbé de Souza takes over the responsibilities previously held by Atoute Outchantcha, who had been at the helm of SAFER. The establishment of SONAFIR and the appointment of its first director general underscore Togo's commitment to a revamped approach for its critical road infrastructure.

The creation of SONAFIR, formally established by decree on June 26, 2026, represents a strategic overhaul of Togo's road infrastructure funding mechanism. This new agency directly succeeds SAFER, which had been operational since 2012, managing the financing for road maintenance and development across the country. The government's primary motivation for this comprehensive restructuring stems from persistent challenges in mobilizing adequate financial resources to meet the escalating demands of the road sector.

Officials have indicated that the previous framework struggled to keep pace with the growing financial requirements for maintaining and expanding Togo's road network. The reform, therefore, is a direct response to these funding difficulties, aiming to create a more robust and sustainable financial model for future road projects. This significant Togo infrastructure funding reform is designed to ensure the long-term viability and development of the nation's transportation arteries.

Under the new organizational structure, the responsibilities for road infrastructure development in Togo have been clearly delineated between two key entities. The Société nationale de financement routier (SONAFIR) has been specifically mandated with the crucial task of financing all road infrastructure projects. This centralizes the financial management aspect, allowing for a more focused and potentially more efficient allocation of funds.

Complementing SONAFIR's financing role, the Agence des travaux et de gestion des routes du Togo (AGEROUTE TOGO) will assume responsibility for the practical oversight and implementation of these road projects on behalf of the government. This division ensures that while SONAFIR secures and manages the necessary capital, AGEROUTE TOGO will focus on the execution and quality control of the physical construction and maintenance work. This clear separation of duties aims to streamline operations and enhance accountability within the sector.

A core objective of the transition from SAFER to SONAFIR is to fundamentally transform the approach to funding road infrastructure, moving towards greater diversification and sustainability. Historically, SAFER relied heavily on a limited set of revenue streams; its website indicated that excise taxes on petroleum products constituted approximately 70% of its income, with road tolls contributing the remaining 30%. This concentrated dependency presented inherent vulnerabilities to market fluctuations and policy changes.

The current reform explicitly seeks to expand the available financing options, actively diversify revenue sources, and cultivate new strategic partnerships. This forward-looking strategy is intended to create a more resilient funding model for Togo's road network, reducing reliance on a few primary sources. For legal professionals advising clients on infrastructure development or public-private partnerships in Togo, it is particularly noteworthy that the detailed financing arrangements and specific performance targets for SONAFIR have not yet been publicly specified, indicating an evolving landscape that requires close monitoring.

Lawyers advising clients on infrastructure development, financing, or public-private partnerships in Togo must be aware of the new agency, SONAFIR, and its leadership, as it replaces SAFER and signals a new approach to road project funding. They should monitor for the release of SONAFIR's detailed financing arrangements and performance targets, which will be crucial for advising clients on compliance, bidding, and partnership opportunities.

Source: Reporting based on official Togolese government announcements.