Togo: New CGA Approval Process for SME Support Starts September 2026

• Togo will open applications for new Approved Management Centers (CGAs) on September 1, 2026.
• These centers aim to provide administrative, accounting, and financial support to very small, small, and medium-sized enterprises.
• The regulatory framework includes a September 2023 decree on CGA operations and a December 2024 order establishing an Approval Commission.
• Applications will be submitted to the Ministry of Finance and Budget and reviewed by the Approval Commission based on set criteria.
• Over 80% of Togo's businesses are VSMEs/SMEs, which often struggle with accounting, tax compliance, and business information access.

The formal application process for eligible organizations is scheduled to commence on September 1, 2026.

Togo is poised to initiate a significant new phase in the development of its Approved Management Centers (CGAs), with the formal application process for eligible organizations scheduled to commence on September 1, 2026. This initiative aims to bolster support for the nation's very small, small, and medium-sized enterprises (VSMEs and SMEs), particularly in critical areas such as administrative, accounting, and financial management. Prospective centers seeking approval will be mandated to offer a suite of essential services, including comprehensive bookkeeping, expert management advice, and crucial tax assistance.

Applications for the Togo Approved Management Centers application will be directed to the Ministry of Finance and Budget. These submissions will undergo a thorough review based on specific criteria established by an independent Approval Commission. This structured approach underscores the government's commitment to expanding access to vital support services for the backbone of its economy, ensuring that new Centres de Gestion Agréés Togo meet rigorous standards designed to benefit local businesses.

The impending launch of the application phase follows several years of reform and the establishment of a comprehensive regulatory framework governing the operation of CGAs in Togo. Key legislative instruments underpinning this system include a September 2023 decree, which meticulously outlines the operational guidelines for these centers, and a subsequent December 2024 order, responsible for the formal establishment of the Approval Commission. These foundational documents provide the necessary legal and administrative structure for the new approval process.

Further solidifying this framework, the government had already taken steps in February 2025 to clear the path for eligible entities to establish new Approved Management Centers. This action came after the primary regulations governing the sector were officially adopted, signaling a clear trajectory towards the current September 2026 application opening. The Togo Ministry of Finance Budget CGA will oversee the implementation of these regulations, ensuring compliance and effective functioning of the approved centers.

The expansion of Togo SME support centers through this new approval process is particularly pertinent given the country's economic landscape. Very small, small, and medium-sized enterprises constitute a substantial majority, accounting for more than 80% of all businesses operating within Togo. Despite their prevalence, these enterprises frequently encounter significant hurdles, including difficulties with accurate accounting practices, navigating complex tax compliance requirements, and accessing timely and relevant business information.

By facilitating the establishment of more Approved Management Centers, the government anticipates a substantial improvement in the availability of crucial support services. This initiative is designed to directly address the systemic challenges faced by these businesses, thereby fostering a more robust and compliant SME sector. The new approval process is expected to play a pivotal role in empowering these enterprises, contributing to their growth and stability within the Togolese economy.

Lawyers should advise clients interested in establishing Approved Management Centers (CGAs) in Togo to prepare for the application process opening September 2026, ensuring compliance with the new regulatory framework, including the September 2023 decree and December 2024 order.

Source: Original reporting via Ayi Renaud Dossavi