The new status of the Free zone in Togo was adopted on Wednesday by the Assembly. The previous document was over 20 years old and it became urgent to adapt to changes in Togo, Africa and the world.
The reforms concern, namely an incentive for decentralization; expanding the eligibility of companies through the creation of technology-based research and innovation, the reintroduction of the possibility of companies to have their own communication networks (this is access to phone and satellite internet ) and replace the tax break of 10 years by tax increments.
Another important measure that will delight both the employees, employment in the free zone is now subject to the provisions of the Labour Code.
Twenty years after its creation (a project supported at the time by the Overseas Private Investment Corporation, OPIC), the zone presents a favorable picture.
In December 31, 2010, investments adjoining 261 900 000 000 CFA francs, 15,102 jobs were created and 57.5 billion in payroll paid to nationals.
To date, the free zone hosts 62 international companies.
Photo : Atsouvi Yawo Sikpa, assistant general manager of the "société d’administration de la Zone franche" (SAZOF)