Supported by the Presidency of the Togolese Republic, Youth Delivery Lab has sown the seed of participation at the heart of power. This meeting has enabled young people to get involved in the development of public policies.

The fruits are already bearing the promise of the flowers. In Togo, the training of young people and their socio-professional integration remain a leitmotiv for the public authorities. The proof is in the government’s involvement in the first Youth Round Table, organised by the Youth for Youth association. It was held last September at the Presidency of the Republic of Togo. Around 600 young people from all over the country took part in the Youth Delivery Lab. The aim of this meeting, initiated by the Youth for Youth association, was to reflect on the management of the city, in order to contribute to the country’s development.

Made up of young people from different spheres and with a variety of profiles from public, private and international sectors, this meeting gave them the opportunity to talk openly about the difficulties they encounter in the performance of their duties. The participants reflected on the issues that concern them and proposed possible solutions. The aim of this round table is to encourage young people to develop a culture of civic-mindedness, patriotism and working together. It is intended to be a forum for young people’s civic participation in the government’s vision, a framework for exchange, networking and the sharing of good practices for and between young people, and a tool for harnessing young people’s capacity for innovation and dynamism in the service of development”, adds Abdul Fahd Fofana. He chairs the Youth for Youth association.

The involvement of the Togolese State

The Togolese head of state was represented by Minister Sandra Johnson, Secretary General of the Presidency of the Republic. In addition, many other close collaborators of the President of the Republic, including Stanislas Baba, Minister-Advisor to the Head of State.

For the authorities, the round table collected the expectations of young people and their recommendations. A business intelligence team was set up to monitor the implementation of the recommendations. The initiative appreciated at the top of the state will be valued. One of the recommendations was the establishment of Certified Management Centres (CGA), to allow young entrepreneurs to benefit from tax advantages in the management of their businesses.

“The proposals or possible solutions identified by young people and brought to the attention of the High Authority will be analysed and implemented in the short and medium term. This exercise was very enriching and it is an opportunity to acknowledge the relevance of the recommendations that resulted from this round table. For example, the Council of Ministers of 27 September 2023 examined and adopted a decree on the operation of Certified Management Centres(CGA). This provision already responds to some of the suggestions made by young people at the Youth Delivery Lab. With the involvement of the organisers, regular monitoring will be done to ensure the implementation of relevant and actionable proposals,” said Minister Sandra Johnson, Secretary General of the Presidency of the Republic.

“The main value is patriotism because love and respect for one’s country are essential if one is to contribute to its construction. Added to this are civic commitment, excellence, rigour, humility, and a culture of patience, civic-mindedness, solidarity and integrity. All these fundamental values need to be embodied by young Togolese in order to foster national cohesion and sustainable development”, adds the Minister.

The Youth for Youth project 

The association’s aim is to help build human capital for development. “Youth for Youth is a young professionals’ initiative that aims to offer young people a voluntary programme of excellence, experience-sharing and capacity-building. This capacity-building focuses on practical training tailored to the requirements of the world of work, in order to boost the competitiveness of young people”, explains the association’s president, Abdul Fahd Fofana.

They receive training on various aspects, including “problem-solving, design thinking, feedback culture, behaviour and discipline in the professional world, deliverology, administrative writing, programming and monitoring of public investments, civic and patriotism, teamwork, project management, stakeholders, effective communication, professional branding…”, according to its president.

Launched in 2022, the association has trained more than 400 young students and professionals. This laboratory for exchanging and sharing ideas was set up to raise awareness among young people and encourage them to contribute to the country’s development. A crucible for public participation by young people in Togo. 

Felix Tagba 

Sandra Johnson, Minister General Secretary of the Presidency of the Republic of Togo. 

“This inclusive exchange framework reinforces the involvement of young people in the definition of public policies”

Sandra Johnson, Togolese Minister of Planning and Cooperation, also coordinates the Presidency’s General Secretariat. She represented the Head of State at the Youth Delivery Lab. . Here she outlines the government’s motivations for attending the meeting.

Why did the Government decide to carry this initiative of Youth Delivery Lab?

The Togolese Government under the leadership of His Excellency Mr Faure Essozimna GNASSINGBE, President of the Republic, has always attached importance to the development and flourishing of youth. Several initiatives have been implemented to support this youth and the Youth Delivery Lab, initiated by the association Youth for Youth, was a forum for the Government to collect feedback from the youth in relation to these multiple initiatives made available to it. We also believe that this inclusive exchange framework reinforces the involvement of young people in the definition of public policies. 

What use do you intend to make decisions?

Proposals or possible solutions identified by young people and brought to the attention of the High Authority will be analysed and implemented in the short and medium term. This exercise was very enriching and it is an opportunity to acknowledge the relevance of the recommendations that resulted from this round table. For example, the Council of Ministers of 27 September 2023 examined and adopted a Decree on the operation of Certified  Management Centres(CGAs). This provision already responds to some of the suggestions made by young people at the Youth Delivery Lab. With the involvement of the organisers, regular monitoring will be done to ensure the implementation of relevant and actionable proposals.

What values should young people embody to better cement national construction?

The main value is patriotism because love and respect for one’s country are essential if one is to contribute to its construction. Added to this are civic commitment, excellence, rigour, humility, and a culture of patience, civic-mindedness, solidarity and integrity. All these fundamental values must be embodied by the young people of Togo in order to foster national cohesion and sustainable development.

What are the benefits of this meeting for the Government?

This forum was once again an opportunity for the Government to establish a transparent and inclusive link with young people, and to hear their innovative ideas. We also took the opportunity to share the Government’s vision of responsible, enterprising young people with all the participants.

By Felix Tagba