New infrastructure projects in Togo spark concerns over white elephant projects

In Togo, the announcement of a $200 million loan from the World Bank has sparked ambitious plans to connect the Port of Lomé to the Adétikopé Industrial Platform (PIA). The stated goal is to alleviate congestion in the capital and position Togo as a key regional hub. Yet, beneath the glossy surface of infrastructure development lies a more complex reality. This sudden surge of megaprojects appears primarily designed to bolster the government’s credibility with international donors, raising serious questions about the country’s actual governance capacity to sustain such an investment.

The allure of infrastructure as a financial seduction tool

Togo’s latest infrastructure push follows a well-rehearsed political strategy. By showcasing a multimodal transport plan that integrates rail and road networks, the government aims to align with the expectations of international financial institutions like the World Bank. However, this outward display of reformism masks deeper economic challenges. The proposed railway link spans just over 30 kilometers—an impractically short distance for rail transport. In logistics, such a short haul would require repeated loading and unloading, likely making rail transport slower and more expensive than simply using trucks. Despite receiving approval on paper, the project’s long-term viability remains highly uncertain.

Execution challenges: the weaknesses of Togo’s administrative machinery

The success of any large-scale infrastructure project hinges on the competence of those tasked with its execution. Unfortunately, Togo’s administrative system often prioritizes political loyalty, nepotism, and clientelism over meritocracy. This systemic weakness is further compounded by a lack of qualified professionals, with many civil servants lacking the necessary expertise to manage complex financial and technical undertakings.

Without seasoned engineers or independent project managers, the influx of $200 million risks fueling corruption and inefficiency. Funds could be siphoned off through inflated contracts, unnecessary consulting fees, or outright embezzlement, leaving the final infrastructure shoddily built or abandoned. The consequences of such mismanagement could be dire, transforming what was meant to be a developmental leap into a financial black hole.

A development model trapped in perpetual debt

The real peril of this strategy lies in its reliance on borrowed funds. The World Bank’s $200 million loan is not a grant but a sovereign debt that Togolese taxpayers will eventually repay. If the railway tracks fall into disrepair due to neglect, if the administration proves incapable of managing operations, or if transport companies bypass the rail route because of high operational costs, Togo could find itself saddled with an unusable white elephant on one hand and a crushing debt burden on the other. This would plunge the nation deeper into economic dependence and financial instability.

Reforming governance before laying new tracks

The push for a rail link between Lomé and Adétikopé reveals Togo’s adeptness at playing by the rules of international donors to secure funding. Yet money alone cannot drive sustainable development. Entrusting such critical projects to an administration plagued by incompetence and corruption risks turning potential progress into a financial disaster. Before embarking on new construction, the government must first reform its governance structures and instill rigorous administrative accountability.