Togo unites unesco chairs to boost research for national growth

How can academic research better align with the nation’s evolving needs? This critical question brought together the leaders of Togo’s UNESCO academic chairs in Lomé on July 9, 2026. Organized by the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, the meeting provided a platform to assess ongoing activities and chart a new strategic direction to amplify the impact of scientific research on national development.

UNESCO chairs unite to reshape higher education collaboration

Under the leadership of the Minister Delegate for Higher Education and Scientific Research, Professor Gado Tchangbedji, the gathering convened representatives from the National Commission for UNESCO in Togo and heads of the country’s UNESCO academic chairs. The session fostered a shared vision for enhancing the role of these chairs in addressing Togo’s most pressing challenges.

The meeting gathered key stakeholders from several prominent UNESCO chairs, including the UNESCO Chair in Renewable Energies at the University of Lomé, the UNESCO Chair in Women, Science and Sustainable Water Management in West Africa at the University of Lomé, and the UNESCO Chair in ICT and Higher Education Development in West Africa at the University of Kara.

Transforming research into a development catalyst

Participants reviewed the missions assigned to these chairs, evaluated completed projects, discussed field-level challenges, and assessed their contributions to public policy. The overarching goal is to strengthen the capacity of these academic structures so they can play a more decisive role in tackling Togo’s major development priorities—such as the energy transition, sustainable water resource management, gender equality, and the digital transformation of higher education.

Proposals for stronger coordination among UNESCO chairs

The discussions culminated in actionable recommendations to improve the network’s efficiency. A central proposal was the establishment of a shared digital platform connecting the National Commission for UNESCO in Togo with all academic chairs. This tool is expected to streamline knowledge sharing, enhance activity coordination, and facilitate joint project implementation. Additionally, participants emphasized the need to deepen collaboration between universities, expand partnerships with technical and financial allies, and secure stronger support to sustain research initiatives.

Government urges research aligned with national priorities

Closing the event, Professor Gado Tchangbedji urged chair leaders to align their programs with Togo’s core development priorities. In his address, he stressed that scientific research must deliver tangible results capable of informing public policy and driving economic and social transformation. He also expressed hope that this meeting would mark the beginning of a new phase in strengthening higher education in Togo, fostering greater synergy between researchers, universities, and national institutions.

A scientific ecosystem poised for greater influence

This meeting reflects the government’s commitment to harnessing the scientific expertise available within public universities. By reinforcing ties among UNESCO chairs, building strategic partnerships, and steering research efforts toward the country’s needs, Togo aims to solidify its scientific ecosystem and increase the contribution of higher education to sustainable development. The gathering could well serve as a catalyst for more structured cooperation among academic actors, positioning research as a powerful engine of innovation and growth.