Lomé:Deputies from the finance and economic development committee of Togo's National Assembly began reviewing the revised budget for 2026 and the initial budget for 2027 on Friday, November 6, in Lomé.
According to Agence Togolaise de Presse, the session was inaugurated by the President of the National Assembly, Prof. Komi Selom Klassou. The committee's examination focuses on budgetary forecasts, discussions with officials from various ministerial departments, and resource allocation in line with national priorities. This process adheres to the Constitution, the organic law regarding finance laws, the internal regulations of the National Assembly, and the UEMOA's community directives.
Minister of Finance and Budget, Essowè Georges Barcola, explained that the 2026 budget revision considers the deteriorating international environment and measures to support purchasing power and improve living conditions. The revised budget is set at 2,744.2 billion CFA francs, with the budget deficit increasing to 247.6 billion CFA francs, about 4% of GDP, compared to 206.6 billion CFA francs, representing 3% of GDP in the initial finance law. This increase is primarily due to enhanced support measures for the population. The government also plans to continue structural investments while maintaining public finance sustainability.
For 2027, the proposed budget amounts to 2,684.1 billion CFA francs in resources and expenditures. The social sector receives 48.8% of the credits, with 28.4% allocated for economic transformation and 22.8% for strengthening the state, including territorial development.
The President of the National Assembly emphasized that reviewing the two texts occurs amidst economic, security, and climate challenges. He urged deputies to consider the proposals' impact on citizens' daily lives, stressing the importance of evaluating planned expenditures and expected outcomes, particularly in health, education, youth employment, and access to potable water. Public resources, he noted, must meet the population's needs and contribute to equitable regional development.
The National Assembly and the Senate will successively review the two draft laws, in accordance with the bicameral principle enshrined in the Constitution of May 6, 2024.
Source Agence Togolaise de Presse