Togo mandates local sourcing for fish, poultry imports in new trade rule

TOGO – Togo’s Ministry of Fisheries and Animal Resources has introduced a new requirement for importers of fish, poultry meat, and related products. 

Starting February 20, 2025, businesses seeking import permits must first purchase at least 10% of their requested quantity from local suppliers before receiving approval.

The measure aims to support domestic producers, strengthen food security, and reduce the country’s dependence on imports. The government expects the move to create a more structured local market while ensuring that small-scale farmers have a consistent buyer base.

Boosting local agriculture amid import dominance

Togolese farmers often face challenges in selling their products, citing limited production capacity and inconsistent demand. The government believes this new requirement will help stabilize the market by increasing demand for local goods.

Previous efforts to regulate imports, particularly in the poultry sector, encountered enforcement difficulties. However, authorities are optimistic that this latest measure will encourage higher local production levels and reduce the reliance on imported meat and fish products.

Temporary poultry ban and market adjustments

This is not the first time Togo has taken steps to manage meat imports. In January 2024, the government imposed a temporary ban on frozen poultry imports to help local producers clear existing stock.

At the time, the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock reported that over 70 tons of domestically produced poultry meat remained unsold in cold storage facilities.

Agriculture Minister Antoine Lekpa Gbegbeni explained in a notice dated January 22, 2024, that the ban was necessary to prevent surplus stock from going to waste. He also stated that poultry imports would resume only after local supplies had been sold. 

The temporary restriction sparked discussions about the competitiveness of Togolese producers against foreign suppliers, particularly regarding production costs and infrastructure gaps.

Togo’s meat market and key trade partners

Togo primarily imports frozen unboned bovine meat, excluding whole carcasses, with Spain and Poland among its major suppliers. 

According to the World Integrated Trade Solution (WITS) by the World Bank, the country’s meat market is projected to generate approximately US$427.05 million in revenue in 2025. Projections indicate an annual growth rate of 6.92% from 2025 to 2030.

Despite this market expansion, comprehensive data on Togo’s total meat imports remains limited. Overall import volumes of meat products are relatively low compared to other goods, leaving questions about the full impact of this new requirement on the industry.

Implementation challenges and industry outlook

While the government sees the new 10% local sourcing rule as a strategy to promote self-sufficiency, enforcement remains a key concern. Similar policies for poultry imports in the past faced difficulties in monitoring compliance.

Authorities are expected to outline further details on how the rule will be implemented, including oversight mechanisms to ensure importers meet the requirement before receiving approval.