Economic Overview, Port of Lomé Container Super-Hub & Ecobank HQ
Togo operates the #1 container transshipment port in West Africa and hosts the headquarters of pan-African bank Ecobank.
Key Economic Clusters
- Port of Lomé Deepwater Logistics: West Africa's leading container terminal (Lomé Container Terminal / MSC).
- Pan-African Banking & Finance: Ecobank Transnational Incorporated, BOAD, and regional private equity.
- Phosphate Mining & Organic Soy: Major phosphate rock extraction and organic non-GMO soy exports to Europe.
Employment Contracts, Labour Code (Loi 2021-012) & Probation
Regulated by Law No. 2021-012 (Code du Travail du Togo).
- Mandatory Written Contracts: Must be in French and registered with the Directorate General of Labour.
- Probation Period: Maximum 1 month for workers/employees and 3 months for executives and technicians (*cadres*).
Working Hours, Leave & Social Security (CNSS 17.5% Employer)
- Standard Hours: 40 hours per week (8 hours/day over 5 days).
- Annual Leave: Minimum 30 calendar days (2.5 calendar days per month worked) paid vacation per year.
- Public Holidays: 13 official national, Christian, and Islamic public holidays.
- Maternity Leave: 14 consecutive weeks fully paid (50% paid via CNSS and 50% paid by employer).
Social Security (CNSS 17.5%) & OTR Personal Tax
| Statutory Scheme | Employer Share | Employee Share | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| National Social Security (CNSS) | 17.50% | 4.00% | Pensions (12.5% Er / 4% Ee), family benefits (3%) & occupational risk (2%) |
| Total Statutory Contributions | 17.50% | 4.00% | Remitted monthly to CNSS |
Personal Income Tax (IRPP): Progressive rates from 0% up to 35% on taxable annual income, remitted monthly to OTR.
Why Use an Employer of Record (EOR) in Togo
- Rapid Port & Banking Deployment: Onboard maritime logisticians, bankers, and project managers in Lomé in days.
- CNSS & OTR Automated Compliance: Seamless management of 17.5% employer social contributions and local IRPP tax withholdings.
Hiring in Togo? Key Resources
Whether you are evaluating entity setup vs. using an Employer of Record, or looking for the best international payroll solution, our guides give you transparent benchmarks:
