Togo's agricultural exports rose sharply between 2020 and 2024, increasing from CFAF 122.5 billion to CFAF 176.2 billion, according to BCEAO data. The 43.9% increase, however, masked sharply different trends across commodities. Cocoa and cotton fiber helped lift export earnings in 2024, while oilseeds weighed on exports of plant-based food products.

That momentum has since reversed. The latest available data for the coffee and cocoa sectors show a sharp contraction in exports in 2025-2026 despite higher production.

Agricultural exports rebound through 2024

After falling to CFAF 111.2 billion in 2021, agricultural export earnings rose to CFAF 149.2 billion in 2022 and CFAF 152.9 billion in 2023 before reaching CFAF 176.2 billion in 2024, the highest level recorded between 2020 and 2024.

Cocoa contributed significantly to the increase. Cocoa exports rose from CFAF 16.7 billion in 2023 to CFAF 54.1 billion in 2024. Export volumes also increased by nearly 62% to 21,017 tons from 12,992 tons a year earlier.

The momentum continued during the 2024-2025 season. Togo exported 24,000 tons of cocoa, compared with 11,182 tons in the previous season. Coffee exports also increased to 4,400 tons from 2,618 tons.

But the export rebound did not last. During the 2025-2026 season, cocoa exports fell to 8,900 tons, down 62.9%. Coffee exports declined 40.9% to 2,600 tons.

Production, by contrast, continued to rise, reaching 23,084 tons of cocoa, up 7%, and 30,472 tons of coffee, up 2.5%. The export decline comes amid volatile prices and difficulties selling output.

Cocoa remains important as volatility rises

The reversal came after a period of high international prices. In early 2026, falling prices had already led to the accumulation of about 1,500 tons of unsold stocks in Togo as transactions slowed.

In response, Togo is trying to improve cocoa quality and capture more value from domestic production. A post-harvest processing center for premium cocoa was built in Kessibo-Abréwankor, in Wawa prefecture, at a cost of CFAF 160 million. The center is expected to process 100 tons of premium cocoa in its first year. A second center dedicated to premium cocoa has also been commissioned in Mpoti, in the Blitta 3 municipality.cocoa and agroforestry seedlings have been distributed since 2021.

The government is also supporting plantation renewal. Nearly 940,000 coffee, the renewal of about 705 hectares of plantations. The coffee and cocoa sector accounts for about 1.2% of GDP and supports nearly 32,000 producers.

Togo seeks to revive cotton production

Cotton fiber also contributed to the increase in exports in 2024. Export earnings reached CFAF 31.4 billion, compared with CFAF 19.2 billion in 2023, an increase of more than 64%.

The industry is now trying to rebuild output. After producing 60,403 tons of seed cotton in 2024-2025, output in the 2025-2026 season is expected to approach 80,000 tons, with the average yield rising to 995 kg per hectare from 797 kg a year earlier.

For 2026-2027, the target has been set at 105,000 tons on 105,000 hectares. As of July 31, 2026, planted area had already reached 115,980 hectares, or 110.5% of the initial target.

The recovery will depend on yields, rainfall and phytosanitary risks. The government continues to support the sector, including through fertilizer supplies. For 2026, CFAF 5.8 billion was announced for the purchase of 21,000 tons of fertilizer.

Soybeans, shea: export more, but process more locally

Plant-based food products remain an important component of agricultural exports. Their value, however, fell 26.4% in 2024 to CFAF 80.3 billion, mainly because of a decline in oilseeds.

Soybean production continues to expand. Output exceeded 260,000 tons in 2024-2025, while industry players were targeting 500,000 tons for the following season.

Access to China could provide another export market. At the end of 2025, the approval process for Togolese soybeans to enter the Chinese market was reported to be nearing completion.

For soybeans, cashews and shea, the strategy increasingly emphasizes local processing. Since January 2026, an export tax has applied to all three products to limit raw commodity exports and encourage investment in processing facilities.

One recent shipment illustrates that push. On September 1, 2026, Togo Soja, based at the Adétikopé Industrial Platform, or PIA, completed its first export of processed shea butter. The volume shipped was not disclosed.

Improving market access

Togo is also seeking to make it easier for its products to reach regional markets. In early 2026, the authorities approved a simplified guide to agricultural export procedures for WAEMU and ECOWAS markets. The guide is intended to simplify procedures for producers, exporters and cross-border traders.

The government is also expanding support for financing and production. In the first half of 2026, nearly 900 producers obtained about CFAF 170 million in loans for inputs. More than 2,000 producers received seeds or cuttings, and more than 500 pieces of farm equipment were acquired.

Agricultural exports nevertheless remain exposed to global commodity prices, climate conditions and market access requirements. Since April 2025, Togolese exports to the United States have been subject to an additional 10% tariff, including several agricultural products.

Togolese exports to the United States reached $97 million in 2024. The challenge now is to increase export volumes while securing markets, improving productivity and capturing a greater share of value added.