Togo: the University of Lomé draws inspiration from Chinese governance for sustainable development
On Tuesday, the University of Lomé kicked off a workshop devoted to three seminars organized in China in 2024, in which Togolese delegations took part. The opening ceremony was presided over by Professor Adama Kpodar, President of the University, in the presence of Weidong Chao, Chinese Ambassador to Togo. The aim of this initiative is to share the lessons learned from these meetings, held in China at the end of 2024, with some 50 participants.
Organized by the China-Africa Research Center (CRCA), the event brought together academics and ministerial officials. The workshop was part of an ambitious quest to decipher the Chinese model and draw lessons applicable to Togolese development.
The three seminars - "Chinese-style modernization", "Dialogue between African think tanks" and "Chinese-style governance" - offered Togolese participants privileged access to the workings of a global power. "The aim was to understand how China structures its systems for harmonious, sustainable development", explained Professor Joseph Tsigbé, Director of the CRCA.
At the heart of the discussions, three pillars of Chinese success were highlighted: a long-term vision, a rigorous strategy and unfailing discipline. Ms Batchabani Abidé, Head of Division at the Ministry of Territorial Administration, illustrated this approach: "In China, nature is not a barrier: when obstacles exist, the State intervenes by building appropriate infrastructures, piercing mountains and rivers to develop each territory. "A lesson she considers essential for Togo, where infrastructure challenges persist.
The event was also marked by a call to action. "These achievements must not remain in reports, but inspire concrete policies and actions," insisted Professor Tsigbé, stressing the need to disseminate this knowledge widely. A sentiment shared by Professor Kpodar, who sees this cooperation as a unique opportunity: "We have an economic power on our side, reaching out to us in a spirit of partnership. It is our responsibility to seize this opportunity with discernment. "
On the Chinese side, Ambassador Weidong Chao reaffirmed his country's commitment: "China is willing to share its coronation philosophies and development experiences. But basically, our policy is clear: we will always support African countries to explore independently the conditions that are right for them. "A promise of autonomy that resonates with Togolese aspirations.
Between centralized planning, energy independence and citizen integration, the Chinese model fascinates and questions. For the participants, the challenge is clear: to adapt these principles to a local context marked by its own socio-political and economic challenges. At a time when Sino-Togolese relations, forged since 1972, continue to bear fruit in education and research, this workshop could well lay the foundations for renewed governance in Togo. All that remains is to turn these lessons into action.
Source: icilome.com/
