Togo’s Maritime Single Window System Generates CFA6.2 Billion in Its First Year
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Togo’s maritime sector marked a successful digital transformation with its new Guichet unique des redevances et recettes non fiscales du secteur maritime (GRM), which collected CFA6.2 billion (approx. $10 million) in its inaugural year, spanning from October 2023 to November 2024. The announcement came via a report by the Permanent Secretariat for Monitoring Reform Policies and Financial Programs, highlighting the system’s key role in streamlining maritime operations and boosting revenue collection.
The GRM's success is largely attributed to the digitalisation of several maritime processes. These include the submission of applications for secure vessel sheltering, offshore transshipment operations, vessel exit clearance post-transshipment, onboard armed guard services, and armed escort requests. Additionally, the platform covers licensing procedures for fishing activities, technical certifications for aquaculture ventures, and permits for laying undersea communication cables.
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Besides enhancing revenue collection, the GRM also tracked maritime activities such as the transshipment of over 510 million barrels of hydrocarbons in Togolese waters. The initiative forms part of Togo’s broader agenda to modernise its logistics and port ecosystem, aligning with similar initiatives like the Guichet unique pour le commerce extérieur (Seguce), which has been operational since 2014.
The GRM pursues three main objectives: centralising all maritime-related payments onto a single digital platform, ensuring effective fee and fine collection, and enabling comprehensive port performance monitoring. The digital interface not only improves transparency and efficiency, but also enhances Togo’s attractiveness as a regional maritime hub.
The success of the GRM highlights growing opportunities in Togo’s logistics tech and maritime services sectors. Investors and digital service providers can explore partnerships to further develop automated systems for cargo tracking, compliance monitoring, and smart port logistics. Moreover, regional expansion or integration with other West African maritime frameworks could open the door for scaleable digital trade solutions and enhanced regional cooperation.
