As public administrations globally accelerate their digital transitions, Togo is firmly re-establishing its national archives at the heart of its governance. In Lomé, during the recent International Archives Day, a gathering of experts and national authorities initiated crucial discussions on the pivotal role of archives in safeguarding fundamental rights, preserving collective memory, and enhancing public administration.
Archives transcend mere historical artifacts; they stand as vital instruments for promoting transparency, ensuring justice, and fostering administrative efficiency. These critical themes formed the core of a dedicated day of reflection held on Thursday, July 2, 2026, at the Direction de la Bibliothèque et des Archives nationales (DBAN). The event was aptly themed: « Archives for justice: rights, memory, and futures ».
This significant meeting, organized in collaboration with the Association togolaise des bibliothécaires, archivistes et documentalistes (ATBAD), marked the celebration of International Archives Day. Its primary objective was to underscore the invaluable contribution of archival services to the preservation of national heritage, the protection of citizens’ rights, and the overall strengthening of transparency within government operations.
archives: a cornerstone of modern governance in Togo
The proceedings were inaugurated by Professor Gado Tchangbedji, the Minister Delegate for Higher Education and Scientific Research. In his address, he emphasized that robust archives are an indispensable component of state modernization and the continuous improvement of public services in Togo.
He articulated that effective document management not only safeguards the nation’s administrative and historical heritage but also significantly enhances access to information, thereby solidifying trust between governmental institutions and their citizens.
The Minister also commended the unwavering commitment of the President of the Council, Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé, towards the digital transformation of the administration. He specifically highlighted the development of e-governance initiatives, which serve as a crucial bridge connecting the administration with its users and fostering greater accessibility.
expecting recommendations to bolster Togo’s archival services
Beyond the official statements, the event featured several thematic presentations, followed by engaging debates among archival professionals, librarians, documentalists, and representatives from various public administrations.
Discussions delved into the multifaceted challenges associated with document conservation, their digitalization, ensuring broad accessibility, and their overarching significance in upholding rights and facilitating effective justice administration.
Concluding the day’s work, participants collectively reaffirmed the strategic importance of archives in shaping the national narrative and memory of Togo. They expressed a strong desire for the recommendations generated to lead to a sustained enhancement of the nation’s archival services, particularly within the rapidly accelerating digital transformation of the administration.
