After four months of anticipation, Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé, President of the Council, unveiled on October 8, 2025, the first government of Togo’s Fifth Republic.
The new team comprises 27 members, including 10 delegate ministers and 5 women, marking a major political and institutional shift following the abolition of the Prime Minister’s position.
A New Executive Model under the Fifth Republic
Under the new Constitution, Togo has officially eliminated the post of Prime Minister.
President Gnassingbé now directly heads the government as President of the Council, consolidating executive power at the top.
Several key ministries are now attached directly to the Presidency of the Council, such as:
- National Defense
- Civil Service
- Labor and Social Dialogue
- Transport
This reform signals a recentralization of state authority and a drive toward more direct, results-oriented governance.
Smaller, Leaner, and More Technocratic
Compared to the previous cabinet of 33 members, the new government has 27 ministers — six fewer.
The share of women has decreased from 10 to 5 (18.5%).
If each minister earns an estimated 2 million FCFA per month, the reduction represents an annual budget saving of roughly 144 million FCFA, highlighting the administration’s intent to streamline public spending.
Political Renewal: 12 Ministers Out, 8 New Faces In
The reshuffle brought significant change.
12 former ministers — including ex-Prime Minister Victoire Tomégah-Dogbé, and long-serving figures such as Christian Trimua, Edem Tengue, and Lidi Bessi-Kama — were left out.
Meanwhile, 8 new ministers joined the cabinet, blending political continuity with fresh technocratic talent.
New Economic Focus
The creation of the Ministry of Economy and Strategic Monitoring, led by Badanam Patoki, marks a strategic innovation aimed at strengthening macroeconomic oversight and resilience.
Other key portfolios include:
- Cina Lawson, Minister of Public Service Efficiency and Digital Transformation;
- Martine Moni Sankaredja, Minister of Solidarity, Gender and Child Protection;
- Manuella Modoukpe Santos, Minister of Investment Promotion, Industry and Economic Sovereignty.
These changes underscore a shift toward a managerial and performance-based governance model.
Experienced Core Ministers Retained
Despite the reshuffle, several high-profile ministers remain:
- Gilbert Bawara (in government since 2005), Minister of Relations with Parliament;
- Robert Dussey, Minister of Foreign Affairs since 2013;
- Cina Lawson, Digital Transformation;
- Calixte Madjoulba, Security.
Their continued presence ensures stability and institutional memory at the heart of the new administration.
In Numbers
| Indicator | 2023 Govt | 2025 Govt |
|---|---|---|
| Total ministers | 33 | 27 |
| Women ministers | 10 | 5 |
| Delegate ministers | 7 | 10 |
| Ministers replaced | — | 12 |
| New ministers | — | 8 |
| Estimated annual savings | — | ~144 million FCFA |
The 2025 government of Faure Gnassingbé reflects a leaner, more centralized and efficiency-driven administration, marking the dawn of Togo’s Fifth Republic.
While continuity remains visible in key ministries, the structural reorganization and fiscal rationalization indicate a new phase of executive consolidation and strategic reform.
