As government bodies worldwide accelerate their digital transformation, Togo is making a concerted effort to re-establish its archives at the core of national operations. In Lomé, during the recent International Archives Day, leading experts and government officials convened to deliberate on the pivotal role of these historical records in safeguarding fundamental rights, preserving collective memory, and enhancing public administration.
Beyond their value as historical artifacts, national archives serve as crucial instruments for fostering transparency, ensuring justice, and boosting administrative efficiency. These critical objectives formed the foundation of a significant discussion held on Thursday, July 2, 2026, at the Directorate of the National Library and Archives (DBAN). The event was themed: « Archives for Justice: Rights, Memory, and Futures ».
Organized in collaboration with the Togolese Association of Librarians, Archivists, and Documentalists (ATBAD), this gathering was part of the global observance of International Archives Day. Its primary aim was to underscore how archive services contribute significantly to the preservation of national heritage, the protection of citizens’ rights, and the overall strengthening of transparency within government institutions.
Archives: a cornerstone of modern governance in Togo
The proceedings commenced with an opening address by Professor Gado Tchangbedji, the Minister Delegate for Higher Education and Scientific Research. In his remarks, he emphasized that archives form a vital link in the chain of state modernization and the continuous improvement of public services.
According to the Minister, robust and effective document management is not only essential for safeguarding Togo’s administrative and historical legacy but also plays a crucial role in enhancing public access to information and building stronger trust between government 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 public administration. He specifically highlighted the development of e-governance initiatives as a powerful tool to bridge the gap between administrative services and their users.
Anticipated recommendations to strengthen Togo’s archive services
Beyond the formal speeches, the event featured several in-depth thematic presentations, followed by engaging debates. These discussions brought together seasoned archive professionals, librarians, documentalists, and representatives from various public administrations.
The dialogues explored a range of challenges associated with document preservation, digitization processes, ensuring accessibility, and the fundamental role archives play in upholding rights and ensuring the proper administration of justice.
At the conclusion of the proceedings, participants collectively reaffirmed the strategic importance of archives in shaping the national memory. They expressed a strong desire for the recommendations generated to lead to a lasting enhancement of Togo’s public records services, particularly in an era defined by the accelerating digital transformation of government.
