As government bodies increasingly embrace digital transformation, Togo is making a concerted effort to restore its national archives to a central role. In Lomé, during the recent International Archives Day, experts and public officials convened to deliberate on the critical function of these records in safeguarding rights, preserving collective memory, and enhancing public governance.
Beyond their value as historical artifacts, archives serve as vital instruments for promoting transparency, ensuring justice, and fostering administrative efficiency. These crucial aspects formed the core of a dedicated day of discussions 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.”
This gathering, organized in collaboration with the Togolese Association of Librarians, Archivists, and Documentalists (ATBAD), was part of the global observance of International Archives Day. Its primary objective was to underscore the indispensable contribution of archive services to the preservation of national heritage, the protection of citizens’ rights, and the reinforcement of transparency within public administration.
Archives: a cornerstone of modern governance in Togo
The proceedings commenced with opening remarks from Professor Gado Tchangbedji, the Minister Delegate for Higher Education and Scientific Research. He emphasized that archives represent a vital link in the modernization of the state and the continuous improvement of public services.
According to Professor Tchangbedji, effective document management not only safeguards administrative and historical heritage but also significantly improves access to information, thereby strengthening trust between governmental institutions and the citizenry.
The Minister also commended the unwavering efforts of the President of the Council, Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé, towards the digital transformation of the administration. He particularly highlighted the development of e-governance initiatives, which are seen as crucial tools for bridging the gap between public services and their users.
Anticipated recommendations to bolster Togo’s archive services
Beyond the formal speeches, the event featured several thematic presentations, followed by engaging debates involving archive professionals, librarians, documentalists, and representatives from various public administrations.
Discussions centered on the critical challenges associated with document preservation, digitization processes, ensuring accessibility, and the fundamental role archives play in protecting individual rights and facilitating the fair 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 contribute to the sustained enhancement of archival services throughout Togo, particularly within the context of the accelerating digital transition of public administration.
