Certainly! Here is the complete financial history report of Togo, translated into International English as requested:
Official country name: Togolese Republic
Most widely used official language: French
Country ISO code: TG
Current official currency: West African CFA franc (Franc de la Communauté Financière Africaine - CFA)
Currency ISO code: XOF
ISO Code: XOF
Symbol: F CFA
Subdivision: 1 CFA franc = 100 centimes
Date of introduction: Since independence in 1960, the CFA franc has been the official currency of Togo.
Circulation period: 1960 to present (active)
Issuing bank: Central Bank of West African States (Banque Centrale des États de l'Afrique de l'Ouest - BCEAO)
Coin denominations: 1, 5, 10, 25, 50, 100, 200, 250, and 500 CFA francs
Banknote denominations: 500, 1,000, 2,000, 5,000, and 10,000 CFA francs
Designs and symbols: Banknotes and coins feature cultural and historical symbols from the region, as well as the BCEAO logo.
Status: Official currency circulating in eight West African countries, including Togo.
Exchange rate: Fixed parity with the euro at 1 euro = 655.96 CFA francs.
Economic context: The CFA franc provides monetary stability due to its fixed exchange rate with the euro and management by the BCEAO.
Recent reforms: In 2020, UEMOA countries announced plans to replace the CFA franc with a new regional currency called the “Eco,” but the CFA franc remains in use for now.
Prior to colonization, trade was conducted through barter and traditional currencies such as shells and precious metals.
During German and later French colonial rule, colonial currencies circulated.
The CFA franc was created in 1945 by France for its African colonies, originally standing for “Colonies Françaises d’Afrique,” later renamed “Communauté Financière Africaine” after independence.
Togo retained the CFA franc as its national currency after independence in 1960.
Real GDP growth was moderate, decreasing slightly from 5.8% in 2022 to 5.6% in 2023.
Inflation declined from 7.6% in 2022 to about 5.3% in 2023, supported by lower food prices and subsidies on fuel and electricity.
The budget deficit narrowed from 8.3% of GDP in 2022 to 6.9% in 2023 due to fiscal reforms and improved public financial management.
Public debt remained stable at approximately 67.2% of GDP, below the 70% ceiling set by the West African Economic and Monetary Union (UEMOA).
The banking system saw improvements in credit portfolio quality, with a decrease in non-performing loans.
The risk of excessive indebtedness is moderate.
The CFA franc is widely accepted for daily transactions, commerce, banking, and ATMs throughout Togo.
Euros may be accepted in some tourist areas, but the CFA franc remains the official and predominant currency.
Banknotes bear signatures of BCEAO officials and the finance minister.
Togo is a member of the West African Economic and Monetary Union (UEMOA), which coordinates monetary policy and currency management.
The CFA franc supports strong regional economic integration and monetary stability but also raises debates about monetary sovereignty among member countries.
This report provides a comprehensive overview of Togo’s monetary and financial system, highlighting the central role of the CFA franc, the historical evolution of currencies, and recent economic data.