FY 2024 Togo Country Opinion Survey Report ECR Business Intelligence Team | January 2025 Acknowledgements The Togo Country Opinion Survey is part of the County Opinion Survey Program series of the World Bank Group. This report was prepared by the Business Intelligence (BI) team, led by José De Buerba (Senior External Affairs Officer) and Svetlana Markova (Senior External Affairs Officer). Yulia Danilina, Jessica Cameron, Nan Lin, and Sofya Gubaydullina oversaw the design, reporting, and analysis of the survey results. Noreen Wambui and Irina Popova provided data support. BI acknowledges the significant contribution from the Togo country team and independent field agency, B. F. CONSEIL. In particular, BI is grateful for the support from Zinsou Sebastien Tamegnon (Operations Officer), Christelle Eunice Selom Mensah (Communications Consultant), and Nadia Mireille Zenia Amoudji Agnegue (Program Assistant), who coordinated the survey-related activities from Lomé, Togo. Contents Objectives Methodology Overview Overall Context Overall Attitudes Toward the World Bank Group World Bank Group’s Support for Development Areas World Bank Group’s Engagement on the Ground in Togo World Bank Group’s Financial Instruments and Knowledge Work The Future Role of the World Bank Group in Togo Communication and Outreach Sample Demographics and Detailed Methodology 3 Objectives This survey was designed to assist the World Bank Group (WBG) in gaining a better understanding of how stakeholders in Togo perceive the WBG. The survey explored the following questions: 1. Overall Context: How familiar are stakeholders with the WBG? How much do they trust the WBG? 2. Key Indicators: What opinions do key stakeholders have of the WBG regarding its effectiveness, relevance, alignment with Togo’s development priorities, and other key indicators? Are opinions improving or declining? 3. Development Priorities: What areas of development are perceived to be the most important? Have the priorities changed over the past three years? How effective is the WBG perceived to be in these areas? 4. Engagement on the Ground: How is the WBG perceived as a development partner in Togo? Are opinions improving or declining? 5. Financial Instruments and Knowledge Work: What do key stakeholders value the most regarding the WBG’s work in Togo? What opinion do key stakeholders have of WBG financial instruments and knowledge products? Are opinions improving or declining? What are stakeholders’ suggestions for improving WBG’s effectiveness? 6. Communication and Outreach: What are the preferred communication channels? Are there differences among stakeholder groups in terms of preferred channels? 7. Message Recall: What key topics do stakeholders recall when the WBG communicates? Is there a relationship between message recall and views of the WBG’s work? 4 Methodology Overview Government Institution 35% ▪ Fielded May – July 2024 ▪ 705 potential participants were asked to complete a mostly Office of a Parliamentarian 16% quantitative survey ▪ Respondents received the questionnaire via courier or mail and Civil Society 14% returned it accordingly or completed the questionnaire online ▪ List of names provided by the WBG country team and Office of the President, Prime 13% supplemented by the field agency Minister, Minister ▪ Process managed on the ground by the field agency Private Sector 9% ▪ 237 participants (34% response rate) Bilateral or Multilateral Agency 5% ▪ 67% from Lomé ▪ 59% currently collaborate with the WBG Academia / Research Center 4% ▪ Compared to FY21 Country Survey Media 3% ▪ 355 participants (55% response rate) ▪ 74% from Lomé Local Government 2% ▪ 45% collaborated with the WBG Other 1% Click here for details of the Respondent Sample and Methodology. What is your primary professional affiliation? (Select only 1 response) Q (Percentage of Respondents, N=230) 5 6 Overall Context “More communication and easily accessible documents and works. Criticize the government's bad actions and influence it towards good actions in favor of the population. Promote public transparency and, above all, help stop the hemorrhaging of corruption and embezzlement in the public sector.” (Private Sector Respondent) “Intensify collaboration with civil society, the private sector and local authorities.” (Civil Society Respondent) “Improve the economic climate; Improve people's lives; Environmental initiatives; Improve the country's infrastructure.” (Private Sector Respondent) Q In your opinion, what is the most important thing the WBG could do to increase its effectiveness in Togo? (N=133) Familiarity with the World Bank Group ▪ Comparison of FY21 and FY24: Respondents in this year’s Country Survey reported statistically similar levels of All Respondents 6.5 familiarity with the World Bank Group compared to respondents in the FY21 Survey: Government Institution 7.9 Mean familiarity: FY24 = 6.5 FY21 = 6.2 Office of the President, Prime 7.7 Minister, Minister ▪ Collaboration with the WBG: Respondents who indicated that they collaborate with the WBG reported significantly Bilateral or Multilateral Agency 6.7 higher levels of familiarity with the institution’s work: Mean familiarity: Collaborate with WBG = 7.9 Private Sector 5.2 Do not collaborate = 4.2 ▪ Stakeholder Groups: Respondents from government Civil Society 4.8 institutions and the office of the President, Prime Minister, or Minister reported the highest levels of familiarity with the WBG’s work, whereas Parliamentarians and respondents Office of a Parliamentarian 4.7 from the private sector and civil society had significantly lower levels of familiarity. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Mean Rating of Familiarity How familiar are you with the work of the World Bank Group in Togo? Q Scale: 1 Not familiar at all – 10 Very familiar 7 Stakeholders Most Familiar with the WBG ▪ Respondents in this year’s Country Survey were asked to World Bank Group 6.5 indicate their familiarity with the work of several international organizations, in addition to the World Bank Group. Of these organizations, respondents in Togo indicated the highest levels of familiarity with the work of the WBG, followed by the German Development Agency 5.8 German Development Agency and the United Nations Development Programme. ▪ Indeed, respondents rated themselves as significantly more United Nations Development 5.7 Programme (UNDP) familiar with the WBG than the other international organizations surveyed. French Development Agency 5.3 (AFD) European Union 5.3 Economic Community of West 5.3 African States (ECOWAS) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Mean Rating of Familiarity Q How familiar are you with the work of these organizations in Togo? Scale: 1 Not familiar at all – 10 Very familiar 8 The WBG is One of the Most Government* 6.6 8.0 Trusted Institutions in Togo World Bank Group 7.6 7.3 Respondents in Togo rated the government and the 7.3 Academia / research centers WBG as the most trustworthy institutions. 7.2 Of note, the government, private sector, the UN, civil Bilateral organizations 6.9 society, and the media received significantly higher ratings of trust in FY24 compared to FY21. 7.2 Private sector* 6.1 7.2 Regional development banks 7.1 FY24 7.1 FY21 Parliament / legislative branch 7.1 United Nations* 6.7 7.1 Communes 6.9 Civil society* 6.2 Central Bank of West African 6.7 States (BCEAO) 6.7 6.7 Media* 5.6 6.6 International Monetary Fund 6.4 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 How much do you trust each of the following institutions to do what is right for Togo? Mean Rating of Trust Q Scale: 1 Not at all – 10 Very much *Significant difference between years 9 10 Overall Attitudes toward the World Bank Group “Actively involve local communities in project planning and implementation. This ensures that programs truly meet local needs and benefit those who need them most. Understand and integrate Togo's specific cultural values, social norms and economic realities into program design. This helps ensure greater acceptance and sustainability of projects. Invest in building capacity in local institutions, including governments and civil society organizations, so that they can manage programs effectively and maximize their long-term impact. Focus on key sectors such as education, health, sustainable agriculture, infrastructure and access to drinking water. This helps improve living conditions and stimulates development. Maintain high standards of transparency and accountability in all financial operations and transactions.” (Government Principal Respondent) Q In your opinion, what is the most important thing the WBG could do to increase its effectiveness in Togo? (N=133) WBG Alignment with Priorities Increased while Other Key Performance Indicators were Consistent with FY21 In FY24, respondents gave the highest ratings for 7.8 the WBG’s relevance to development in Togo and Relevant role in development 7.7 its alignment with the country’s development priorities, which was significantly improved compared to the previous survey. Ratings for the Alignment with development 7.8 WBG’s effectiveness in helping Togo achieve priorities* 7.2 development results also improved compared to the FY21 survey. However, this difference did not Effectiveness in helping Togo 7.6 reach statistical significance. FY24 achieve results^ 7.3 FY21 Positive influence on shaping 7.5 development policy 7.5 7.1 Helps end poverty in Togo 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Mean Rating The WBG currently plays a relevant role in development in Togo. Scale: 1 Strongly disagree – 10 Strongly agree Q The WBG’s work is aligned with what I consider the development priorities for Togo. Scale: 1 Strongly disagree – 10 Strongly agree How effective is the WBG in helping Togo achieve development results? Scale: 1 Not effective at all – 10 Very effective *Significant difference The WBG has a positive influence on shaping the development policy in Togo. Scale: 1 Strongly disagree – 10 Strongly agree between years The WBG’s work helps end poverty in Togo. Scale: 1 Strongly disagree – 10 Strongly agree ^Compared to a mean score of the two questions asked in FY21: “Overall, please rate your impression of the WBG’s effectivenes s in Togo.” Scale: 1 Not effective at all – 10 Very effective; “To what extent does the WBG’s work help to achieve development results in Togo?” 11 Scale: 1 To no degree at all – 10 To a very significant degree Stakeholders from 8.1 8.5 Relevant role in 8.3 Government Had More development* 7.1 7.5 Positive Perceptions 6.7 Government of the WBG 7.9 8.3 Principals Alignment with 8.2 Parliamentarians development priorities* 7.7 7.2 Comparisons of ratings for key performance 6.4 Government indicators between stakeholder groups show that Institution respondents from government principals, 7.7 Parliamentarians, and government institutions 8.4 Bilateral or Effectiveness in helping 8.0 Multilateral Agency gave the highest ratings for the WBG’s work across Togo achieve results 6.8 all KPIs. 7.2 Civil Society 7.3 In contrast, respondents from the private sector were more critical of the WBG’s work, especially 7.7 Private Sector 7.9 regarding the WBG’s relevance, alignment, and Trust the WBG to do what 8.2 influence. is right for Togo 7.3 7.0 7.2 *Significant difference between 7.5 stakeholder groups 8.3 Positive influence on 7.8 shaping development 6.9 policy* 6.9 6.5 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Q For question wording and scales, please see the previous slide. Mean Rating 12 Familiarity Leads to More Positive Perceptions 8.4 Comparing ratings of key performance indicators among Trust the WBG to do what 7.1 respondents highly familiar with the WBG (ratings of is right for Togo* 6.8 8-10 on a 10-point scale) and those with little familiarity with the WBG (ratings of 1-4 on a 10-point scale), one 8.4 can see that the more familiar stakeholders are with the Relevant role in development* 7.4 WBG, the more positive their perceptions of it and its work are. 7.0 8.4 Meaningful engagement and outreach can continue Alignment with development 7.3 to increase positive perceptions. priorities* 7.0 8.1 Effectiveness in helping Togo 7.2 achieve results* 6.8 8.1 Positive influence on shaping 7.0 development policy* 6.7 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Mean Rating How familiar are you with the work of the WBG in Togo? High Familiarity (8-10) Some Familiarity (5-7) Low Familiarity (1-4) *Significant difference between levels of familiarity Q For question wording and scales, please see slide 14. 13 Togo’s Key Performance Indicators Outperform Other FY24 Western & Central African Countries and Other FY24 IDA Countries 7.8 Relevant role in development 6.7 7.1 7.8 Alignment with development priorities 6.4 Togo FY24 6.8 7.6 Trust the WBG to do what is right 6.7 Other Western & 7.0 Central African Countries FY24 7.6 Effectiveness in helping achieve results 6.8 Other IDA 7.0 Countries FY24 7.5 Positive influence on shaping 6.5 development policy 6.9 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Mean Rating Other Western & Central African FY24 countries included: Benin, Burkina Faso, Chad, Equatorial Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Mauritania, Nigeria, and Senegal. Q Other IDA FY24 countries included: Benin, Bhutan, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Chad, Comoros, Guinea-Bissau, Lao PDR, Lesotho, Maldives, Mauritania, Senegal, 14 Solomon Islands, Somalia, South Sudan, Sri Lanka, and Zambia. Stakeholder Trends Across Performance Indicators Respondents from the government (those from government institutions, Parliamentarians, and government principals) All Respondents 7.4 had significantly higher mean ratings across the aggregated responses to the nineteen COS indicator questions than those from civil society, bilateral or multilateral agencies, Government Institution 7.8 and the private sector. Parliamentarians 7.8 Collaboration with the WBG: Respondents who indicated that they collaborated with the WBG gave higher ratings across the aggregated indicator questions than respondents who did not collaborate with the WBG. However, this Government Principals 7.7 difference did not reach statistical significance: Mean rating: Collaborate with WBG = 7.5 Civil Society 6.8 Do not collaborate = 7.1 Bilateral or Multilateral Agency 6.7 Private Sector 6.4 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Mean Rating of Aggregated Indicator Questions Q All Indicator Questions were asked on a Scale from 1 to 10. Click here for details on these Indicator Questions. 15 16 World Bank Group’s Support for Development Areas “Focus on three to four sectors in which it has a comparative advantage and put enough resources into these sectors to produce more impact.” (Government Principal Respondent) “The socio-political and economic context of the country needs to be carefully analyzed, and the partnership framework adapted to the results obtained. Identify certain key areas, such as agriculture, education, health, water, hygiene and sanitation, and energy, in which to invest, and certain key players, such as communes and civil society organizations/NGOs, with whom to strengthen the partnership.” (Civil Society Respondent) Q In your opinion, what is the most important thing the WBG could do to increase its effectiveness in Togo? (N=133) WBG: Focal Development Agriculture / food security 59% Areas Education / vocational/technical training 40% Water / sanitation 39% In FY24, a majority of stakeholders wanted the WBG to focus Transport infrastructure 38% its resources on agriculture/food security. Education, Youth development 33% Of more priority to water/sanitation, transport infrastructure, and youth Parliamentarians Energy 28% (65%), less priority to development were also considered top priorities. bilateral/multilateral Health / pandemic preparedness 27% agencies (8%) Of note, respondents in this year's survey considered Jobs 25% water/sanitation and energy much greater priorities than in Private sector development 21% Of more priority to private the FY21 survey (11% and 8%, respectively). sector (58%) Decentralization 21% Public sector governance 19% In your opinion, what is the most important thing the WBG could do to increase its effectiveness in Togo? Social protection and inclusion 19% Of more priority to bilateral/multilateral Climate change 16% agencies (42%) and “Focus on financing long-term investments, particularly in key government principals Land security 14% high-value-added sectors such as agribusiness, transport (33%), less priority to Parliamentarians (7%) infrastructure, energy, vocational training and processing Disaster risk management 14% and private sector (5%) industries.” (Government Principal Respondent) Digital infrastructure development 13% Urban development 12% “The World Bank's actions in support of Togo's development are to be commended. To increase its effectiveness, the WB Environment / natural resource mgmt. 11% now needs to intervene in the private sector, digital Judiciary reform 9% development, energy, risks and disasters, agricultural Financial services / markets 8% productivity and road infrastructure. Support for gender equity and equality also needs to be stepped up, with a view to Gender equity 7% Of more priority to civil society (26%) gradually reducing gender-based inequalities.” Debt management 5% (Government Institution Respondent) Tourism development 2% Media capacity building 2% Other 1% Which areas should the WBG prioritize to have the most impact on development results in Togo? 17 Q (Select up to 5) (Percentage of Respondents, N=222) Effectiveness of WBG’s Sectoral Support The WBG’s agriculture/food security and education work received the highest Finance / Institutions / Economic Growth effectiveness ratings. Of note, the perceived effectiveness of the WBG’s work in health, transport, water/sanitation, urban development, energy, climate 6.5 Macroeconomic stability change, regional integration, and governance has significantly declined. 6.4 Human Development Public sector governance* 7.2 6.2 Education 7.0 Debt sustainability 7.4 6.1 FY24 6.7 Private sector development 6.6 Health* 7.3 FY21 6.1 6.7 FY24 Job creation / employment 6.5 Gender equity 7.0 FY21 6.0 Regional integration* 7.1 6.7 Social protection 6.6 5.6 Trade 6.1 6.6 Social inclusion 6.9 Infrastructure Environmental Sustainability 6.7 Transport* 7.3 7.1 Agriculture and food security 7.3 6.6 Water supply and sanitation* 7.2 Environment / natural resource 6.7 6.3 FY24 Digital development management 6.7 6.5 FY21 *Significant difference 6.1 6.4 Urban development* FY24 Climate change* 7.2 between years 7.1 FY21 6.0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Energy / extractives* 7.2 Mean Rating of Effectiveness How effective has the WBG been at achieving development results in each of these areas in Togo? Scale: 1 Not effective at all – 10 Very effective 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Q (If you have NO exposure to/experience in working in any of the sectors listed below, please respond “Don’t know”) Mean Rating of Effectiveness 18 19 World Bank Group’s Engagement on the Ground in Togo “At present, civil society appears marginalized and confined to a minor role, despite its proven potential to enrich both the design and execution of public policies. This precarious situation weakens not only civil society itself but also the prospects for informed and autonomous citizen voices. For this reason, the question of the accountability of leaders in Togo has become a legitimate concern.” (Civil Society Respondent) “Greater proactivity in discussions with other development players (so far still rather partial, seems to depend heavily on the people in charge within the World Bank); greater involvement in sectoral coordination, capacity-building for the Lomé office, use of ‘convening power’ for strategic discussions with the government.” (Bilateral or Multilateral Agency Respondent) Q In your opinion, what is the most important thing the WBG could do to increase its effectiveness in Togo? (N=133) Perceptions of the WBG as an Accessible, Flexible Partner have Improved In FY24, respondents’ perceptions of the WBG as a long- 8.1 Being a long-term partner to term partner that is open, responsive, accessible, and Togo 7.8 flexible were more positive than in the FY21 survey, significantly so for the WBG’s accessibility and flexibility. ▪ Of note, respondents from the government (government 7.3 Openness (sharing data and principals, Parliamentarians, and government institutions) gave other information) the highest mean ratings across all these aspects of the 6.9 WBG’s partnership. In contrast, respondents from the private sector gave significantly lower ratings. Responsiveness to needs in 7.0 Togo FY24 6.8 In your opinion, what is the most important thing the FY21 WBG could do to increase its effectiveness in Togo? “Remain attentive to the government's requests and never 6.9 stop questioning the government on the best strategic Access to WBG staff and experts* choices for inclusive and shared growth.” 6.2 (Government Principal Respondent) “The WBG needs to work more holistically, investing more in the local anchoring of development and seeking more to Flexibility when circumstances 6.8 support the strengthening of local knowledge for self- change in Togo^* 6.0 promotion.” (Civil Society Respondent) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Mean Rating To what extent is the WBG an effective development partner in terms of the following? *Significant difference Q Scale: 1 To no degree at all – 10 To a very significant degree between years 20 ^Compared to the mean of institutional flexibility and flexibility to changes in the country context asked in FY21. The WBG’s Collaborations in Togo have Improved In FY24, the WBG received the highest ratings for the 8.2 effectiveness of its collaboration with the national National government government. Although ratings for the WBG’s collaboration 8.0 with communes, private sector, Parliament, and civil society were lower than for its collaboration with the government, Other donors and 7.4 ratings for its collaboration with the private sector were development partners 7.0 significantly improved compared to FY21. Stakeholder group differences of note: 7.0 ▪ Respondents from the government gave the highest ratings for Academia / research centers the WBG’s collaboration with the national government (government principals mean = 8.6, Parliamentarians mean = 8.4, government institutions mean = 8.5). 6.7 ▪ Respondents from Parliament gave the highest ratings for the Communes FY24 WBG’s collaboration with Parliament (mean = 7.4). FY21 ▪ Respondents from civil society and bilateral/multilateral agencies gave the lowest ratings for the WBG’s collaboration 6.7 Private sector* with civil society (means = 4.8 and 4.6, respectively). 6.0 ▪ Respondents from bilateral/multilateral agencies gave the lowest ratings for the WBG’s collaboration with other donors 6.6 Parliament / legislative and development partners (mean = 4.7). branch ▪ Respondents from bilateral/multilateral agencies and the private sector gave the lowest ratings for the WBG’s collaboration with academia (means = 4.2 and 5.0, 6.3 respectively). Civil society 5.9 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Mean Rating To what extent is the WBG an effective development partner in Togo, in terms of collaborating Q with the following groups? Scale: 1 To no degree at all – 10 To a very significant degree *Significant difference between years 21 Stakeholders Want the Bank to Collaborate More with Communes and Private Sector A plurality of respondents in this year’s survey indicated that Communes 47% the WBG should collaborate more with communes and the private sector in addition to its partnership with the national government. Approximately a quarter of respondents Private sector 40% welcomed more collaboration with academia and civil society. ▪ Outreach to the private sector is also recommended because Academia / research 27% this stakeholder group's respondents were less familiar with the centers WBG and held more critical views of its work. Civil society 27% In your opinion, what is the most important thing the WBG could do to increase its effectiveness in Togo? Youth associations 22% “Work with communes to strengthen inclusive and shared local governance and support them financially in promoting local development.” (Local Government Respondent) Parliament / legislative 14% branch “Include the private sector in development policies.” (Government Institution Respondent) Other donors and “Involve civil society organizations in defining needs, 12% development partners strategies and targeting beneficiaries.” (Civil Society Respondent) Other 2% In addition to its partnership with the national government, which of the Q following should the WBG collaborate with more to have greater impact in Togo? 22 (Select up to 2) (Percentage of Respondents, N=210) 23 World Bank Group’s Financial Instruments and Knowledge Work “The WBG could carry out a serious and in-depth diagnosis of the agricultural, environmental and social aspects, in order to develop technical and financial instruments that are better adapted to the users of the resources allocated. It could set up a monitoring and evaluation system adapted to the context of Togo in general and the beneficiary actors in particular, and capable of being updated. The WBG could provide adequate financial services for the country's economic growth sectors, in this case agriculture.” (Government Institution Respondent) Q In your opinion, what is the most important thing the WBG could do to increase its effectiveness in Togo? (N=133) Financial Resources and Technical Assistance Considered the Bank’s Greatest Values to Togo Respondents considered the WBG’s financial resources, Financial resources technical assistance, and implementation support to be its (e.g., budget support, investment 60% greatest values to Togo. Indeed, nearly twice as many lending, grants, trust funds) respondents (34%) identified financial resources as the WBG’s Technical assistance and greatest value to Togo compared to respondents in the FY21 implementation support (incl. 55% survey. project design and implementation) ▪ Respondents from civil society and the private sector were much less likely to identify financial resources as the WBG’s greatest Capacity development and training 28% value (29% and 40%, respectively) than respondents from other stakeholder groups. Mobilizing third party Of more value to civil ▪ Respondents from bilateral or multilateral agencies, civil society, financial resources 21% society (39%), of less value to government and the private sector were much less likely to identify technical (incl. both public and private) institutions (11%) assistance as the WBG’s greatest value (33%, 39%, and 40%, respectively) compared to those from other stakeholder groups. Knowledge and analytical products Of more value to bilateral/ 15% multilateral agencies (50%) (e.g., data, reports, policy notes) In your opinion, what is the most important thing the WBG could do to increase its effectiveness in Togo? “The development of a capacity-building plan for local players to Donor coordination 6% manage the various projects financed by the WBG. This will avoid wasting the resources invested by the Bank in Togo. In addition, regular monitoring and evaluation of project implementation is a Convening / bringing together guarantee of the effectiveness of interventions in Togo. The final 5% different groups of stakeholders element would be the institutionalization of regular reviews between development and cooperation agencies to harmonize interventions in the country.” (Government Institution Respondent) Other 2% Which WBG instruments do you VALUE the most in Togo? (Select up to 2) Q (Percentage of Respondents, N=224) 24 The WBG Insists on Accountability Through Its Lending and Provides Financial Support in a Timely Manner Regarding the WBG’s financial instruments, The WBG insists on accountability through 7.8 respondents had the highest levels of agreement that its lending (e.g., performance-based financing, resources tied to results) 7.8 the WBG insists on accountability through its lending and that the WBG effectively monitors and evaluates its projects. In addition, respondents had The WBG effectively monitors and 7.8 significantly higher levels of agreement that the WBG evaluates the projects it supports in Togo 7.8 provides financial support in a timely manner compared to FY21. The WBG’s Environmental and Social 7.4 ▪ Of note, respondents from bilateral or multilateral Framework requirements are reasonable 7.2 agencies and the private sector had significantly lower levels of agreement that the WBG’s financial instruments The WBG’s financial instruments (i.e., 7.3 FY24 meet Togo’s needs (means = 6.0 and 6.3, respectively), budget support, loans, grants, trust funds) FY21 that the WBG’s ESF requirements are reasonable meet the needs of Togo 7.1 (means = 5.6 and 6.1, respectively), and that the WBG effectively monitors and evaluates its projects (means = 5.6 and 6.3, respectively) compared to respondents from The conditions of the WBG’s financing are 7.3 other stakeholder groups. competitive compared to markets The WBG provides financial support in a 7.0 timely manner^* 5.8 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Mean Rating To what extent do you agree/disagree with the following statements? Scale: 1 Strongly disagree – 10 Strongly agree *Significant difference Q ^Compared to "The World Bank Group disburses funds promptly" in FY21 between years 25 62% of Respondents Used the WBG’s Knowledge Work, which was Perceived as More Impactful and Better Disseminated than in FY21 Significance of WBG knowledge work 7.8 contribution to development results in Togo* 7.2 The WBG brings global expertise to Togo as 7.6 part of its knowledge work^ 7.8 No Working with the WBG increases Togo’s 7.5 38% Have you ever used institutional capacity 7.5 the WBG’s knowledge work, including participating in I am satisfied with the quality of the WBG’s 7.3 FY24 workshops or training knowledge work in Togo programs? Yes FY21 62% The WBG’s publications are adequately 7.1 disseminated* 6.6 The WBG’s knowledge work is tailored to 7.0 Togo’s context^^ 7.2 *Significant Respondents from bilateral or multilateral agencies and difference When I need to consult the WBG’s 6.9 between years private sector, and Parliamentarians were significantly less knowledge work, I know how to find it likely to have used WBG knowledge work (33%, 53%, and 41%, respectively) than other stakeholder groups. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Mean Rating Have you ever used the WBG’s knowledge work, including participating in workshops or training programs? (Percentage of Respon dents, N=222) To what extent do you agree with the following statements? Scale: 1 Strongly disagree – 10 Strongly agree Q How significant a contribution do you believe the WBG’s knowledge work makes to development results in Togo? Scale: 1 Not sig nificant at all – 10 Very significant ^Compared to “Source of relevant information on global good practices" asked in FY21. 26 ^^Compared to "Are adaptable to Togo’s specific development challenges and country circumstances" in FY21 . 27 The Future Role of the World Bank Group in Togo “A. Institutional and governance capacity building: 1. Improving governance and transparency (training and technical assistance, financial management systems); 2. Strengthening local institutions (decentralization, public-private partnerships) B. Infrastructure and economic development: 1. Infrastructure (energy, transport); 2. Support for SMEs and entrepreneurship (access to financing, business incubators) C. Human development: 1. Education and training (education system reform, training programs); 2. Health (health system strengthening, public health programs) D. Results-based approach and community participation: 1. Monitoring and evaluation (community participation performance indicators) By focusing on these specific aspects, the World Bank Group can not only increase its effectiveness in Togo but also make a significant contribution to the country's sustainable and inclusive development.” (Government Principal Respondent) Q In your opinion, what is the most important thing the WBG could do to increase its effectiveness in Togo? (N=133) How Can the WBG Increase its Effectiveness? (Open-Ended Responses) Greater alignment to Togo’s needs, financially and in project focus, more engagement with stakeholders outside of government, supervised implementation and increased monitoring of projects, and built local capacity Communication, 4% Focus Area • Infrastructure, including transport, water, and energy, with an emphasis on climate change adaptations • Health and education – infrastructure and increasing access • Private sector development, vocational training, and jobs, especially for Knowledge, young Togolese 9% Focus Area • Agriculture development, improving farming techniques and market access Financial • Public sector governance at the national level and communes 28% Support, 10% Engagement • Engage on a more local level to better understand the needs and context in Togo and ensure projects achieve their desired results Operational • More engagement outside of government, especially with civil society, Effectiveness, the private sector, and communes, to improve implementation, increase 11% transparency, and assist in monitoring projects Engagement, • More effective collaboration with the national government and other Results 19% donors and partners to improve coordination and results 18% Results • More supervision of project implementation • More rigorous and continuous monitoring of WBG-funded projects to ensure objectives are met • Greater emphasis on transparency and accountability In your opinion, what is the most important thing the World Bank Group could do to increase its effectiveness in Togo? (N=133) Q All percentages are calculated based on the total number of comments made by respondents; individual comments could be counted multiple times depending on the number of topics they covered, so the sum of all percentages may be greater than 100%. 28 How Can the WBG Increase its Effectiveness? (Open-Ended Responses) Greater alignment to Togo’s needs, financially and in project focus, more engagement with stakeholders outside of government, supervised implementation and increased monitoring of projects, and built local capacity Communication, 4% Operational Effectiveness • More timely, streamlined, and flexible procedures and processes • Greater support and guidance for more efficient and effective Knowledge, project implementation 9% Focus Area Financial 28% Financial Support Support • Increased financial support, especially to meet the needs of 10% Togo’s people and to ensure economic growth • Direct financial support for SMEs, communes, and youth Operational entrepreneurs Effectiveness, Knowledge 11% • Demand for more capacity building and training, especially at the local level, to provide more empowerment among Togo’s people Engagement, • Increase the accessibility of WBG knowledge work through Results, 19% broader dissemination 18% Communication • More communication regarding WBG projects and their results to increase awareness, and transparency, and to build support for future projects In your opinion, what is the most important thing the World Bank Group could do to increase its effectiveness in Togo? (N=133) Q All percentages are calculated based on the total number of comments made by respondents; individual comments could be counted multiple times depending on the number of topics they covered, so the sum of all percentages may be greater than 100%. 29 30 Communication and Outreach “The Bank should produce more data, with an emphasis on timeliness and updating. This data should be systematically and proactively disseminated to civil society players, the media, and young people. There is a cruel lack of information and insights into public policy. The publication of information by the Bank will be a perfect resource for ‘teasing out’ public authorities.” (Media Respondent) “Communication and involvement of all social strata.” (Government Institution Respondent) Q In your opinion, what is the most important thing the WBG could do to increase its effectiveness in Togo? (N=133) e-Newsletters and Events were the Most Preferred WBG Channels Respondents most preferred to receive the WBG’s communications through e-newsletters and events/conferences/seminars/workshops (in person or online), followed by direct messaging and direct contact with staff. Top 2 Preferred WBG Channels Bilateral or All Government Government Civil Private Parliamentarians Multilateral Respondents Principals Institutions Society Sector Agencies e-Newsletters 71% 71% 62% 80% 80% 71% 65% Event / conference / seminar / 50% 43% 49% 54% 30% 45% 35% workshop (in person or online) Direct messaging 30% 18% 46% 30% 10% 29% 35% (e.g., WhatsApp, Telegram, Viber) Direct contact with staff 25% 25% 24% 16% 60% 32% 35% (e.g., in person, virtually, phone, email) Social media 12% 29% 8% 12% 20% 10% 0% (e.g., Facebook, Twitter) Other 2% 7% 3% 1% 0% 0% 0% How would you prefer to receive communication from the WBG? (Select up to 2) Q (Percentage of Respondents, N=226) 31 73% of Respondents Recalled Seeing/Hearing about the WBG Recently, Most Often on TV Nearly three-quarters of respondents recalled recently hearing or seeing something about the WBG. Respondents most often reported seeing/hearing about the WBG on TV, followed by social media and radio. More common among Television (TV) 61% Parliamentarians (95%) Social media 40% More common among private sector (57%) No Radio 39% and government 27% principals (55%) WBG websites 33% Do you recall More common among seeing or hearing Direct contact with WBG staff (e.g., in 33% bilateral/ multilateral anything about person, virtually, phone, email) agencies (80%) the WBG Event / conference / seminar (in person 32% recently? or online) More common among government principals Newspapers (print or online) 31% (55%), less common among Yes bilateral/multilateral 73% agencies (0%) e-Newsletters 27% Direct messaging (e.g., WhatsApp, 11% Telegram, Viber) Respondents from bilateral or multilateral agencies Podcasts 4% were the most likely to recall seeing/hearing about the WBG recently (100%) whereas Blogs 3% Parliamentarians were the least likely (54%). Other 3% Do you recall seeing or hearing anything about the WBG recently? (N=225) Q If you answered “Yes”, where do you recall seeing or hearing this information? (Select all that apply) (Percentage of Respond ents, N=163) 32 The WBG’s Work on Climate Change and Ending Poverty were the Most Commonly Recalled Topics Respondents most frequently recalled the WBG’s work or Climate change 55% research on climate change and ending poverty in Ending poverty in developing developing countries, followed by women empowerment 55% countries and food security. Women empowerment 47% Food security 45% Human capital (education, health) 35% WBG economic forecasts 32% Digital economy 31% Job creation / employment 29% Debt relief for developing countries 26% Youth development 20% Pandemic preparedness 13% Other 12% Changes to the WBG financial and 11% operational model If you answered “Yes”, what topics were included in what you saw or heard about WBG’s work or research? Q (Select all that apply) (Percentage of Respondents, N=161) 33 Climate Change Communications can be More Impactful when Related to Stakeholders’ Top Concern: Floods More than 8 in 10 respondents were very concerned about the potential impact of more frequent and severe floods due to climate change in Togo. Approximately two-thirds of respondents were also very concerned about increased erosion of shoreline, decreased crop yields and increased food insecurity, and land and forest degradation. These key areas of concern should be taken into considered to make communications about climate change more impactful. Very concerned Somewhat concerned A little concerned Not concerned at all More frequent and severe floods 81% Increased erosion of shoreline 65% Decreased crop yields / increased food insecurity 64% Land and forest degradation 62% Coastal flooding due to sea level rise 57% More frequent and severe heatwaves 55% Decreased water availability / quality 53% More frequent and severe droughts 51% Loss of jobs 46% Extinction of plant / animal species 39% Air pollution 36% Climate-driven migration 34% More frequent and intense wildfires 34% Q How concerned are you about the following potential impacts of climate change in Togo? (Percentage of Respondents, N=~209) 34 35 Sample Demographics and Detailed Methodology Sample Demographics What is the primary specialization Do you of your work? (N=221) collaborate/work Education 13% with the World Bank Group (WBG) No Generalist (specialize in multiple) 12% 41% in Togo? Other 11% (N=232) Yes 59% Agriculture and food security 10% Public sector governance 9% Macroeconomics, fiscal / debt mgmt. 5% Private sector development / trade 5% Environment / natural resource mgmt. 5% Social protection 5% Health / pandemic preparedness 4% Water / sanitation 4% Which of the World Bank (IDA) 97% Urban development 4% following WBG International Finance agencies do you Corporation (IFC) 25% Transport 3% collaborate/work Climate change 3% with in Togo? Multilateral Investment 9% Guarantee Agency (MIGA) Legal / human rights 3% (N=134) International Centre for Gender equity 2% Settlement of Investment 4% Disputes (ICSID) Energy 2% Digital development 1% 36 Sample Demographics (continued) Which best represents your What’s your age? (N=227) geographic location? (N=224) 25 or younger <1% Lomé 67% 26-35 4% 36-45 29% Maritime Region 11% 46-55 36% Plateaux Region 9% 56 and above 29% Prefer not to Prefer not to 1% Savanes Region 5% specify, 1% specify Female 16% Central Region 5% What is your Kara Region 4% gender? (N=226) Male 83% 37 Detailed Methodology Percentage of Respondents FY 2021 FY 2024 From May to July 2024, a total of 705 stakeholders in Togo were invited to provide their Government Principals: Office of the 22% 29% opinions on the WBG’s work by participating in a Country Opinion Survey (COS). A list of President, Minister, Parliamentarian potential participants was compiled by the WBG country team and the field agency. Government Institutions: Employee of a Participants were drawn from the Offices of the President, Prime Minister, Minister, and Ministry, Department, Project Implementation 34% 35% Parliament, government institutions, local governments, bilateral or multilateral agencies, the Unit, Independent Government Institution, Judiciary, State-Owned Enterprise private sector, civil society, academia, and the media. Local Government 3% 2% Of these stakeholders, 237 participated in the survey (34% response rate). Respondents received the questionnaire via courier or mail and returned it accordingly or completed the Bilateral/Multilateral Agency: Embassy, questionnaire online. Development Organization, Development 6% 5% Bank, UN Agency This year’s survey results were compared to the FY21 Survey, which had a response Civil Society Organization: Local and rate of 55% (N=355). regional NGO, Community-Based Organization, Private Foundation, 13% 13% Comparing responses across Country Surveys reflects changes in attitudes over time, but Professional/Trade Association, also changes in respondent samples, changes in methodology, and changes to the survey Faith-Based Group, Youth Group instrument itself. To reduce the influence of the latter factor, only those questions with similar Private Sector: Private Company, Financial response scales/options were analyzed. In addition, the stakeholder compositions for both 12% 9% Sector Organization, Private Bank survey years were quite similar. Academia / Research Center 4% 3% Key statistically significant findings (tested at the research standard of p < .05) are noted throughout the report. Media 3% 3% Breakdowns for individual questions by stakeholder group can be found in the “Togo COS Other 3% 1% FY24 Appendices with data breakdown and qualitative comments.xlsx” file published in the WBG Microdata Library, along with the survey microdata and this report. Total Number of Respondents* 343 230 What is your primary professional affiliation? (Select only 1 response) Q *Not all respondents provided information about their professional affiliation. Therefore, the total number of respondents listed in the table is lower than the N reported in the methodology. 38 Indicator Questions Every country that engages in the Country Opinion Survey (COS) must include specific indicator questions, several of which are aggregated for the World Bank Group’s annual Corporate Scorecard and are highlighted in red below. A1_5. How much do you trust the World Bank Group to do what is right for Togo? Scale: 1 Not at all – 10 Very much A2. How effective is the World Bank Group in helping Togo achieve development results? Scale: 1 Not effective at all – 10 Very effective A3. How significant a contribution do you believe the WBG's knowledge work make to development results in Togo? Scale: 1 Not significant at all – 10 Very significant To what extent do you agree with the following statements? Scale: 1 Strongly disagree – 10 Strongly agree A4. The WBG currently plays a relevant role in development in Togo. A5. The WBG’s work is aligned with what I consider the development priorities for Togo. A6. The WBG has a positive influence on shaping development policy in Togo. A7. The WBG’s work helps end poverty in Togo. To what extent is the WBG an effective development partner in terms of each of the following? Scale: 1 To no degree at all – 10 To a very significant degree C1_1. Responsiveness to needs in Togo C1_2. Access to WBG staff and experts C1_3. Flexibility when circumstances change in Togo C1_5. Being a long-term partner to Togo To what extent is the WBG an effective development partner in Togo, in terms of collaborating with the following groups? Scale: 1 To no degree at all – 10 To a very significant degree C2_1. National government C2_4. Private sector C2_5. Civil society C2_6. Other donors and development partners To what extent do you agree with the following statements? Scale: 1 Strongly disagree – 10 Strongly agree C4_1. The WBG’s financial instruments (i.e., budget support, loans, grants, trust funds) meet the needs of Togo. C4_3. The WBG provides financial support in a timely manner. C6_1. I am satisfied with the quality of the WBG’s knowledge work in Togo. C6_4. The WBG’s knowledge work is tailored to Togo’s context. 39 Thank you For more information about this report or the Country Opinion Survey program, please contact: countrysurveys@worldbankgroup.org