Debt Management Performance Assessment : Togo

Abstract

During November 12 through November 24, 2007 a World Bank team traveled to Lome, Togo, to undertake an assessment of the government's debt management operations using the Debt Management Performance Measurement Assessment Tool (DeMPA). The DeMPA is a methodology for assessing debt management performance through a set of 15 indicators covering the full range of debt management functions. This assessment report highlights that the current strengths of debt management operations in Togo lie in the areas of coordination with monetary policy and the staff in the debt office, who have the skills needed for the basic debt management operations they are required to do at the moment. Among the areas for improvement identified, the priority should be given to: (i) the institutional framework, which is currently overly complex and does not ensure appropriate coordination among all entities that participate in the debt management process; (ii) the debt recording systems, which are not accurate and complete, in part as a consequence of the institutional framework; and (iii) putting in place a debt management strategy, which at this stage would focus on arrears clearance and the terms of re-engagement with the international financial community.