As government administrations globally accelerate their digital transformation, Togo is making a deliberate effort to re-establish its national archives at the heart of its public sector. In Lomé, experts and authorities recently convened on International Archives Day to deliberate on the pivotal role of these historical records in upholding rights, safeguarding collective memory, and enhancing public governance.
Beyond their intrinsic value as historical heritage, archives serve as crucial instruments for fostering transparency, ensuring justice, and boosting administrative efficiency. These critical themes formed the core of a dedicated day of reflection held on Thursday, July 2, 2026, at the Direction de la Bibliothèque et des Archives nationales (DBAN). The event was themed: « Archives for justice: rights, memory and futures ».
This significant gathering, organized in collaboration with the Association togolaise des bibliothécaires, archivistes et documentalistes (ATBAD), was part of the annual International Archives Day celebrations. Its primary objective was to underscore the vital contributions of archive services to preserving the nation’s memory, protecting citizens’ rights, and strengthening transparency within the public administration.
Togo’s archives: a cornerstone of modern governance
The proceedings were officially inaugurated by Professor Gado Tchangbedji, the Minister Delegate for Higher Education and Scientific Research. In his opening remarks, he emphasized that archives form an indispensable link in the modernization of the State and the continuous improvement of public services.
According to Professor Tchangbedji, effective documentary management not only ensures the preservation of administrative and historical heritage but also significantly facilitates access to information, thereby bolstering trust between governmental institutions and the citizenry.
The Minister also commended the unwavering efforts spearheaded by the President of the Council, Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé, towards the digital transformation of the administration. He specifically highlighted the development of e-government initiatives, which are presented as vital tools for bridging the gap between the administration and its users.
expected recommendations to bolster archive services
Beyond the formal addresses, the meeting featured several thematic presentations, followed by engaging discussions involving archive professionals, librarians, documentalists, and representatives from various public administrations.
The conversations delved into the complex challenges associated with document conservation, their digitization, ensuring broad accessibility, and their overarching significance in protecting rights and facilitating sound justice administration.
At the conclusion of the proceedings, participants collectively reaffirmed the strategic importance of archives in constructing the national memory. They expressed a strong desire that the recommendations formulated during the event would lead to a lasting enhancement of Togo’s archival services, especially within the context of the accelerating digital transformation of the administration.
