Press Relations in Togo: Strategic Guide to Successful Communication

Are you planning to launch a press relations campaign or distribute a press release in Togo?
This comprehensive guide explores the Togolese media landscape, its economic and political specificities, local PR practices, and the best strategies to maximize communication impact in West Africa.

Overview: A Media Landscape in Transition

Located in West Africa, between Ghana and Benin, Togo is a French-speaking country with over 8 million inhabitants.
Long marked by an authoritarian political context, the country has taken a democratic turn since the 1990s with the introduction of multiparty politics and media plurality.

Despite these changes, press freedom remains relative, and some newsrooms still face political pressure.

State of the Media in Togo: Strengths and Challenges

Togo’s media landscape is dynamic but fragile. According to the African Media Barometer, three major challenges remain:

• Economic viability: most newsrooms operate with very limited budgets

• Political polarization: strong affiliations with either government or opposition

• Limited professionalization: few journalists receive formal training

Progress has been made thanks to initiatives such as the National Media Conference (2014), the establishment of training centers, and a strengthened legal framework with Law No. 2019-016 and the Press Code (2020).

Key Media Outlets for Press Relations in Togo

Print Press

• Togo Presse (public daily)

• Liberté

• Le Médium

• Forum de la Semaine

• Le Changement

Radio

• Radio Lomé (public)

• Radio Victoire

• Nana FM

• Radio Kanal FM

• Zéphyr FM

Television

• TVT (Télévision Togolaise)

• LCF (La Chaîne du Futur)

• TV2

• Zion TV

• TV7

Online Media

• Togo Breaking News

• icilomé.com

• togoinfos.net

• togotopnews.com

Tip: Use radio to reach rural areas, and online media to target urban and younger audiences.

Local Specificities of Press Relations

• Strong political orientation: choose outlets carefully depending on your message and target audience

• End of per diem payments: since 2020, to strengthen sector credibility

• Personalized relations: phone or WhatsApp follow-up is common after initial contact

• Advertorials and sponsored interviews: accepted, but subject to declaration and billing

5 Tips for a Successful PR Campaign in Togo

1. Identify the right media outlets based on your audience and message

2. Draft a clear, well-structured press release (impeccable French, key info upfront)

3. Personalize your approach for each newsroom

4. Build long-term relationships with journalists

5. Collaborate with a local partner to facilitate processes

Conclusion

Togo offers a dynamic yet evolving media landscape.
A deep understanding of the political context, a smart selection of media outlets, and a respectful approach to local practices are the keys to successful communication.