Biotechnology Law at Togo
Togo has made significant strides in developing its biotechnology and biosafety legal framework, particularly concerning genetically modified organisms (GMOs). The country aims to establish a robust regulatory environment that aligns with international standards while fostering scientific innovation.
🇹🇬 National Biosafety Law and Regulatory Developments
2009 Biosafety Law: Togo enacted its initial biosafety legislation in January 2009, titled Loi N°2009-001 du 06 janvier 2009 portant Prévention des Risques Biotechnologiques au Togo. This law laid the foundation for regulating GMOs and ensuring the safe use of modern biotechnology.
Revised Draft Law (2013–2014): Recognizing the need for updates, Togo initiated a revision of the 2009 law. In 2014, a stakeholders' workshop in Lomé validated the revised draft, which aimed to align Togo's biosafety regulations with international best practices, including the Nagoya-Kuala Lumpur Supplementary Protocol on Liability and Redress.
Pending Parliamentary Approval: As of the latest available information, the revised biosafety law, along with its implementing regulations, is ready for submission to the National Assembly for adoption.
🌍 International Commitments
Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety: Togo signed the Cartagena Protocol in July 2004, committing to international standards for the safe transfer, handling, and use of living modified organisms.
Nagoya-Kuala Lumpur Supplementary Protocol: In September 2011, Togo became the fifth African country to sign this protocol, which provides international rules and procedures on liability and redress for damage to biodiversity resulting from living modified organisms.
🧬 Institutional and Capacity-Building Initiatives
African Biosafety Network of Expertise (ABNE): ABNE has been instrumental in supporting Togo's biosafety efforts, providing technical assistance in revising the biosafety law and building the capacity of regulators and policymakers.
Togolese Association of Biosecurity and Biosafety (ATBSS): Established in 2022, ATBSS aims to promote biosafety and biosecurity in Togo. Its objectives include raising awareness, training professionals, and participating in the development of biosafety policies and legislation.
Biosafety and Biosecurity Training: In September 2024, 20 local staff in Togo were trained and certified in biosafety and biosecurity, enhancing their ability to manage biological risks and biomedical waste.
📌 Conclusion
Togo is actively working to establish a comprehensive and internationally aligned biosafety framework. While the revised biosafety law awaits parliamentary approval, the country has made significant progress in institutional capacity-building and international commitments. These efforts position Togo to effectively regulate biotechnology and ensure the safe use of GMOs in the country.
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