How to Establish an Association or NGO in Togo: MATDCL Procedures

Establishing an Association or NGO in Togo: Administrative Guide

In Togo, freedom of association is guaranteed by the Constitution and governed by the Act of July 1, 1901 on non-profit associations and ministerial decrees regulating the official status of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs / ONGs).

Whether creating a cultural club, local development association, humanitarian charity, or international non-profit in Lomé, this guide outlines the official registration procedure to obtain an official filing receipt (récépissé de déclaration) from the Ministry of Territorial Administration (MATDCL).

1. Distinguishing Non-Profit Associations from NGOs

Togolese law distinguishes between two legal non-profit statuses:

1901 Act Non-Profit Association: A non-profit structure formed by at least 3 individuals or corporate entities. Obtaining an official filing receipt from MATDCL grants full legal personality, enabling the organization to enter contracts and open corporate bank accounts.
Non-Governmental Organization (NGO / ONG): Special status granted by ministerial decree to 1901 Act associations possessing at least 2 years of proven operational field experience, allowing them to sign framework partnership agreements with the State and enjoy customs exemptions on humanitarian donations.

2. Steps to Register an Association in Lomé

Step 1: Constitutive General Assembly

Founding members convene in a Constitutive General Assembly to:

Formally adopt the association's Statutes (Bylaws).
Formally adopt the Internal Rules & Regulations.
Elect Executive Bureau officers (President, General Secretary, Treasurer).

Step 2: Submitting the Application File (MATDCL)

The complete application dossier is submitted to the Directorate of Public Liberties at MATDCL in Lomé (or to the local Prefecture):

Formal declaration letter addressed to the Minister of Territorial Administration.
Signed Articles of Association / Statutes (4 original copies).
Signed Internal Rules (4 original copies).
Minutes of the Constitutive General Assembly (4 original copies).
Nominative list of Executive Bureau members specifying full names, occupations, residential addresses, and executive roles.
Police criminal background checks less than 3 months old for every Executive Bureau officer.
Photocopies of valid identity documents for all officers.
Physical location map of the headquarters in Lomé.

3. Review, Background Check and Official Receipt

Administrative Vetting: MATDCL forwards the dossier to security services (police/gendarmerie) for mandatory background checks on association officers.
Chancery Fees: Payment of processing fees and stamp duties at the ministry cashier desk.
Issuance of Official Filing Receipt (Récépissé de Déclaration): Signed by the Minister of Territorial Administration, this document confirms legal establishment.
Publication in the Official Gazette: Publication of the establishment notice in the Official Gazette of the Togolese Republic.

4. Procedure for Obtaining NGO Approval in Togo

For a legally registered association to obtain formal NGO status:

Submit an accreditation request to the Ministry of Development Planning.
Provide evidence of 2 years of active field operations (activity reports and audited financial statements).
Execute a Framework Partnership Agreement with the Togolese Government.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How long does it take to receive an official association receipt in Lomé?

The average processing timeframe for administrative vetting and background checks leading to receipt issuance by MATDCL ranges from 2 to 4 months.

Can a Togolese association open a bank account?

Yes, upon receiving the official MATDCL receipt and publication in the Official Gazette, the association can open an associative bank account in the organization's name with partner banks in Lomé.

Where are the MATDCL offices located in Lomé?

The Ministry of Territorial Administration, Decentralization and Territorial Development is located in the Cité OUA administrative district, Lomé.

Last verified: September 12, 2026
Official sources: Ministry of Territorial Administration of Togo (MATDCL), Official Gazette of Togo