In Togo, a new digital platform is now operational to support the continuous professional development of teachers. The initiative, led by the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education in partnership with UNICEF, was officially launched late last week in Lomé.
Named FOCEN (Continuous Professional Development for Teachers), the platform is presented by the Ministry as a major tool for the deep modernization of the national education system. It aligns with the Education Sector Plan (ESP) 2020–2030, which places teacher training at the heart of the country’s strategic priorities. The platform also aims to strengthen communication and collaboration within the Togolese teaching workforce.
“The launch of the FOCEN platform reflects our strong commitment to making continuous teacher training a strategic driver of educational transformation. We are now offering every Togolese teacher, wherever they may be, the opportunity to train, improve their skills, and obtain certified recognition of their competencies,” said Akakpo-Numado Yawo Séna, Permanent Technical Secretary of the Education Sector Plan.
In practical terms, FOCEN offers a hybrid training model, combining face-to-face sessions with self-paced online learning. The platform provides a wide range of resources, including videos, quizzes, and interactive exercises, as well as personalized learning pathways and a certification system with individual progress tracking. The mechanism is designed to strengthen pedagogical skills and sustainably improve the quality of teaching nationwide.
With the launch of FOCEN, Togo’s education system marks a new milestone in its modernization process and accelerates its digital transition. In recent years, several administrative procedures in the education sector have already been moved online, including exam registration and the issuance of baccalaureate certificates.