In Togo, the increasing pace of urbanization has raised the need for secure land and accessible housing. As more people move to cities, the challenge of creating a land and real estate system that can support urban growth and ease access to land has become more pressing. Over the past 20 years, the housing and urban development sector has seen several reforms aimed at improving urban planning, securing land, and regulating construction. These developments were highlighted on Monday, October 5, 2026, in Lomé by Kodjo Adédzé, the Minister of Territorial Planning and Urbanism, on the occasion of World Habitat Day. Key among the reforms has been the increased role of local communities in managing their territories. In 2009, Togo adopted a national housing strategy and a national territorial planning policy. This was followed by the 2016 adoption of the territorial planning framework law, which helped solidify the legal basis for urban planning. In the land sector, a major reform began in 2016 and 2017, leading to the 2018 adoption of the Land and Domain Code. Other important steps included the creation of the Single Land Office in 2019 and improved construction oversight. In 2020, the country started classifying buildings, and in 2022, it introduced regulations on rental agreements, including capping security deposits and rent guarantees at three months each. Additionally, the process for obtaining building permits has been digitized through the Integrated Building Permit Management System (SIGPC). In 2026, the government plans to take further steps in territorial planning. The National Territorial Planning Scheme (SNAT) is currently being rolled out, with the development of Local Urban Planning Schemes (PLU) in 13 pilot communes. This initiative reflects broader efforts in housing development, such as the new city of Kpomé-Dalavé, built on a 1177-hectare site. The project aims to create a new urban center with affordable housing and essential infrastructure for a sustainable living environment. In Lomé, the capital, urban renewal efforts are focused on transforming and densifying the city. The Lomé Urban Renewal Project (PRU) is expected to improve urban organization and provide housing that meets local needs. The project also includes infrastructure improvements and the development of a national industry for local building materials, according to Minister Kodjo Adédzé. Alongside these projects, the government continues working on urban planning and construction codes. The restructuring and modernization of the Construction and Housing Center (CCL) are also part of the plans, aimed at supporting professionals in the sector and promoting the use of local building materials. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to ensure that urban growth is sustainable, inclusive, and well-managed, addressing the challenges of a rapidly urbanizing population.