Cina Lawson, Minister of Digital Economy and Transformation, Togo

1. How do you use technology/policy to improve citizens’ lives? Tell us about your role or organisation. 

As Minister of Digital Economy and Transformation, my mission is to leverage technology to drive inclusive economic growth and improve public service delivery. Through innovative policies, we are ensuring that digital transformation reaches all Togolese citizens, from urban centers to the most remote communities. For instance, one of our most impactful initiatives is Novissi, a fully digital cash transfer program launched during the COVID-19 pandemic. We supported over 920,000 informal sector workers, with 63% being women, providing them with much-needed financial assistance. 15% of beneficiaries were prioritized using machine learning and mobile metadata.  

The success of Novissi caught the attention of the World Bank, resulting in a $100 million grant to further extend digital social protection to 1.8 million of our most vulnerable citizens. In doing so, we will provide every citizen with a secure digital identity leveraging cutting-edge technologies such as MOSIP (Modular Open Source Identity Platform). Additionally, we are developing a comprehensive AI-powered social registry to better map and understand the needs of our population. Finally, we will enhance the Novissi platform to become a multi-program mass payments platform.

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2. What was the most impactful project you worked on this year? 

In 2024, we launched the Togo Data Lab in collaboration with the Center for Effective Global Action (CEGA). This initiative aims at building a local ecosystem of data science expertise, empowering Togolese scientists to use AI and data-driven tools like MOSAIKS to improve sectors such as agriculture, education, and infrastructure development.  

Within the Data Lab, local data scientists work with international data scientists to craft Togolese solutions. For example, the lab has already begun work on crop yield prediction using satellite imagery and AI, helping farmers make better decisions and boosting food security in rural areas. 

3. What was one unexpected learning from 2024? 

An unexpected but invaluable learning from 2024 was the importance of local ownership in driving sustainable digital transformation. While global partnerships provide expertise, the long-term success of digital initiatives depends on investing in local talent, infrastructure, and culturally adapted solutions.  

To give just one example, we used AI to draw and optimize the itinerary for the deployment of optic fiber to ensure a rapid adoption and uptake of high-speed broadband connectivity. This implementation was done by local Togolese data scientists through a national challenge organized in collaboration with the company Zindi. The top three laureates received a financial prize from the government, and we also hired the top 10 data scientists for our data lab.  

4. What’s a tool or technique you’re excited to explore in 2025? 

I’m particularly excited about exploring the potential of Generative AI to enhance education and public service delivery. For instance, we’re piloting AI-driven tutoring systems which will help students access tailored, high-quality learning experiences. Additionally, AI for predictive analytics in agriculture will be a key focus, helping us tackle food insecurity and climate change challenges. 

5. Everybody’s talking about AI today – give us your hot take on AI and what it means for the public sector. 

AI has transformative potential for the public sector, but only if approached responsibly. In Togo, we see it as a force multiplier for social equity, enabling us to better allocate resources, respond to citizen needs, and create inclusive economic opportunities. For example, in Togo, we are piloting an AI tutoring for our public services online platform to better respond to citizen needs. We are also currently defining our AI strategy following the five focus areas of the African Union  continental artificial intelligence strategy. These five areas include harnessing AI benefits, addressing the risks, accelerating capabilities in infrastructure, fostering regional cooperation and stimulating public private investments.  

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6. What are your priorities for 2025? 

First, we want to expand broadband Internet connectivity through fiber-to-the-home deployment and to improve electrification to support AI tools. Second, we want to train more Togolese in computer science, introduction to artificial intelligence and English to improve their employability. Last but not least, we want to launch several incubation and acceleration programs for local entrepreneurs.

7. What advice do you have for public sector innovators? 

Technology must serve the people, not the other way around. It is important to foster a human centric digital transformation by designing with local needs and inclusivity in mind. Additionally, you should always have in mind a clear scaling plan while designing digital transformation projects. Lastly, while it is important to leverage global expertise, we should always ensure that local talent and capacity-building remain at the core.

8. Who inspires you today? 

I am inspired by African youth, who are driving innovation despite limited resources. Their creativity, resilience, and eagerness to shape the future give me hope for the continent's digital transformation. 

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