Franchising is not prohibited in Togo, but it is little known. Direct marketing of U.S. products is possible, perhaps to wholesalers, but use of a local agent or partner is more likely to bring results. In the Togolese market, price is often more important than quality. Product pricing is generally free, although following the January 1994 announcement of the CFA Franc devaluation, the Togolese government briefly attempted to control prices of some primary commodities. The efforts were mostly unsuccessful.
Personal visits offer the highest sales potential, especially for retail goods.
U.S. exporters interested in the Togolese market should have their products conform to packaging and sizes already available and accepted in the local market. There are also numerous private newspapers which publish more or less regularly. Those interested in contacting the private press may wish to first contact the U.S. Embassy or U.S. Information Service in Lom . Advertisements may also be placed with the government-run Radio Lom , or the private stations Radio Nostalgie, Tropic FM, Kanal FM, etc. Firms are not required to have a permanent attorney.