Togo and Burkina Faso launch joint livestock traceability system

Togo and Burkina Faso have implemented a coordinated livestock traceability mechanism to combat theft, fraud, and animal laundering in their border regions. The initiative was formalized during a bilateral meeting held on October 20–21, 2026, in Dapaong, Togo.

The new system aims to track animals from their camps to final markets, eliminating the anonymity of herds. It establishes a bilateral verification procedure for commercial, administrative, and sanitary documents. This ensures that any animal crossing the border is accompanied by proper authorization, making it harder for stolen livestock to enter legal trade circuits.

Key stakeholders, including veterinary services, customs, security forces, and professional organizations, participated in the workshop organized by the NGO GEVAPAF with support from the European Union and other partners. The initiative specifically targets the Cinkassé livestock market, a vital commercial hub near the border. By securing transactions, the program seeks to protect the livelihoods of pastoralists, improve sanitary controls to prevent disease spread, and increase market revenue through more reliable documentation.