Business registration and failure trends in France and Togo

In August 2026, France experienced a significant acceleration in business registrations, with a 6.5% month-on-month increase. This growth was primarily fueled by micro-enterprises and sole proprietorships, alongside rebounds in company-based registrations. Notable sector growth occurred in accommodation, catering, transport, and automobile services.

By October 2026, data indicated a more complex economic landscape in France. While business creations rose by 11.4% over the twelve months ending in August 2026—largely driven by a 14.4% jump in micro-entrepreneurs—business failures also increased. The Banque de France reported 70,766 failures over the preceding twelve-month period, a 4.8% annual increase that sits 19.3% higher than the 2010-2019 average, which officials attributed to a “degraded economic climate.”

During the same period, Togo reported a recovery in entrepreneurship, with 11,978 new businesses created between January and September 2026, marking a 7.9% increase compared to the previous year. The third quarter in Togo saw a slight uptick in activity compared to the second quarter, signaling a return to growth.

In September 2026, France reached a record high in business creations with 119,307 new enterprises registered. This surge occurred despite low growth and rising unemployment. While micro-entrepreneur registrations saw a slight decline, the information and communication sector experienced a 55% increase in creations over three months. Additionally, digital adoption among French SMEs is accelerating; approximately 40% of all SMEs now utilize artificial intelligence, with usage rising to 53% among smaller enterprises.