dw.com
Togo's Internet Restrictions Cause \$648,000 Daily Economic Losses
Internet restrictions in Togo since June 2025 protests have caused daily economic losses estimated at \$648,000, severely impacting businesses, particularly SMEs and startups reliant on digital services, and hindering Togo's digital transformation.
- What are the immediate economic consequences of internet restrictions in Togo, and how do they affect different sectors?
- Internet disruptions in Togo since June 2025 have severely impacted the economy, causing significant financial losses and operational disruptions for businesses, especially SMEs and startups heavily reliant on online services. The disruptions affect online payments, communications, and access to essential digital services.
- How do the internet restrictions in Togo impact specific businesses and individuals, illustrating their reliance on digital tools?
- The reliance on digital infrastructure in Togo's economy highlights the vulnerability of nations with rapidly expanding digital sectors to internet restrictions. The resulting economic losses, estimated at $648,000 per day of targeted restrictions by Internet Society, underscore the need for alternative network solutions and regulatory clarity.
- What are the long-term implications of these internet restrictions for Togo's economic development and digital transformation ambitions?
- Continued internet restrictions in Togo threaten the nation's digital transformation goals, discouraging investment and hindering innovation among young entrepreneurs and the informal economy. The lack of transparency regarding these restrictions exacerbates the negative impacts, creating uncertainty and eroding public trust.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article frames internet restrictions as overwhelmingly negative, highlighting the detrimental effects on businesses, individuals, and the overall economy. The use of terms like "asphyxiate," "devastation," and "disaster" sets a strongly negative tone from the outset. While these consequences are significant, the framing could be improved by including a more balanced overview of potential government reasons for restrictions (even if ultimately deemed insufficient).
Language Bias
The article uses strong, emotive language to describe the impact of internet restrictions. Words like "asphyxiate," "devastation," and "disaster" create a sense of urgency and negativity. While conveying the seriousness of the situation, these words could be replaced with more neutral alternatives such as "severely impact," "substantial disruption," and "significant challenges." The repeated use of negative phrasing throughout reinforces a one-sided perspective.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on the negative economic consequences of internet restrictions in Togo, providing numerous examples from various sectors. However, it omits potential justifications for the restrictions from the government's perspective. While acknowledging space constraints is valid, including a brief counterpoint would have strengthened the analysis by offering a more balanced perspective. The lack of governmental perspective could be considered a bias by omission.
Sustainable Development Goals
Internet disruptions in Togo have severely impacted businesses, particularly SMEs and startups, leading to financial losses, decreased productivity, and hampered innovation. The article highlights the dependence of the Togolese economy on internet access for various sectors, including e-commerce, mobile banking, and digital services. Restrictions also affect employment, especially for young entrepreneurs and those in the informal economy who rely on online platforms for business.