Pya (Commune de Kozah 2), Togo

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‘Pya aligns itself with the policies defined by the UNESCO GNLC and commits to mobilizing different stakeholders to ensure its learning city development, which it sees as the sum total of the concerted actions of internal and external actors. Accepting development means being open to the world and learning is the key.

Ms Kossiwa Kabiya

Mayor

Ethnic diversity and an agriculture-based economy

Pya is governed by the traditional chieftaincy, which is the guarantor of customs and habits and a key player in the development process. The population in the city is predominantly Kabye, but there are also Losso, Igbos (Nigerian) and Adja-Ewe (Benin). The local economy remains embryonic and is promoted through income-generating activities such farmers selling their produce and the processing of local agricultural products, which are carried out mainly by women.

Vision and Strategy

Pya has adopted a joint learning city strategy with the Togolese cities of Kara and Niamtougou that guarantees social cohesion. The joint approach aims to empower citizens to improve local governance and create wealth in the agricultural sector through sustainable and environmentally friendly farming practices. The infrastructure of the three cities will be built to guarantee quality, inclusion and accessibility to all social strata. The three cities also aim to integrate the notion of sustainability into their actions within the network of learning cities.

Policies, Plan and Implementation

Sustainability and health

• The improvement of the conditions and quality of life of the population is at the heart of Pya´s learning city strategy. This is achieved through the availability of adequate health infrastructure and the adoption of good practices in drinking water, hygiene and sanitation as well as public health.

Equity and inclusion

• Pya prioritizes equity and inclusion. Not only are women at the head of the town hall, but consultations are attended by women's groups and associations of disabled people. The municipality also supports inclusive education by increasing the accessibility of disabled students to training and setting up a support fund for vulnerable people.

Decent work and entrepreneurship

• The city organizes annual training for groups and associations on entrepreneurship, and the development of business plans and financing. Ensuring the capacity-building of women, youth and people with disabilities on entrepreneurship is also essential for the municipal government.

Good practices

Programme for the promotion of education and support to poor students

• This programme integrates the promotion of inclusive training and education and the improvement of living conditions to ensure all citizens have access to education.

Digitalisation of the city

• Public Wi-Fi has been installed in the city in partnership with Togocom in order to facilitate continuous learning and opening the city to the world.