Victoire Tomegah Dogbé is a Togolese politician who has held the position of Prime Minister of Togo since 2020. She is a notable figure in Togolese politics, not only as the first woman to serve as Prime Minister but also due to her extensive experience in government and various leadership roles.
Victoire Dogbé was born in Lomé, Togo, in the maritime region. She holds a Master’s degree in economics and management, which she earned in 1982. Additionally, she received further education, including a degree in management from AARHUS, Denmark, and a specialized graduate diploma in governance, poverty, and gender from the UNDP virtual school.
Her professional career began in 1986 when she worked as the Chief of Staff at Industries Togolaise des Plastiques (ITP). Over the years, she rose through the ranks, serving as the head of supply and later as the administrative and financial Director. From 1992 to 1994, she worked for Shell, overseeing the company’s operations in Togo.
In 1994, she joined the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), where she held various important positions in offices located in Togo, Congo Brazzaville, Burkina Faso, and Benin. She remained with the UNDP until her transition to a government role and in 2008, she entered Togolese politics when she was appointed as the Minister of Grassroots Development, Handicrafts, Youth, and Youth Employment in the government led by Prime Minister Komi Sélom Klassou and later , served as the Cabinet Director of President Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé.
As a government official, Dogbé is known for spearheading several initiatives aimed at benefiting vulnerable groups, particularly youth and women. Some of these initiatives included ANADEB, PN-PTFM, FAIEJ, PRADEB, and PAIEJ-SP.
Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala seen with Her Excellence Victoire Dogbé,Image credit(WTO)
Victoire Dogbé became the Prime Minister of Togo on September 28, 2020. Her appointment came after the resignation of Komi Selom Klassou. This historic appointment made her the first woman to hold the position of Prime Minister in Togo.
At the opening of the Fifth United Nations Conference in Doha, Image credit ( Togofirst)
She is a national treasure who has had a diverse experience in governance and an accomplished career, spanning both the private sector and various positions within the Togolese government. Her tenure as Prime Minister reflects her commitment to addressing the needs of vulnerable groups and promoting gender equality in Togo.