BGK supports a technology investment implemented by Asseco Data Systems in Africa

Bank Gospodarstwa Krajowego (BGK) has signed an agreement setting out the terms of long-term financing for a technology project in Togo implemented by Cyber Defense Africa (CDA) – a company established by the Government of the Republic of Togo and Asseco Data Systems. The financing, backed in part by an EFSD+ guarantee under the European Union’s Digital Transformation for Sub-Saharan Africa programme, marks BGK’s first development cooperation transaction.

The investment project, which will be partially financed by BGK, is being carried out by Cyber Defense Africa (CDA), which is a joint venture between the Government of the Republic of Togo and Asseco Data Systems of Poland created in 2019 and providing cutting edge cybersecurity services in Togo and Africa. The financing to be provided by BGK is secured by a EU guarantee under the EFSD+ programme, which has made it possible to mitigate the risks associated with the project.  This multi-domain program aiming at the upskill Togolese specialist will last for 12 years and BGK is financing part of the initial start of the project in the value over 24 milion euro.

Poles are among the world’s leading specialists in cybersecurity. These competencies should be used not only to protect national infrastructure but can also serve as a hallmark of our export potential. Additionally, Bank Gospodarstwa Krajowego is an institution with extensive experience in financing complex projects with a public component and in utilizing European Union funds. This investment represents a combination of our greatest strengths and is an important element in strengthening international relations - Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Digital Affairs, Krzysztof Gawkowski.

Building our technological capabilities is not merely a technical undertaking — it is a matter of national sovereignty and strategic independence. The Security Technology Center embodies Togo’s unwavering commitment to investing in the skills, talent, and expertise that will define its digital and industrial transformation for decades to come. At its heart, this initiative is dedicated to shaping a new generation of highly skilled professionals trained in cutting-edge fields such as systems and networks, artificial intelligence, and the design, development, and operational deployment of drones, alongside other advanced technological disciplines. In the same spirit of ambition, we are proud to announce the creation of the Africa Drone Company, a national platform dedicated to the production, innovation, and operational use of drones across key sectors, serving both Togo’s strategic needs and broader regional applications in Africa. We also take pride in deepening our partnership with Poland, a trusted ally that shares our belief that investing in human capital and technological capability is the cornerstone of sustainable development and long-term prosperity - H.E. Cina Lawson, Minister of Public Service Efficiency and Digital Transformation, Republic of Togo

The project in Togo is just the beginning

BGK supports Africa’s sustainable economic development by focusing on proven, secure and modern European technologies. At the same time, the transaction is a ‘win-win’ – in addition to supporting local digital infrastructure, it contributes to the expansion of Polish business into African markets, while at the same time deepening the technology ecosystem in Togo. For BGK, this is a project of strategic importance. It demonstrates that a Polish development finance institution can effectively contribute to the implementation of EU priorities, whilst supporting the development of partner economies and the competitiveness of European companies. The project in Togo is not a one-off initiative. “We are working on further similar transactions and plan to continue using EFSD+ instruments to strengthen the presence of European, including Polish, companies in African markets - Prof. Marta Postuła, First Vice-President of BGK

Africa’s digitalisation

Cyber Defense Africa (CDA) is a leading entity dedicated to cybersecurity and the defense of critical infrastructures in Africa. CDA operates a modern Security Operations Center (SOC) and provides 24/7 monitoring and incident response services. Additionally, CDA manages the national Computer Emergency Response Team of Togo (CERT.tg), offering free services to strengthen national cybersecurity.

This important project will enable CDA to expand its scope of services by further investing in its technology stack including cutting-edge AI-driven systems as well as human resources, notably by implementing a digital security academy to provide advanced cybersecurity trainings to its personnel as well as to the national and regional workforce - Simon Melchior, CDA’s Director General

The development of modern and secure digital infrastructure is one of the key elements of economic transformation in African countries. We are pleased that, thanks to the support of BGK and the European Union’s EFSD+ programme, we can jointly implement projects strengthening the country’s digital resilience, including in the areas of cybersecurity and digital services. This marks another stage of Asseco’s cooperation with Togo, which has been continuously developed since 2019 - Andrzej Dopierała, CEO of Asseco Data Systems

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The funding for CDA forms part of the implementation of the EU’s Global Gateway strategy. Its aim is to develop modern, resilient and secure infrastructure in partner markets, whilst strengthening Europe’s global presence.

The European Union is proud to support this Polish–Togolese partnership in cybersecurity.  This is about protecting citizens, public institutions and businesses, while driving new opportunities for the national economy in a thriving sector. It is our first EU-backed digital investment in Togo under Global Gateway, part of a continent-wide strategy to support digital transformation and economic opportunity. This is also team Europe at work, securing a long-term investment by our private sector in Togo - H.E. Gwilym Ceri Jones, Ambassador of the EU in Togo

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BGK is the first bank outside the eurozone to be accredited by the European Commission – the so-called Pillar Assessment – which enables it to manage EU funds, including EFSD+. BGK is also the only financial institution in Poland with a mandate to implement projects under the development cooperation framework.

This investment is made under the EU-backed Digital Transformation in Sub-Saharan Africa Programme with support from the European Union and the European Fund for Sustainable Development Plus (EFSD+) and contributing to the EU’s Global Gateway strategy and the Team Europe Initiative.

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