“Technology is not just about innovation; it is about inclusion.” This belief has guided Cina Lawson, Togo’s Minister of Digital Economy and Digital Transformation, since she assumed office in 2010. With an academic pedigree from Sciences Po in Paris and Harvard University, Lawson has combined global expertise with local vision to position Togo as one of Africa’s fastest-rising digital leaders.
Her tenure has been defined by groundbreaking initiatives that have reshaped both governance and daily life. At the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Lawson spearheaded the launch of the NOVISI program, a mobile-based emergency cash transfer initiative that reached more than 920,000 vulnerable citizens. By harnessing artificial intelligence and machine learning, NOVISI not only provided immediate relief but also highlighted how digital tools can bridge inequality gaps in times of crisis. For this effort, Lawson was named Woman of the Year in 2021 by the Fisher Center for Business Analytics at UC Berkeley.
Under her leadership, Togo has also redefined digital public health solutions. Citizens were able to register for COVID-19 vaccination and testing either online or through USSD messages, ensuring accessibility even for those without smartphones. This innovation reduced barriers to healthcare and set a benchmark for how digital solutions can be tailored to African realities. Complementing these strides, the 2022 landing of Google’s Equiano subsea internet cable has turned Togo into a regional digital hub. The cable is projected to generate 37,000 jobs and boost economic output by $351 million between 2022 and 2025.
Lawson has also championed cybersecurity as a critical pillar of Togo’s digital transformation. Recognizing the risks of increased connectivity, she established the Togo National Cybersecurity Agency and launched Cyber Defense Africa in collaboration with Asseco Group. These institutions fortify the nation’s defenses against cybercrime, while the 2022 Lomé Declaration brought African states together in a historic pledge to cooperate on cybersecurity and digital safety.
Beyond infrastructure and security, Lawson has worked tirelessly to expand financial inclusion. Her ministry introduced the ECO CCP mobile bank account to broaden access to financial services, while the CIZO initiative has brought solar electricity to households through a pay-as-you-go model. The creation of the Togolese Digital Agency has nurtured local innovation, while platforms like Public Service and Togo Voyage have streamlined citizen services and travel facilitation.
Lawson’s influence extends far beyond Togo’s borders. She sits on the World Bank Group’s Advisory Council on Gender and Development and has been recognized by the World Economic Forum, Forbes, and Jeune Afrique as one of the most influential African leaders in technology. In 2019, she became the first female African political figure to receive the prestigious Harvard Kennedy School Alumni Public Service Award, cementing her reputation as a trailblazer in governance and digital policy.
Cina Lawson’s journey is a testament to how visionary leadership can harness technology for national transformation. Her policies have not only modernized Togo’s digital landscape but also empowered its citizens with tools for growth, resilience, and opportunity. As she continues to shape the future, Lawson’s legacy will resonate as a model of how digital innovation, when rooted in inclusion and foresight, can redefine a nation’s destiny.
