Togo: the "Craftsman's Spouse" now has a status

Togo now defines a well-coded status for the (legally united) spouses of those working in the craft industry. This is defined by a ministerial decree, dated March 20, which sets out the details.

The text details the specific features of each status, the obligations of the various parties involved, and the transitional provisions. In concrete terms, the craftsman's spouse, who participates regularly in the craft business, will henceforth have to opt for a specific status from among the three proposed: "associate spouse, salaried spouse or family helper spouse". Thus, "the spouse of a craftsman who participates on a regular basis in the activity of the craft business must opt for one of the three following statuses: associate spouse; salaried spouse; family helper spouse", states the text in article 5. For example, the associate spouse is "co-owner of the craft business, whatever his or her level of involvement", while the salaried spouse "is an ordinary employee subject to the same rights and obligations as all other employees". Lastly, explains the decree, the family helper spouse is considered to be a volunteer.

This new framework can be counted among the changes introduced by the executive to support this important sector of the national economy. In particular, the new provision is expected to improve working and living conditions for those involved. Togo's craft industry accounts for 18% of GDP and employs nearly a million people throughout the country.

Source: www.togofirst.com/