#Togo – International Chess Federation

FIDE Director for Chess Development visits Togo

editor_d — Mon, 23 Feb 2026 01:26:30 +0000

The Togolese Chess Federation (FTDE) welcomed FIDE Director for Chess Development, Grandmaster Nigel Short, for an official visit aimed at promoting and structuring the game across Togo. The visit is part of FIDE’s ongoing efforts to support national federations in Africa and foster sustainable chess growth on the continent.

During the visit, discussions focused on expanding the chess player base, structuring clubs, and enhancing coach training programs. The delegation and FTDE leadership shared strategies to create an environment conducive to discovering new talent and strengthening the organization of chess nationwide.

As part of the program, the FTDE organized a conference on the educational value of chess, bringing together young players and key partners, including the National Social Security Fund. Nigel Short highlighted the role of chess in developing concentration, decision-making skills, and strategic thinking, while emphasizing that regular tournaments and fostering a love for the game are critical to nurturing emerging talent.

FTDE President Me Ndjellé Abby Edah emphasized the federation’s commitment to democratizing chess starting from schools and broadening the licensed player base to boost Togo’s competitiveness at regional and international levels.

Commenting on FIDE’s support for Africa and Togo, Tshepiso Lopang, President of the African Chess Confederation, said: “FIDE’s continued engagement and support provide our federations with the tools and guidance needed to grow chess from the grassroots to the elite level. Nigel Short’s visit to Togo exemplifies FIDE’s commitment to nurturing talent and strengthening chess infrastructure across the continent.”

The visit also provided an opportunity to launch the Chess Popularization Program (PIVE), designed to promote chess among youth and integrate the game into educational and community settings. Supported by FIDE, the program aims to cultivate early interest in chess and expand participation across Togo.

Photos: African Chess Confederation

Yakini Tchouka is new National Champion of Togo

KN — Mon, 30 Nov 2020 15:19:47 +0000

Yakini Tchouka won the National Chess Championship of Togo scoring 5½ points in six rounds. The new champion completed the event undefeated conceding his opponents just a half-point in the final round. A total of twenty-two players took part in this Swiss event that was held in La Base 57 Hotel in Assahoun (about 60 km from the capital Lome) and ran from the 20th to 22nd of November 2020.

The highest-rated participant and four-time national champion of Togo Ephoevi-Ga Adama Mawulikplimi lost a critical game against Yakini Tchouka in Round 5 and failed to defend his title but ended up in a respectable joint second place with 4.5 points.

Final standings:

1. Tchouka Yakini (1591) – 5½
2. Amewounou Komlan Kouessan (1745) – 4½
3. Botsoe Koffi (1642) – 4½
4. Ajavon Ayayi Jean Le Clair (1629) – 4½
5. Ephoevi-Ga Adama Mawulikplimi (1749) – 4½
6. Amega-Dzaka Komi Nukunu (0) – 4
7. Etey Yaovi Agusto (1241) – 4
8. Egbe Kossi Thierry (0) – 3½
9. Ballebako Kokou Difendramakada Jacques (1284) – 3
10. Numatsi Yawotsu Dzigba (1588) – 3

Photo: Togo Chess Federation

Togo Chess Festival unites five African countries

KN — Mon, 10 Feb 2020 18:00:28 +0000

From January 27th to February 2nd the Togo Chess community celebrated chess with the Togo Chess Festival 2020 organized by ATOJESTRA (Togo Association of Strategy Games) and FTDE (Togo Chess Federation) in Hotel Agla, Lome. This year’s festival was placed under the blessings of a great friend of Togo: the 6th FIDE President, Mr. Kirsan Ilyumzhinov.

The program of the festival included different activities, events, and tournaments: a FIDE Arbiters’ Seminar, a FIDE Schools’ Instructors’ Seminar, a Workshop on The Benefits of Chess, a Workshop on Chess as a Tool for National Development, a Rapid Tournament and a Blitz Tournament.

Two seminars were conducted by FT, IO, IA, FIDE Lecturer Bechir Messaoudi from Tunisia and the FIDE General Secretary, President of Togo Chess Federation, FI, IA, CM Enyonam Sewa Fumey.

The workshops were animated by the President of Togo Association of Strategy Games (ATOJESTRA), Mr. Abalou Bodjona and the FIDE General Secretary, President of Togo Chess Federation, FI, IA, CM Enyonam Sewa Fumey.

Two tournaments awarded with the Kirsan’s Cups have been won by IM Balogun Oluwafemi (Nigeria) for the 9 rounds rapid of 25 minutes and IM. Adu Oladapo (Nigeria) for the 9 rounds blitz of 3 min + 2 sec increment. These tournaments were played on electronic boards with live transmission of the first four boards online. The excitement has been great, as this technology was displayed for the first time in this part of the world.

These different activities saw the participation of 48 players from 5 countries (Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Nigeria, Togo).

Togo hosts School Instructor Seminar

KN — Mon, 13 Jan 2020 08:04:10 +0000

Togo will host the next School Instructor seminar in Lome, 27-31 January. The seminar, held at the Agla Hotel, will be in the French language, but there will be translations into English. The seminar will be led by Lecturer Bechir Messaoudi, assisted by FIDE’s General Secretary CM Enyonam Sewa Fumey. Applications from other countries are welcome and should be sent to:

E-mail: ftdetogo@yahoo.fr.
Tel: 228 9013 0628
https://www.facebook.com/ftdetogo/

Africa is buzzing at the moment. The last school Instructor seminar, in Bamako, Mali was just six weeks ago. Last week the Gambia Chess Federation launched a Chess in school program in the country.