(La Nouvelle République)-Togolese national Zato Kadambaya made history by being elected to the Norwich City Council in the U.S. state of Connecticut during the local elections on November 5, 2025. Representing the People and Integrity Party (PPI) in the United States, he becomes the first Togolese to hold such a position in the New England region.
An engineer by training, Mr. Kadambaya teaches mathematics and science at Norwich Free Academy and serves as an adjunct professor at Eastern Connecticut State University. He also holds the vice presidency of the Ethics and Good Governance Commission in the city of Plainfield, demonstrating his active engagement in civic and local affairs.
A former candidate in the 2021 municipal elections, he narrowly missed winning at the time. This year, he successfully convinced voters with a campaign focused on civic participation and community development. His Democratic ticket won the majority of council seats; however, a local rule limits the number of officials from the same party to four, allowing two Republicans to also serve on the council.
Founder of the PPI in Togo in 2017, Kadambaya advocates for equitable access to opportunities and the fight against poverty. His election in Norwich highlights the growing role of the Togolese diaspora in American politics and its ability to make a positive impact on local communities.
A.C