Togo’s president advocates for stronger africa-europe economic ties in rome

President Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé of the Togolese Council recently addressed the FII PRIORITY Europe 2026 summit in Rome, a significant gathering held from June 17 to 19. During his participation as an honored guest, President Gnassingbé passionately called for a revitalized economic collaboration between the African continent and Europe. He also highlighted Togo’s strategic ambition to serve as a pivotal regional logistics platform, instrumental in reshaping global value chains.

President Faure Gnassingbé honored at FII PRIORITY Europe summit in Rome

On Wednesday, June 17, 2026, President Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé participated in the FII PRIORITY Europe summit proceedings, hosted at the prestigious Waldorf Astoria Rome Cavalieri. Having arrived in the Italian capital the preceding day, the Togolese leader attended the event by special invitation from Yasir ben Othman Al-Rumayyan, who serves as both Governor of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) and President of the FII Institute, the summit’s organizing body.

The summit brought together heads of state, leading investors, and key economic decision-makers to explore the theme « L’Europe réinventée : capital, souveraineté et autonomie stratégique » (Europe Reimagined: Capital, Sovereignty, and Strategic Autonomy). Discussions centered on critical topics such as financing for reindustrialization efforts, enhancing the resilience of supply chains, and adapting labor markets in an economy increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence. Organizers presented figures indicating a projected Eurozone growth of approximately 1.2% in 2026, alongside an estimated €800 billion in potential additional private investments that could be mobilized across the continent over the next decade.

Africa-Europe partnership: Togo highlights investment appeal

In his address, the Togolese head of state underscored the significant opportunities he believes an economic partnership between Africa and Europe presents. Characterized by some of the most dynamic growth rates globally, the African continent is emerging as an attractive destination for investment flows, the development of crucial connectivity and logistics infrastructure, and the deepening of regional integration initiatives.

Togo, President Gnassingbé affirmed, is fully committed to contributing to this momentum, capitalizing on its established role as a regional logistics hub. Lomé proudly showcases the robust performance of its autonomous port, the strategic development of integrated industrial zones, and ongoing reforms designed to enhance the overall business climate. The nation’s clear objective is to attract a greater volume of foreign direct investments (FDI) and to fortify the vital corridors connecting the country to its broader West African hinterland.

« A natural gateway to the West African hinterland, fostering shared growth, » stated Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé, President of the Togolese Council.

Lomé’s diplomatic and economic push for regional connectivity

This recent visit to Rome is just one component of a particularly active week for Togolese economic diplomacy. Notably, only three days prior, President Gnassingbé had overseen the inauguration of the inaugural African Air Transport Convention and Exhibition in Lomé. This series of high-profile engagements clearly demonstrates the Togolese government’s unwavering commitment to positioning connectivity—encompassing port, air, and digital infrastructure—as a cornerstone of its national development strategy.