Togo seeks stronger europe-africa economic ties at rome summit

During the FII PRIORITY Europe 2026 summit held in Rome from June 17 to 19, Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé, Prime Minister of Togo, championed a renewed economic partnership between Africa and Europe. As a keynote speaker at the forum focused on European competitiveness, he highlighted Togo’s strategic role as a regional logistics hub in transforming global value chains.

Rome summit gathers global leaders to reshape European economic future

On Wednesday, June 17, 2026, Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé participated in the FII PRIORITY Europe summit at the Waldorf Astoria Rome Cavalieri. Invited by Yasir ben Othman Al-Rumayyan, Governor of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) and Chairman of the FII Institute, the Togolese leader engaged with heads of state, investors, and economic policymakers.

The summit, themed “Europe Reinvented: Capital, Sovereignty, and Strategic Autonomy”, explored financing mechanisms for reindustrialization, supply chain resilience, and workforce transformation in an AI-driven economy. Organizers projected eurozone growth at 1.2% for 2026, with the potential to mobilize an additional €800 billion in private investments over the next decade.

Togo positions itself as gateway to West African economic growth

In his address, the Togolese Prime Minister underscored the opportunities presented by strengthened Africa-Europe economic ties. With some of the world’s fastest-growing markets, Africa is emerging as a prime destination for investment flows, infrastructure development, and regional integration.

Togo is actively positioning itself to capitalize on this momentum. The country’s strategy hinges on its Lomé Autonomous Port, the expansion of integrated industrial zones, and ongoing business climate reforms aimed at attracting more foreign direct investment (FDI). By enhancing its logistics corridors, Togo seeks to deepen connectivity with its hinterland and neighboring economies.

“A natural gateway to West Africa’s hinterland, fostering shared growth,” emphasized Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé, Prime Minister of Togo.

Lomé doubles down on regional connectivity with high-level diplomacy

This Rome engagement follows a busy week of economic diplomacy for Togo. Just three days prior, the Prime Minister inaugurated the first African Air Transport Convention and Exhibition in Lomé. These coordinated efforts reflect the government’s commitment to prioritizing connectivity—through ports, air routes, and digital networks—as a cornerstone of national development.