World Bank delegation assesses Lomé’s Port potential as a regional logistical hub

A high-level delegation from the World Bank, led by Marie-Chantal Uwanyiligira, Division Director for Togo, Côte d’Ivoire, Bénin, and Guinea, conducted an on-site inspection of the Port autonome de Lomé (PAL) this week. The visit, part of a broader financial agreement signing in Lomé, aimed to evaluate new partnership opportunities that could further establish the port’s dominance as West Africa’s leading logistical hub.

The Port of Lomé: West Africa’s premier transshipment gateway

Welcomed by Edem Kokou Tengué, General Director of PAL, the delegation toured the port’s state-of-the-art facilities and received a detailed overview of its operational achievements. During the discussions, Tengué highlighted Togo’s key advantages in the logistics sector:

• Lomé Container Terminal (LCT): A world-class facility designed to accommodate the latest generation of mega-ships.
• Specialized terminals: Including advanced mineral, oil, and conventional cargo handling systems.
• Togo 2040 Vision: A strategic blueprint for developing the coastal corridor into multiple logistical and commercial hubs.

Driving sustainable job creation through logistics

For Uwanyiligira, the World Bank’s interest in PAL stems from its critical role in Togo’s economic growth and job market. “The port’s performance directly influences the country’s GDP and employment rates. Our mission is to foster productive employment opportunities, and PAL is a prime example of how infrastructure investment can transform an economy.”

The delegation noted Togo’s remarkable progress in port modernization, positioning the country ahead of many regional peers in terms of competitiveness and efficiency.

A $200 million investment to strengthen industrial connectivity

The visit culminated in a significant announcement: a $200 million (120 billion FCFA) financing agreement, approved by the Ministry of Finance and Budget. This funding will accelerate a major urban and logistical transport project, directly linking PAL to the country’s key industrial zone. The initiative includes:

• Upgrading road infrastructure to improve cargo flow.
• Enhancing the railway network for seamless intermodal transport.

The project underscores Togo’s commitment to becoming a logistics powerhouse in West Africa, with PAL at its core.