Keypoints:
- Gnassingbé pitches port as fastest gateway
- UK–WCAF forum opens in Lomé
- UK–Togo MoU spans priority sectors
TOGO’S President, Faure Gnassingbé, used his opening address at the UK–West and Central Francophone Africa (UK-WCAF) Forum in Lomé on Wednesday, November 12, to pitch Lomé Port as the fastest gateway for British investors seeking access to both Francophone and Anglophone West Africa. His message set a clear commercial tone for the two-day gathering, which drew hundreds of policymakers and business leaders to the Togolese capital, according to regional reports.
Gnassingbé said Togo offers a strategic entry point to one of the continent’s most dynamic economic corridors. ‘Investing in Togo means entering the growth corridor linking Lagos, Cotonou, Lomé, Accra and Abidjan, and gaining access to both Francophone and Anglophone markets,’ he told delegates, arguing that the region’s 450 million consumers represent significant untapped potential.
He urged British partners to explore opportunities in emerging sectors including green energy, digital finance, creative industries and the domestic processing of critical minerals.
Forum held on African soil for first time
This year’s UK–WCAF forum marked the first time the event has been staged on African soil. Nearly 700 participants from around ten countries travelled to Lomé for discussions on financing tools, market reforms and new forms of commercial cooperation between the United Kingdom and Francophone West and Central Africa.
Organisers said the programme blended country pitches, thematic panels, policy dialogues, private sector roundtables, B2B meetings and networking aimed at converting political intent into concrete deal flow. Delegations are also highlighting recent reforms designed to make their markets more attractive to foreign capital.
Togo highlights reforms and logistics competitiveness
Togo used the forum to showcase the results of its long-running business climate reforms. Officials emphasised that the government has streamlined regulation, digitised public services and improved customs systems to reduce bottlenecks for international investors.
The deep-water Port of Lomé remains central to these efforts. Widely regarded as one of West Africa’s most efficient maritime hubs, the port handles substantial trans-shipment traffic and serves both coastal and hinterland markets. Recent upgrades to container capacity, freight corridors and border procedures have strengthened its position as a regional logistics anchor.
British investors attending the forum were told that Togo’s logistics infrastructure, combined with its fiscal reforms, place the country in a competitive position for manufacturing, agro-processing and regional distribution.
MoU underscores deepening UK–Togo engagement
A memorandum of understanding was signed at the opening session between the Togolese government and British economic actors. The agreement covers infrastructure, agriculture, agro-industry and other priority sectors considered vital for long-term economic transformation.
Both sides said the MoU signals a shift towards more structured cooperation, with emphasis on investment flows, technology transfer and sustained business partnerships. Delegates noted that UK interest in Francophone markets is growing as investors search for stable gateways into West Africa’s emerging sectors.
Gnassingbé encouraged participants to use the forum to form partnerships that extend beyond short-term projects. ‘We encourage our British partners to look to the future with us,’ he said. ‘Invest not only in traditional infrastructure but also in Africa’s new growth frontiers.’
