As his diplomatic mission in Togo concludes, European Union Ambassador Gwilym Ceri Jones recently met with Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé, President of the Republic. During this farewell audience, the diplomat offered a glowing assessment of a partnership he characterized as having significantly increased in both scope and impact.
Following his meeting, Ambassador Jones highlighted the substantial expansion of collaboration between Brussels and Lomé throughout his tenure. This robust partnership now encompasses crucial sectors such as sustainable development, vital infrastructure projects, energy initiatives, governance reforms, educational advancements, and enhanced security measures. He explained that his purpose was to engage in a comprehensive dialogue with the Togolese Head of State, listen to his perspectives, and provide a detailed overview of the ongoing cooperation.
According to Ambassador Gwilym Ceri Jones, the partnership between the European Union and Togo has seen remarkable strengthening, both in its breadth and its effectiveness.
thriving investment programs driving Togo’s development
The diplomat emphasized the significant boost in European investment programs within Togo. He described a robust portfolio that presents numerous opportunities for both Togolese and European private sectors. This dynamic, he stated, is designed to stimulate economic growth and create employment across strategic sectors, including energy, agriculture, and digital technology.
security and development: a shared commitment
The Ambassador also focused on the deepening cooperation in peace and security, which he views as an indispensable component of any development initiative. He reiterated that the European Union has intensified its support for the Togolese armed forces, assisting both in counter-terrorism efforts and in strengthening maritime security across the region.
Gwilym Ceri Jones took the opportunity to commend the excellent quality of relations fostered between Togo and the European Union, expressing strong confidence that this partnership will continue to grow and deepen well beyond his own term.
the 2021-2027 dcp: framework for european cooperation in Togo
European interventions in Togo are strategically guided by the Multi-annual Joint Programming Document (DCP) for 2021-2027, which allocates a substantial portfolio of 201 million euros. This framework directs funding towards three primary pillars: fostering human development and socio-economic inclusion, promoting sustainable agro-industries and responsible natural resource management, and consolidating a peaceful and resilient Togolese society built upon inclusive governance principles.
new tripartite mechanism to boost business and investment
This cooperative dynamic received an additional impetus last June with the official launch of a tripartite cooperation mechanism. This initiative brings together the Togolese government, Team Europe, and Eurocham Togo. Serving as a permanent consultation framework, its ambition is to enhance Togo’s business climate, attract greater European investments, and actively support the economic reforms being implemented by the Togolese government.
The mechanism is also designed to channel cooperation towards achieving more tangible outcomes: job creation, robust private sector development, and the structural transformation of the Togolese economy. These collective initiatives, as underscored by both parties, exemplify the enduring strength of a partnership poised for continued success long after Ambassador Jones’s departure.
