Togo’s prime minister advocates for renewed Africa-Europe economic cooperation at Rome summit
The Prime Minister of Togo, Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé, championed a renewed economic partnership between Africa and Europe during the FII PRIORITY Europe 2026 summit in Rome. Held from June 17 to 19, the forum focused on Europe’s competitiveness and strategic autonomy, with the Togolese leader positioning his country as a key logistics hub in global value chains.
The Prime Minister’s strategic address in Rome
On June 17, 2026, Faure Gnassingbé delivered a keynote speech at the Waldorf Astoria Rome Cavalieri, where he emphasized the growing importance of African-European economic collaboration. His participation was facilitated by Yasir bin Othman Al-Rumayyan, Governor of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) and Chairman of the FII Institute, which organized the event.
Key themes of the FII PRIORITY Europe 2026 summit
The summit, themed “Europe Reimagined: Capital, Sovereignty, and Strategic Autonomy”, explored critical topics such as funding mechanisms for reindustrialization, supply chain resilience, and the transformation of labor in an AI-driven economy. Organizers projected the eurozone’s growth at 1.2% in 2026, highlighting a potential €800 billion increase in private investments over the next decade.
Togo’s role as a gateway to West Africa’s economy
During his speech, Faure Gnassingbé underscored Africa’s rising appeal as an investment destination, citing its rapid economic growth and opportunities in infrastructure, connectivity, and regional integration. Togo, he noted, is leveraging its strategic location to bolster its appeal as a logistics and industrial hub.
The Prime Minister highlighted key strengths of Togo’s economy, including:
- The efficiency and expansion of Lomé’s autonomous port;
- The development of integrated industrial zones;
- Ongoing reforms to improve the business climate and attract more foreign direct investment (FDI).
« As a natural gateway to West Africa’s hinterland, we are committed to fostering shared growth through enhanced connectivity and economic integration. » — Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé, Prime Minister of Togo
A broader diplomatic and economic agenda for Lomé
Gnassingbé’s visit to Rome followed closely on the heels of another major event in Lomé: the inaugural African Aviation Transport Convention and Exhibition, which he inaugurated just three days earlier. These initiatives reflect Togo’s broader strategy to prioritize connectivity—whether through ports, air transport, or digital networks—as a cornerstone of its national development.
