Togo and China elevate relations to strategic partnership

During an official visit to China, Togolese President of the Council Faure Gnassingbé met with President Xi Jinping in Beijing to elevate bilateral relations to a ‘China-Togo Community with a Shared Future in the New Era’. This diplomatic move aims to deepen political and economic ties beyond traditional trade.

Gnassingbé emphasized a strategic shift for Togo, moving from a mere transit hub to an active economic and technological player in the global maritime economy. Key priorities include enhancing maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea, developing the blue economy, and increasing value-added industrial activities around the Port of Lomé.

Economic cooperation has seen significant growth, with bilateral transactions reaching $5.4 billion in 2025, a 55% increase from the previous year. Chinese investment is visible through major infrastructure projects, such as the modern terminal and airport in Lomé, as well as the proliferation of ‘China Malls’ in Togolese urban centers. Gnassingbé noted that future cooperation must translate into tangible benefits for the population, specifically in terms of jobs, skills, and industrialization.