On June 18, 2026, Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé, Prime Minister of Togo, took the stage at the FII PRIORITY Europe summit, a high-profile gathering focused on reindustrialization financing, resilient supply chains, and the evolving dynamics of work in the age of artificial intelligence.
Addressing global leaders, the Togolese head of government advocated for a fundamental reshaping of Europe-Africa relations. He emphasized the need for strategic alignment, productive investment, and stronger economic interdependence as pillars of this new partnership.
Moving beyond outdated cooperation models
In his keynote speech, Prime Minister Gnassingbé highlighted how both continents now face shared challenges in a global environment marked by geopolitical tensions and intense economic rivalry. He argued that traditional aid-based cooperation frameworks no longer align with current realities.
« The conversation must shift from charity to strategic collaboration, » he declared, stressing that Europe and Africa should build balanced partnerships capable of addressing modern challenges in economic sovereignty, energy security, and technological advancement.
Strategic autonomy through balanced interdependence
The Togolese leader presented his vision of strategic autonomy not as a retreat from global engagement, but as a smarter organization of economic relations between states. He pointed to recent global crises as proof that interdependence must be managed with greater safety, fairness, and predictability.
Gnassingbé believes Africa and Europe possess natural complementarities that could pave the way for an innovative cooperation model, one that benefits both sides without compromising either’s interests.
A mutually beneficial Europe-Africa alliance
During the summit, he emphasized the complementary roles of both continents: Europe seeks reliable partners to secure supply chains and boost competitiveness, while Africa requires capital, technology, and infrastructure to accelerate its economic transformation.
« These needs are not in conflict—they can reinforce each other, » he noted, calling for a partnership built on shared strategic interests that deliver tangible benefits to both regions.
Togo’s ambition to lead West African logistics
The Prime Minister also outlined Togo’s national strategy, reaffirming the country’s goal of becoming a leading logistics, industrial, and commercial hub in West Africa. This vision is anchored in key initiatives, including:
- Upgrading the Port of Lomé to world-class standards
- Expanding regional trade corridors
- Streamlining cross-border commerce
- Digitizing administrative procedures
Gnassingbé stressed that these developments would not only strengthen Togo’s position but also enhance the economic resilience of the entire subregion.
From raw materials to value creation
He underscored Africa’s determination to move beyond its traditional role as a mere supplier of raw materials. The continent, he said, is determined to become a center of production, transformation, and innovation—capable of creating greater local value.
An industrialized and well-integrated Africa, he argued, would present a major opportunity for Europe and international investors alike.
Elevating Togo’s profile on the global stage
Beyond the strategic discussions, Togo’s participation in the summit served as a platform to showcase the country’s logistical, industrial, and financial strengths to global decision-makers.
The event provided an opportunity to attract foreign investment, forge high-impact partnerships, and reinforce Lomé’s status as a key economic gateway in West Africa.
The summit drew prominent figures including Yasir ben Othman Al-Rumayyan, Chairman of the Future Investment Initiative Institute, and Richard Attias, Founder and Executive Chairman of the initiative, alongside political leaders, investors, and representatives from international financial institutions.
