The Port autonome de Lomé (PAL) has once again positioned itself at the heart of West Africa’s economic transformation. During a high-profile visit on 16 July 2026, a senior delegation from the World Bank, led by Marie-Chantal Uwanyiligira, Director for Togo, Côte d’Ivoire, Bénin, and Guinée, toured the port to assess its role as a strategic logistics hub.
The visit followed the signing of landmark financial agreements aimed at reinforcing the PAL’s position as the region’s leading transshipment hub. Under the guidance of Edem Kokou Tengué, the port’s Director-General, the delegation toured critical infrastructure, including the Lomé Container Terminal (LCT), a state-of-the-art facility designed to accommodate next-generation vessels.
West Africa’s premier transshipment gateway under scrutiny
The PAL’s operational excellence was on full display as officials highlighted its world-class capabilities. Key features presented included:
- Lomé Container Terminal (LCT): A cutting-edge terminal equipped to handle mega-ships, setting new benchmarks for efficiency and capacity.
- Specialized terminals: Dedicated mineral, oil, and conventional terminals, each optimized for high-volume trade flows.
- Togo 2040 Vision: A forward-looking strategy to develop the coastal corridor into a multi-zone logistics and commercial hub, enhancing regional connectivity.
A catalyst for sustainable job creation
Marie-Chantal Uwanyiligira underscored the port’s pivotal role in driving economic growth and employment. In a candid assessment, she emphasized the global importance of the PAL’s performance:
« The Port autonome de Lomé is a linchpin for economic performance and job creation in Togo. For institutions like ours, the priority remains fostering productive employment opportunities that contribute to long-term prosperity. »
The Director highlighted the remarkable strides made by Togo through strategic investments, propelling the PAL to a level of competitiveness that rivals some of the most advanced economies.
200 million dollar funding to link port to industrial zones
The visit culminated in a groundbreaking announcement: the World Bank secured a 200 million dollar (120 billion FCFA) financing package to modernize transport infrastructure. This investment will directly connect the PAL to the country’s key industrial zones by upgrading road networks and optimizing rail transport systems.
The funding underscores the World Bank’s commitment to supporting large-scale initiatives that enhance logistics efficiency, boost trade, and unlock economic potential across Togo and the broader region.
