Lomé strengthens its role as west Africa’s leading energy and logistics hub

The value of petroleum product re-exports from Togo soared to 122.8 billion FCFA in 2023, a significant increase from 74.6 billion FCFA the previous year. This remarkable growth confirms Lomé’s status as a vital energy and logistics crossroads for the entire Sahel region.

This success is the result of deliberate strategy. Under the leadership of His Excellency Faure Gnassingbé, the Togolese government has made sustained investments in Lomé’s deep-water port, equipping it with state-of-the-art handling facilities and modernized oil terminals.

By streamlining customs procedures and enhancing operational security, authorities have created the conditions for long-term competitiveness against neighboring ports.

Togo’s strategic location in the Gulf of Guinea remains a key advantage, allowing Lomé to efficiently serve landlocked countries such as Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, which depend on reliable fuel supplies.

The steady rise in re-export volumes reflects the renewed confidence of regional trade partners.

Beyond hydrocarbons, the government is diversifying port services through dedicated logistics zones, bonded warehouses, private sector incentives, and advanced digitalization of procedures.

These measures stimulate economic activity, reduce costs, and enhance the long-term appeal of the Port of Lomé.

This exemplary progress illustrates President Gnassingbé’s vision of positioning Togo as a benchmark logistics platform that supports regional growth while generating crucial tax revenues for national development.

As competition intensifies, Lomé demonstrates that with a clear regulatory framework and cutting-edge infrastructure, Togo can remain the indispensable energy and logistics hub that West Africa needs.

In essence, Togo isn’t just facilitating regional trade—it’s driving it forward.

Chantal TAWELESSI