Togo: An ambitious diplomatic strategy to boost development at TICAD9
For more than thirty years, Africa has been invited to major international summits on its development, often initiated by foreign powers. From Paris to Beijing, Washington to Moscow, these gatherings have come with promises but rarely delivered lasting structural transformation. In this context of asymmetric diplomacy, the ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9), held in Yokohama from August 20 to 22, 2025, is no exception. Yet Togo’s participation, led by the President of the Council, Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé, reflects a different approach: a country determined not merely to be invited, but to shape the terms of its own growth through targeted strategic partnerships.
By attending TICAD9, Togo pursues a clear diplomatic development strategy: leveraging international platforms to position itself as a central actor in West Africa. More than a multilateral meeting, the summit serves as a venue for projecting the country’s economic vision.
Japan as a strategic partner is no coincidence. Over the years, cooperation between Lomé and Tokyo has evolved beyond simple foreign aid, touching the core pillars of Togo’s development. Digital mapping, infrastructure projects, and support for agriculture and food security align closely with the ambitions of the National Development Plan (PND). Togo is not seeking support alone—it is offering concrete opportunities to Japanese investors.
In a sphere of intense international competition, the country emphasizes consistency, credibility, and win-win partnerships. By focusing on stability, regional connectivity, and the empowerment of youth and women, Togo aligns its national priorities with TICAD9’s global objectives.
While Africa still lacks continent-led summits, Togo’s active diplomacy could help reverse this trend. Each participation in gatherings like TICAD9 becomes a tool to assert its vision, strengthen autonomy, and build a development path based on sovereign choices and strategic alliances.
