The capital city of Italy hosted a pivotal economic forum this week, where Togo’s leadership championed a revitalized economic partnership between Africa and Europe. From June 17 to 19, 2026, the FII PRIORITY Europe summit brought together global leaders to explore strategies for Europe’s economic reinvention, with Togo’s President of the Council, Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé, taking center stage as the event’s distinguished guest.
Under the banner of the Waldorf Astoria Rome Cavalieri, the Togolese head of government engaged in high-level discussions on June 17, following his arrival in Rome the previous day. His participation was facilitated by Yasir ben Othman Al-Rumayyan, Governor of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund and Chairman of the FII Institute, which organized the summit.
The forum, themed ‘Europe Reinvented: Capital, Sovereignty, and Strategic Autonomy’, delved into critical topics such as financing the reindustrialization of Europe, securing supply chains, and adapting to an AI-driven economy. Organizers highlighted projections indicating a 1.2% GDP growth for the Eurozone in 2026, alongside a potential €800 billion boost in private investments over the next decade.
Togo advocates for deeper Africa-Europe collaboration
During his address, Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé underscored the untapped potential of Africa-Europe economic collaboration. With some of the world’s fastest-growing economies, Africa presents a compelling opportunity for investment flows, infrastructure development, and regional integration. The Togolese leader emphasized Togo’s strategic role in this evolving landscape.
Lomé is positioning itself as a key logistics hub, leveraging its advanced Port Autonome, burgeoning industrial zones, and business-friendly reforms to attract foreign direct investment (FDI). The government’s goal is to enhance the country’s connectivity with its landlocked neighbors, fostering shared economic growth across West Africa.
“A natural gateway to West Africa’s hinterland, driving inclusive growth,” Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé declared, reaffirming Togo’s commitment to regional prosperity.
Connectivity as a cornerstone of Togo’s growth strategy
This diplomatic mission to Rome follows closely on the heels of another high-profile event in Lomé. Just three days prior, the Togolese head of government inaugurated the first African Air Transport Convention and Exhibition. These consecutive initiatives reflect Lomé’s broader strategy to prioritize connectivity—whether through ports, air travel, or digital networks—as a driver of national development.
