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06.12.2024

CWEIC Hosts High-Level Investors’ Roundtable with Togolese Prime Minister to Boost Trade and Investment

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CWEIC Hosts High-Level Investors’ Roundtable with Togolese Prime Minister to Boost Trade and Investment

On Thursday, 5 December 2024, the Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council (CWEIC) proudly hosted an investors roundtable in London, spotlighting Togo’s immense trade and investment potential. This significant event brought together Togo’s Prime Minister, Victoire Tomégah-Dogbé; the Minister of Trade, Craft Industry and Local Consumption, Minister Kayi Mivedor; Minister for Mines and Energy Resources, Minister Robert Koffi Messan Eklo; and Minister at the Office of the President, Minister Edem Tengue, as well as key representatives from the Togolese and Commonwealth business community, all aiming to forge stronger trade ties and unlock foreign investment opportunities for Togo.

The roundtable served as a platform to explore partnerships between Togo and Commonwealth investors, in alignment with the Togolese government’s Togo 2025 Roadmap. In her keynote address, Prime Minister Tomégah-Dogbé outlined her government’s priorities and the mechanisms it seeks to finance transformative projects. Highlighting the potential of Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs), concessional funds, and joint ventures, the Prime Minister emphasised opportunities in critical sectors such as infrastructure, water, energy, and education.

“This roundtable is an invitation to all investors to partner with Togo in a spirit of trust, innovation, and shared prosperity,” said the Prime Minister. “Togo is committed to supporting investors at every step of their journey. Our country is a natural gateway to West Africa, offering access to a market of 400 million people and unparalleled connectivity through our deep-water port—the largest in West Africa—and a dynamic international airport hub.”

She also pointed to Togo’s modernisation efforts, including advanced road, port, and airport infrastructure, and highlighted the Adétikopé Industrial Hub, which streamlines processes for investors through a one-stop shop.

The event featured remarks from José Kwassi Symenouh, President of the Togo Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCIT), who underscored the importance of partnerships between Togolese and Commonwealth businesses. “This meeting allows us to connect with British economic operators, share expertise, and create mutual prosperity,” said Mr Symenouh.

CWEIC, representing the Commonwealth’s diverse business network, extended gratitude to Togo’s delegation for fostering open, engaging discussions. Pride Azefor, CWEIC’s Director of Trade and Investment, praised the Prime Minister’s efforts to showcase Togo’s potential.

“We are deeply honored by Her Excellency’s visit and her invitation to explore Togo as a prime investment destination. The interactive discussions at this roundtable highlighted fantastic opportunities, and we are optimistic about the partnerships that will emerge between Togo and Commonwealth investors,” said Mr Azefor.

The round table showcased Togo’s dynamic investment landscape, emphasising the country’s strengths in renewable energy, infrastructure, and human capital. Togo is home to the largest solar power plant in West Africa, symbolizing its leadership in sustainable energy. A young and increasingly educated workforce is rapidly becoming one of the country’s most valuable assets, with initiatives to promote English as a second language further enhancing its global integration. Key sectors such as digitisation, financial inclusion, and food security offer multi-sector opportunities for investors. Togo has established clear frameworks for Public-Private Partnerships and investment standards, ensuring transparency and fostering trust. Regional hubs like the Adétikopé Industrial Zone and financial institutions such as Ecobank further highlight Togo’s readiness to facilitate investment. Supported by global partners like the World Bank and UKEF, Togo provides a stable, secure, and growth-oriented environment, making it a prime destination for businesses seeking to expand into West Africa.

This round table marks a significant milestone in CWEIC’s partnership with Togo, paving the way for a brighter economic future built on trust, innovation, and shared success.