When people think of the Commonwealth, they don’t necessarily think of Togo – but the small Francophone nation is one of the club’s latest additions. Home to 9 million West Africans, Togo is nestled between Ghana and Benin; a nation of palm-lined beaches tropical rains. Officially called the Togolese Republic, the nation joined the Commonwealth in 2022, alongside fellow Francophonie members Gabon. Two years on, the country has deepened its ties to the rest of the Commonwealth community, and is quickly becoming an attractive destination for international investors.

On the margins of our recent Togo Investment Roundtable, the CWEIC team spoke to Hon Kayi Mivedor, Hon Edem Tengue, and Hon Robert Eklo, three ministers in the Togolese government, to find out more about why Togo joined the Commonwealth, and what the small West African country has to offer.

Togo’s Commonwealth Journey: A New Chapter for West Africa

“This membership represents an opportunity for us to expand our cooperation, particularly in trade and technology transfer,” said Minister Mivedor, who holds the Trade and local Consumption department in the current Togolese administration. “The primary focus has been on training, specifically enhancing the digital skills of our youth population. We have also implemented a structured plan to improve language skills at the primary school level. This program is already underway. Simultaneously, we are working to build capacity in vocational training, drawing on the expertise of the UK and other Commonwealth nations.”

“We see great potential in sharing experiences related to contract models. The Commonwealth has a strong database on contracts in sectors like energy and mining, which we aim to leverage. This knowledge will help us better manage our own major projects and mitigate challenges often encountered in such contractual arrangements. We continue to collaborate closely with Commonwealth countries to strengthen democracy and governance in Togo, learning from the best practices that have been established across the organisation.”

We continue to collaborate closely with Commonwealth countries to strengthen democracy and governance in Togo, learning from the best practices that have been established across the organisation.

“Our relationship with India is a prime example. Both Togo and India share a strong phosphate mining industry, and India’s technology—robust yet cost-effective—is an excellent match for our needs. While our ambitions are significant, we are willing to start small and work with India and other Commonwealth partners to achieve our goals.”

Togo is the latest West African member of the Commonwealth, joining Ghana, The Gambia, Nigeria, and Sierra Leone. Following the recent suspension of four members of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Commonwealth members comprise 94% of ECOWAS’ population, and 90% of the community’s total GDP. Increasingly, West Africa is a Commonwealth-oriented neighbourhood.

Positioning Togo as a Regional Hub for Energy Innovation

December’s West African Energy Cooperation Summit provided an opportunity for Hon Robert Eklo, Minister for Mines and Energy Resources, to demonstrate how local links interface with Togo’s international ties.

“This was a landmark event—the first of its kind in West Africa, though similar summits have previously been held in East Africa. A central focus during the ministerial dialogue was the African Atlantic Gas Pipeline project, which will play a pivotal role in meeting regional and international energy needs. This pipeline will connect 13 countries, from Nigeria to Morocco, providing electricity across West Africa and delivering approximately 15 billion cubic meters of gas annually to Europe. With Europe undergoing an energy transition and working to reduce dependence on Russian gas, this pipeline offers a critical diversification opportunity.”

Set to connect the gas-rich Niger Delta region to Morocco, the African Atlantic Gas Pipeline project is set to cost $26 billion, spanning nearly 7,000km. For energy-deprived European countries, crippled by the withdrawal of Russian gas from international markets, the project could provide a crucial lifeline.

“Another major highlight is the West African Power Pool. While ECOWAS initiatives often take time to implement, they tend to yield tangible results in the long term. The power pool is already operational to an extent, facilitating long-term electricity agreements. However, by March 2025, a new electricity trading platform will enable real-time spot trading. For instance, if a country needs an extra 20 megawatts of power, it can quickly source it from another country with surplus capacity. This system will enhance the reliability of electricity supply across the region.”

For Togo, we aim to position ourselves as a regional hub for energy companies, acting as a springboard to access neighbouring countries

“For Togo, we aim to position ourselves as a regional hub for energy companies, acting as a springboard to access neighbouring countries. Though not officially announced, this vision aligns with our broader plans. Notably, we recently signed an MOU with Nano Nuclear Technology to develop Togo as a hub for emerging nuclear energy technologies, similar to Rwanda’s partnership with the same company in East Africa.”

Once again, the Commonwealth will be invaluable to this ambition, with 100 Togolese students expected to receive nuclear energy training in Cambridge, one of the UK’s premier research destinations.

Why Togo is Attracting International Investors

But with so many options to choose from in fast-growing Africa, why should investors choose Togo?

Hon Edem Tengue, Minister at the Office of the President, presents a strong case.

“Believe it or not, Togo is a significant financial hub in West Africa. Many companies operating in the subregion have established their headquarters here, thanks to the host agreements we have created. For instance, we developed a tailored operational model for Ecobank when they chose Togo as their headquarters. This framework has attracted numerous companies—some you may not yet know in Europe, but they are thriving in Togo.
Second, and most importantly: your money is safe with us. Togo is committed to creating a stable and predictable environment for investors. We adhere to international rules, and if disputes arise, we respect arbitration outcomes.”

Togo is committed to creating a stable and predictable environment for investors. We adhere to international rules, and if disputes arise, we respect arbitration outcomes

“We are investing in roads, railroads, and further expansion of our port. This includes dredging and building new infrastructure through a concession model, where experienced companies operate the ports while others handle infrastructure construction. Our airport is also set for further extension to enhance capacity.”

In 2024 alone, trade between the UK and Togo increased by 94 percent, while leading international players such as Heidelberg Materials have begun to view Lome as a viable West African base. At a time of increasing uncertainty for global investors, stability, reliability, and high-quality infrastructure could be the winning formula for Togo – and deeper relations with Commonwealth partners will undoubtedly be a part of that success story.

CWEIC is excited to welcome the Government of Togo as a Strategic Partner, and support their strong growth mission.