In Rome, during the FII PRIORITY Europe 2026 summit held from June 17 to 19, Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé, President of the Togolese Council, passionately called for a revitalized economic collaboration between Africa and Europe. As a distinguished guest at this forum, which focused on the European continent’s competitiveness, the Togolese leader championed his nation’s ambition to serve as a pivotal regional logistics platform, instrumental in reshaping global value chains.
Faure Gnassingbé honored at FII PRIORITY Europe summit in Rome
President Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé participated in the FII PRIORITY Europe summit proceedings at the Waldorf Astoria Rome Cavalieri on Wednesday, June 17, 2026. Having arrived in the Italian capital the previous day, the head of the Togolese executive attended the event at the invitation of Yasir ben Othman Al-Rumayyan, Governor of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) and Chairman of the FII Institute, the summit’s organizing body.
Bringing together heads of state, investors, and economic decision-makers, the summit explored the theme of “Europe Reimagined: Capital, Sovereignty, and Strategic Autonomy.” Discussions centered on innovative financing mechanisms for reindustrialization, enhancing supply chain resilience, and adapting the workforce in an economy increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence. Organizers highlighted economic projections, indicating an anticipated Eurozone growth of approximately 1.2% in 2026, alongside a potential mobilization of nearly 800 billion euros in additional private investments across the continent over the next decade.
Togo champions investment attractiveness in Africa-Europe partnership
During his address, the Togolese head of state underscored the vast opportunities he believes a robust economic partnership between Africa and Europe presents. Propelled by some of the world’s most dynamic growth rates, the African continent is emerging as a prime destination for investment flows, the development of critical connectivity and logistics infrastructure, and the deepening of regional integration initiatives.
Togo, President Gnassingbé affirmed, is committed to playing a significant role in this evolving dynamic by leveraging its strategic position as a regional logistics hub. Lomé proudly showcases the impressive performance of its Autonomous Port, the ongoing development of integrated industrial zones, and the comprehensive reforms implemented to significantly improve the business climate. The nation’s explicit objective is to attract greater foreign direct investments (FDI) and strengthen the vital corridors connecting the country to its West African hinterland.
« A natural gateway to the West African hinterland, serving shared growth », declared Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé, President of the Council of Togo.
Lomé’s diplomatic and economic push for regional connectivity
This visit to Rome marks a particularly active week for Togolese economic diplomacy. Just three days prior, President Gnassingbé had presided over the opening of the inaugural African Air Transport Convention and Exhibition in Lomé. This series of high-profile initiatives clearly demonstrates the Togolese government’s unwavering commitment to making connectivity — encompassing port, air, and digital infrastructure — a cornerstone of its national development strategy.