In Rome, during the FII PRIORITY Europe 2026 summit held from June 17 to 19, Togolese President Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé passionately appealed for a revitalized economic alliance between Africa and Europe. As a distinguished guest at this forum, which focused on the European continent’s competitiveness, the head of the Togolese executive underscored his nation’s ambition to serve as a pivotal regional logistics hub, integral to reshaping global value chains.
Faure Gnassingbé, honored guest at FII PRIORITY Europe summit in Rome
President Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé participated in the FII PRIORITY Europe summit proceedings on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, from the elegant halls of the Waldorf Astoria Rome Cavalieri. Arriving in the Italian capital the previous day, the Togolese leader attended the event at the invitation of Yasir bin Othman Al-Rumayyan, Governor of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) and Chairman of the FII Institute, the summit’s organizer.
Bringing together heads of state, international investors, and key economic decision-makers, the summit explored the theme of «Europe Reimagined: Capital, Sovereignty, and Strategic Autonomy.» Discussions centered on strategies for financing reindustrialization, enhancing the resilience of supply chains, and adapting the workforce in an economy increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence. According to data presented by the organizers, the Eurozone’s growth is projected to reach approximately 1.2% in 2026, with the potential for mobilizing nearly €800 billion in additional private investments across the continent over the next decade.
Africa-Europe partnership: Togo highlights investment appeal
During his address, President Gnassingbé emphasized the immense opportunities he believes a robust economic partnership between Africa and Europe could unlock. Driven by some of the world’s most dynamic growth rates, the African continent is emerging as a prime destination for investment flows, the advancement of connectivity and logistics infrastructure, and the deepening of regional integration.
Togo, he further elaborated, is committed to playing a full and active role in this evolving dynamic by leveraging its strategic position as a regional logistics platform. Lomé proudly showcases the impressive performance of its Autonomous Port, the ongoing development of integrated industrial zones, and the comprehensive reforms implemented to enhance its business climate. The nation’s stated objective is to attract a greater volume of foreign direct investments (FDI) and to fortify the vital corridors connecting the country to its West African hinterland.
«A natural gateway to the West African hinterland, fostering shared growth,» affirmed Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé, President of Togo.
Regional connectivity: Lomé’s diplomatic and economic offensive
This visit to Rome marks a significant moment in a particularly busy 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—spanning port, air, and digital infrastructure—a cornerstone of its national development strategy.