In Rome, at the FII PRIORITY Europe 2026 summit held from June 17 to 19, Togo’s President of the Council, Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé, made a compelling case for a revitalized economic partnership between Africa and Europe. As an esteemed guest of honor at this forum, which centered on European 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 Guest at FII PRIORITY Europe Summit in Rome
President of the Council, Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé, commenced his participation in the FII PRIORITY Europe summit proceedings on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, within the elegant confines of the Waldorf Astoria Rome Cavalieri. Having arrived in the Italian capital the previous day, the Togolese head of state attended the gathering at the special invitation of Yasir ben Othman Al-Rumayyan, who serves as both the Governor of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) and the Chairman of the FII Institute, the event’s organizing body.
The summit brought together heads of state, leading investors, and key economic decision-makers to deliberate on the theme, « L’Europe réinventée : capital, souveraineté et autonomie stratégique » (“Europe Reimagined: Capital, Sovereignty, and Strategic Autonomy”). Discussions delved into financing mechanisms for reindustrialization, strengthening supply chain resilience, and adapting the workforce in an economy increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence. Organizers presented projections indicating Eurozone growth around 1.2% in 2026, with an estimated potential for mobilizing nearly 800 billion euros in additional private investments across the continent over the next decade.
Africa-Europe Partnership: Togo Emphasizes Investment Attractiveness
During his address, the Togolese leader underscored the vast opportunities he believes an economic partnership between Africa and Europe presents. With some of the world’s most robust growth trajectories, the African continent now stands as a prime destination for investment flows, the advancement of connectivity and logistics infrastructure, and the deepening of regional integration initiatives.
Togo, he further elaborated, is determined to fully participate in this dynamic, leveraging its strategic position as a regional logistics hub. Lomé proudly highlights the impressive performance of its Autonomous Port, the ongoing development of integrated industrial zones, and the comprehensive reforms implemented to enhance the business environment. The nation’s clear objective is to attract increased foreign direct investment (FDI) and to fortify the vital corridors linking the country to its West African hinterland.
« Togo serves as a natural gateway to the West African hinterland, fostering shared growth across the region », affirmed Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé, President of the Council of Togo.
Regional Connectivity: Lomé’s Diplomatic and Economic Offensive
This visit to Rome forms part of a demanding week for Togolese economic diplomacy. Notably, just three days prior, President Gnassingbé had presided over the inauguration of the inaugural African Air Transport Convention and Exhibition in Lomé. This series of strategic initiatives underscores the Togolese government’s unwavering commitment to making connectivity — encompassing port, air, and digital infrastructure — a cornerstone of its national development strategy.
