Togo/ Lomé, a strategic partner for AES countries, with an alliance taking shape
Lomé has firmly established itself as the preferred logistical and diplomatic partner for the countries of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES). Thanks to its Autonomous Port of Lomé the only natural deep-water port in the subregion the nation, under the leadership of His Excellency Faure Gnassingbé, is positioning itself as a central player in regional economic integration by providing landlocked Sahelian states with vital access to the Atlantic Ocean.
The success of this ambition hinges as much on geography as on diplomacy. Togo has adopted a pragmatic, non-confrontational foreign policy centered on mutually beneficial cooperation.
The growing exchanges between Lomé and the governments of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger reflect a shared commitment to building a robust partnership based on complementarity and collective sovereignty.
This vision is already taking shape on the ground. New logistical corridors are being developed to connect Sahelian capitals to Togolese port facilities. Bilateral agreements on transit, customs security, and trade facilitation are either under negotiation or already finalized.
Lomé aims to become the maritime gateway for the AES, meeting the growing logistical demands of Sahelian economies undergoing profound transformation.
This dynamic reinforces the North-South axis of regional integration and positions Togo as a pivotal link between coastal and Sahelian hinterland economies.
Through this approach, Lomé is helping redefine neighborhood relations free from excessive influence by former colonial powers in favor of sovereign partnerships among African states.
With a clear vision, undeniable assets, and strong political will, Togo is cementing its role in West Africa’s emerging geopolitical landscape. The AES has found in Lomé a reliable, stable, and forward-looking ally, committed to fostering a new era of regional cooperation that serves the genuine interests of African peoples.
Kodjovi Makafui
