Togo: The port of Lomé asserts itself as a strategic pillar of regional maritime trade
The Autonomous Port of Lomé has reached a decisive milestone in its modernization journey with the launch of dredging works at the Lomé Container Terminal (LCT). This initiative is designed to accommodate giant vessels of over 19,000 TEUs and 400 meters in length.
It is a strategic advancement that solidifies Togo’s commitment to strengthening its position in regional and continental maritime trade.
Amidst intense competition among ports in the sub-region, Lomé stands out with solid advantages: natural deep-water access, streamlined customs procedures, and remarkable productivity. With a rate of 32.5 crane moves per hour, the port far exceeds African standards.
These achievements are the result of ambitious reforms driven by the Togolese authorities, which deserve to be recognized.
Lomé now serves as a regional transshipment hub for Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), the world’s largest shipping line. In 2024, the autonomous port of Lomé handled over 30 million tonnes of cargo, a significant portion of which was related to transshipment.
This clearly demonstrates Togo’s essential role not only for landlocked nations like Burkina Faso, Niger, and Mali but also for major coastal markets.
These dredging works reflect a strong political vision—that of a forward-looking Togo, betting on openness, competitiveness, and regional integration.
These ongoing reforms and efforts have made the port a model for port development, firmly positioning Lomé as a pivotal player in African maritime trade.
Kodjovi MAKAFUI
