The European Union’s ambassador to Togo, Gwilym Ceri Jones, concluded his diplomatic mission with a final meeting with President Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé. During the audience, the diplomat highlighted a partnership that has expanded significantly in scope and impact over his tenure.
The ambassador emphasized the broadening of cooperation between Brussels and Lomé, which now spans critical sectors such as sustainable development, infrastructure, energy, governance, education, and security. His visit aimed to review the progress of these joint initiatives and engage directly with the Togolese head of state.
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Gwilym Ceri Jones described the EU-Togo partnership as having grown remarkably in both scale and depth during his time as ambassador. The collaboration has evolved into a multifaceted framework addressing challenges while seizing opportunities across key industries.
Expanding investment initiatives across sectors
The diplomat underscored the surge in European investment programs in Togo, pointing to a portfolio rich with potential for both Togolese and European private sectors. This momentum is expected to bolster growth and employment in strategic fields like energy, agriculture, and digital innovation.
Security and development: a unified agenda
Jones also highlighted deeper cooperation in peace and security, which he views as inseparable from development goals. The European Union has intensified its support for Togolese armed forces, aiding efforts against terrorism and enhancing maritime security along the country’s coastlines.
The ambassador expressed strong optimism about the future of EU-Togo relations, affirming confidence that the partnership will continue to flourish beyond his departure.
Long-term cooperation framework
EU’s 2021-2027 programming document
European interventions in Togo are structured around the 2021-2027 Joint Multi-Year Programming Document (DCP), backed by a €201 million budget. This framework channels funding into three priority areas: human development and socio-economic inclusion, sustainable agro-industries and natural resource management, and fostering a peaceful, resilient Togolese society grounded in inclusive governance.
New tripartite cooperation mechanism
The partnership gained further traction in June with the launch of a tripartite cooperation mechanism uniting the Togolese government, the European team, and Eurocham Togo. This permanent consultative platform seeks to improve the business climate, attract more European investment, and support the structural economic reforms underway in Togo.
The mechanism is designed to translate cooperation into tangible outcomes, including job creation, private sector growth, and economic transformation. Both sides view these efforts as evidence of a robust partnership poised to thrive long after Ambassador Jones’ departure.
