During the FII PRIORITY Europe 2026 summit in Rome, held from June 17 to 19, Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé, Prime Minister of Togo, advocated for a revitalized economic partnership between Africa and Europe. As a keynote speaker at the forum focused on European competitiveness, the Togolese leader highlighted the strategic role his country plays as a regional logistics hub in transforming global value chains.
FII PRIORITY Europe summit: Faure Gnassingbé honored in Rome
On Wednesday, June 17, 2026, Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé, Prime Minister of Togo, attended the FII PRIORITY Europe summit at the Waldorf Astoria Rome Cavalieri. Arriving in the Italian capital the day before, the Togolese executive participated in the event at the invitation of Yasir ben Othman Al-Rumayyan, Governor of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) and Chairman of the FII Institute, which organized the conference.
Revitalizing Africa-Europe economic collaboration
The forum, themed ‘Europe Reimagined: Capital, Sovereignty, and Strategic Autonomy’, brought together heads of state, investors, and economic policymakers to explore financing mechanisms for reindustrialization, supply chain resilience, and workforce transformation in an AI-driven economy. Organizers highlighted that the eurozone’s projected growth for 2026 stands at 1.2%, with the potential to mobilize an additional €800 billion in private investments over the next decade.
Togo positions itself as a gateway to West African markets
In his address, the Togolese Prime Minister emphasized the opportunities arising from strengthened economic ties between Africa and Europe. With some of the world’s fastest-growing economies, the African continent is emerging as a prime destination for investment flows, infrastructure development, and regional integration. Togo, he noted, is determined to contribute meaningfully by leveraging its position as a regional logistics powerhouse.
The Prime Minister underscored the country’s achievements, including the performance of the Lomé Autonomous Port, the development of integrated industrial zones, and reforms aimed at enhancing the business environment. These efforts aim to attract more foreign direct investment (FDI) and strengthen trade corridors linking Togo to its hinterland.
« A natural gateway to West Africa’s hinterland, fostering shared growth, » said Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé, Prime Minister of Togo.
Lomé’s push for regional connectivity
The Rome visit is part of an intensive week of economic diplomacy for Togo. Three days prior, the Prime Minister inaugurated the first African Air Transport Convention and Exhibition in Lomé. This series of initiatives underscores the government’s commitment to making connectivity—whether through ports, aviation, or digital networks—a cornerstone of its national development strategy.