Russia is planning to utilize Togo's deep-water port in Lomé as a major hub for its trade with West Africa, particularly the Sahel region. This strategic move was announced by Russian Deputy Minister of Transport, Alexei Chilo, following a meeting of the Russia-Togo intergovernmental commission held in Lomé from September 29 to October 1, 2026. The commission's discussions focused on enhancing cooperation in various sectors, including transportation and logistics.
The proposed project aims to establish a transportation corridor between Russia and West Africa, with a focus on the Sahel region. According to Chilo, Russia is committed to expediting the development of this corridor, which would facilitate the delivery of Russian goods to the region. This initiative is part of a broader effort to strengthen ties between Moscow and Lomé, which have been growing in recent years. In November 2025, Togolese President Faure Gnassingbé met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow.
The relationship between Russia and Togo has been expanding, with the two countries signing a military cooperation agreement in 2025. The agreement includes provisions for training and joint exercises. Furthermore, Russia plans to open an embassy in Togo, signaling its intention to deepen its presence in the region. For Togo, diversifying its partnerships is a key strategy, and the country is seeking to engage with various international partners.
A business mission comprising Russian companies, led by the Russian Ministry of Transport, accompanied the intergovernmental commission meeting. The mission, which included 29 participants, worked closely with Togolese officials to explore opportunities for cooperation. The primary objective of the mission was to establish direct business contacts, with a focus on structuring and calculating the transportation chain for delivering Russian goods to Togo and neighboring Sahel countries.
According to Chilo, the Russian delegation engaged with representatives of federal executive bodies and major companies involved in logistics, mechanical engineering, and transportation. The goal is to develop clear indicators for cost and delivery times, ensuring that Russian partners can navigate the transportation chain efficiently. This project is expected to boost trade, transportation, energy, and commercial exchanges between Russia and Togo.
While the Russia-Togo intergovernmental commission meeting and business mission have laid the groundwork for enhanced cooperation, no specific timeline has been announced for the implementation of the proposed transportation corridor. The project is expected to support Russia's efforts to expand its trade presence in West Africa, while Togo stands to benefit from increased economic engagement and investment.
The development of the transportation corridor and Russia's increased engagement in the region are likely to have significant implications for Togo and the broader Sahel region. As the project moves forward, it will be essential to monitor its progress and assess its impact on regional trade and economic development. Key stakeholders will be watching closely to see how this initiative unfolds and how it might shape the economic landscape of West Africa.
Key points
- Russia plans to use Togo's Lomé port as a gateway for trade with Sahel countries.
- The proposed transportation corridor aims to facilitate the delivery of Russian goods to West Africa.
- The project is part of a broader effort to strengthen ties between Moscow and Lomé.
