The first session of the Togo-Russia intergovernmental commission was held in Lomé from September 29 to October 1, 2026. This meeting marks a new phase in the bilateral relations between the two countries, with a focus on consolidating existing cooperation, identifying new areas of collaboration, and implementing projects that align with Togo's development priorities. The commission provides a regular framework for dialogue, consultation, and monitoring, enabling the examination of existing commitments, evaluation of progress, and definition of new cooperation perspectives.
The commission's discussions cover several priority sectors, including education, science and technology, academic diplomacy, industry and mining, energy, civil nuclear, and hydrocarbons. These areas reflect the interest in developing skills, strengthening scientific and technological capacities, valorizing national resources, and consolidating energy infrastructure and capacities. In education and scientific training, several advancements demonstrate the dynamism of this cooperation, including an increase in the annual quota of scientific scholarships awarded to Togo from 86 in 2024 to 250.
The cooperation between Togo and Russia also extends to the university sector, with partnerships established with three Russian universities and the signing of a framework agreement with the Center for Public Diplomacy. Togolese researchers will also have access to the SKIF synchrotron, opening up new perspectives in scientific research and skills development. The development of human capital is a central element of this cooperation, with a focus on training engineers, researchers, teachers, and technicians to strengthen national capacities and support the transformation of the Togolese economy.
In the industry and mining sector, discussions focus on geological expertise, technologies, and know-how transfer, aiming to strengthen national capacities and promote increased valorization of resources. Energy is also a key sector, with exchanges on partnership opportunities for access to electricity and supply security. The commission also explores cooperation in hydrocarbons, including supply, storage, and logistical issues, taking into account the capacities of the Port of Lomé and Togo's role as a regional trade platform.
The civil nuclear sector is another area of cooperation, primarily focused on training, research, and applications in the medical and agricultural fields. This approach aims to develop skills and access scientific and technological knowledge in a high-tech sector, while respecting international commitments and safety and security standards. The cooperation between Togo and Russia also has a sub-regional dimension, with Togo playing a significant role in exchanges between the Gulf of Guinea and West African hinterland countries.
The establishment of this commission is part of Togo's policy of diversifying partnerships, with the country maintaining and developing relations with European, African, Asian, Arab, and other global partners. This approach aims to multiply cooperation opportunities and mobilize competencies, technologies, investments, and available opportunities from different partners. The eventual projects resulting from the commission's work will be subject to specific agreements and Togolese legislation.
The commission's outcomes will be crucial in structuring bilateral cooperation, ensuring continuity of dialogue, monitoring commitments, and evaluating results. The meeting between September 29 and October 1, 2026, marks an important step in strengthening Togo-Russia cooperation, with a focus on consolidating achievements, deepening exchanges, and opening new perspectives in priority sectors for Togo's development.
Key points
- The Togo-Russia intergovernmental commission aims to enhance bilateral cooperation in sectors such as education, science and technology, industry, and energy.
- The commission provides a regular framework for dialogue, consultation, and monitoring to ensure the continuity of cooperation between the two countries.
- The cooperation between Togo and Russia has a sub-regional dimension, with Togo playing a significant role in regional trade and exchanges.
