The Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Togo (CCI-Togo) hosted a meeting with Togolese and Russian economic operators on September 29, 2026, in Lomé. This high-level meeting aimed to transform diplomatic friendship into concrete business opportunities. The event took place on the sidelines of the first session of the Togo-Russia Intergovernmental Mixed Commission. The meeting provided a platform for dialogue between private sector actors from both countries.
The meeting enabled participants to better understand the potential of both markets, discuss business opportunities, and identify areas that could foster the development of economic and commercial relations between Togo and Russia. Economic operators from both countries are encouraged to strengthen their exchanges and explore new cooperation opportunities. The CCI-Togo initiative seeks to bring Togolese and Russian operators closer together and create partnerships that support investments, trade, and private sector development.
Dr. Kwassi Symenouh, President of CCI-Togo, emphasized the importance of this mission in giving a new impetus to relations between Togo and Russia. He stated that the friendship and cooperation between the two countries should now evolve towards more trade, investment, partnerships between companies, and value creation. Dr. Symenouh presented Togo as a gateway to the West African market, thanks to its membership in UEMOA, ECOWAS, OHADA, and the AfCFTA.
The President of CCI-Togo highlighted Togo's strategic location, with the Autonomous Port of Lomé and the Adétikopé Industrial Platform (PIA) serving as important levers for industry and logistics. In 2024, Togolese imports from Russia reached approximately $97 million, accounting for 3.3% of Togo's total imports. Dr. Symenouh called for diversifying and expanding these exchanges, particularly in agriculture, agro-industry, mining, energy, infrastructure, transport, logistics, manufacturing, digital, health, and vocational training.
Dr. Symenouh proposed concluding a cooperation and partnership agreement between CCI-Togo and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Russian Federation, as well as creating a Togo-Russia Business Council. He presented four projects that could interest Russian partners: the Adétikopé Consular Academy of Trades, the Sokodé bus station, the Agbélouvé AgriTech project, and a structured parking project in downtown Lomé.
These projects could benefit from Russian financing, equipment, technology, expertise, and industrial partnerships. The President of CCI-Togo invited Russian operators to view their visit as the beginning of a genuine business relationship, rather than a simple discovery mission. He encouraged them to build projects that produce in Togo, create value, train young people, and enable the country to radiate towards West Africa.
The head of the Russian delegation, Mr. Petrov Maxim, welcomed the CCI-Togo initiative and promised fruitful collaboration between operators from both countries. The meeting marked a significant step towards strengthening economic ties between Togo and Russia, with both sides expressing their commitment to exploring new opportunities for cooperation and investment.
Key points
- Togo aims to diversify its imports from Russia and expand cooperation in various sectors.
- The CCI-Togo initiative seeks to create partnerships between Togolese and Russian businesses.
- Togo presents itself as a gateway to the West African market, with a strategic location and industrial platforms.
