Togo's President Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé began an official visit to China on October 9, 2026, which is expected to last until October 16. This marks his seventh trip to China since assuming power in 2005. The visit aims to enhance bilateral cooperation between the two nations, with a focus on economic, commercial, and diplomatic relations. According to Togo - Presse, the president's visit is a testament to the excellent bilateral relations between Togo and China.
During his visit, President Faure Gnassingbé will discuss the strengthening of cooperation in various sectors, including infrastructure, agriculture, water, connectivity, science, education, technology, and digital economy. The two countries will also explore opportunities for partnerships under Togo's Roadmap 2026-2031 and Vision 2040. The elevation of bilateral relations to a global strategic partnership during the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) summit has opened up new prospects for cooperation.
Trade between Togo and China has been on the rise in recent years, with China becoming Togo's largest trading partner. In 2025, bilateral trade reached $5.43 billion, representing a 55% increase from the previous year. The Chinese government's decision to exempt 53 African countries, including Togo, from customs duties on certain products, which took effect on May 1, 2026, is expected to boost Togolese exports such as cotton, sesame, soybeans, and wood.
President Faure Gnassingbé will present Togo's development plans, including the Roadmap 2026-2031 and Vision 2040, to Chinese business leaders, with the goal of securing mutually beneficial partnerships. In addition to visiting Beijing, the president will travel to the Chinese provinces of Shaanxi, Fujian, and Guangdong, where he will tour enterprises and learn about their development experiences.
China and Togo have maintained a long-standing relationship of mutual trust and solidarity for over half a century. Since establishing diplomatic relations in 1972, China has demonstrated sustained commitment to supporting Togo's development in priority sectors. This visit is expected to further solidify the two countries' cooperation and foster a community of shared future between China and Africa in the new era.
The visit is also an opportunity for President Faure Gnassingbé to engage with Chinese business leaders and explore opportunities for investment in Togo. With the exemption of customs duties on certain Togolese products, Chinese companies may be more inclined to invest in the country. The president's visit is expected to yield concrete results, strengthening the already robust bilateral relations between Togo and China.
As President Faure Gnassingbé concludes his visit to China, both countries are expected to have a clearer understanding of how to move forward with their cooperation. With a focus on mutually beneficial partnerships and sustainable development, the visit is poised to have a lasting impact on the relationship between Togo and China.
Key points
- President Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé visits China to strengthen bilateral cooperation and explore opportunities for partnerships under Togo's development plans.
- Trade between Togo and China reached $5.43 billion in 2025, representing a 55% increase from the previous year.
- The Chinese government's decision to exempt Togolese products from customs duties is expected to boost exports and attract Chinese investment.
