Togo's President Faure Gnassingbé arrived in China on Friday, seeking to build on the country's growing trade relationship with the Asian giant. In 2025, bilateral trade between Togo and China reached $5.4 billion, a 55% increase from the previous year, according to Chinese Ambassador to Togo Wang Min. This growth has been driven largely by Chinese exports to Togo, including motorcycles, textiles, and electronics.
While Togo's exports to China have also increased, the trade balance remains heavily skewed in China's favor. However, Ambassador Wang Min noted that Togo's exports, which include phosphates, cotton, and soybeans, are expected to grow further. In particular, the two countries are close to finalizing Togo's access to the Chinese market for soybeans, with Wang Min saying the process is in its "final countdown".
China has provided significant financing to Togo, mostly in the form of loans, with the China Eximbank providing funding for several major infrastructure projects. These include a 13.8 km road linking the port of Lomé to the Golf Club, which was inaugurated in 2014, and a 20.54 km road to Noépé, on the Ghanaian border, completed in 2020. Chinese companies, such as China Road and Bridge Corporation, have been contracted to carry out these projects.
In addition to infrastructure development, China has also provided assistance to Togo in areas such as rural hydraulics and emergency food aid. However, the exact value of this assistance is not well documented. The two countries have also elevated their relationship to a "global strategic partnership", with Chinese President Xi Jinping promising to expand cooperation in areas such as infrastructure, agriculture, and connectivity.
During his visit, President Gnassingbé is expected to meet with Chinese investors to discuss potential partnerships in industries such as agro-industry, electrical equipment, and renewable energy. A large industrial park is planned for Kara, which is expected to create "thousands of jobs". However, no details have been released on investment, timelines, or companies involved.
President Gnassingbé's visit is his seventh official trip to China, and comes ahead of the 2026-2031 roadmap and the Vision 2040. He will meet with Chinese leaders, including President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang, and visit several provinces, including Shaanxi, Fujian, and Guangdong. The visit is seen as an opportunity for Togo to attract investment and transform its trade relationship with China into tangible economic benefits.
The outcome of President Gnassingbé's visit remains to be seen, but both countries appear to be committed to strengthening their ties. With China's focus on securing raw materials and market access, and Togo's desire to industrialize and create jobs, the two countries may find common ground in areas such as infrastructure development and industrial cooperation.
Key points
- Togo aims to attract Chinese investment in industries such as agro-industry and renewable energy.
- The two countries have elevated their relationship to a "global strategic partnership", with a focus on expanding cooperation in areas such as infrastructure and agriculture.
- Togo's trade relationship with China remains heavily skewed in China's favor, but the country is seeking to increase its exports and attract investment.
