By Abbas Nazil
Togo’s Port of Lomé has emerged as a focal point for global powers, with both the United States and Russia intensifying their efforts to secure influence over one of West Africa’s most strategically positioned maritime hubs.
The deep-water port, capable of handling over 30 million tonnes of cargo annually, offers unmatched maritime access to landlocked markets such as Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso, making it a critical logistics and economic asset.
Its growing importance has prompted heightened diplomatic, economic, and security engagements from Washington and Moscow.
In recent weeks, the U.S. Embassy in Togo has amplified its outreach through infrastructure investment pitches, cultural diplomacy, and trade promotion.
U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Richard C. Michaels visited agricultural enterprises, particularly in the cashew sector, promoting sustainable trade and job creation.
He also attended the Evala wrestling finals in Pya, a culturally significant event that doubled as a political and business networking platform.
During these engagements, Michaels held private talks with Togolese officials and business leaders to strengthen trade cooperation.
His July 21 tour of the Port of Lomé and Lomé Container Terminal was the clearest signal of U.S. interest.
The U.S. Embassy described Lomé’s advanced deep-water capabilities, modern equipment, and expansion plans—including a dry port and industrial zone—as a “win-win” opportunity for American investors, presenting the port as a launchpad for U.S. prosperity in Africa.
While the U.S. focuses on commercial diplomacy, Russia is deepening ties through military cooperation.
In June, Togolese and Russian defence officials signed a bilateral agreement covering joint training, equipment supply, and emergency medical support.
Vladimir Gruzdev, chair of the Association of Lawyers of Russia, praised Togo as “the most organised and equipped country in Tropical Africa” and described Lomé as the busiest port in West Africa.
This move aligns with Russia’s broader strategy of expanding its security presence in the Sahel and Gulf of Guinea, often at the expense of traditional Western influence in Francophone Africa.
The port plays a central role in Togo’s economy, generating about 70% of its economic activity and over 75% of its tax revenue.
In 2024, it handled 30.64 million tonnes of cargo, an increase from 30.09 million tonnes in 2023, according to Lloyd’s List Intelligence.
Kenyan political economist Jael Otondi cautioned African nations to approach such geopolitical competition with care, noting that control over maritime gateways will shape the next phase of Africa’s economic integration under the African Continental Free Trade Area.
He stressed that the focus should be on partnership, ownership, and long-term value for African economies.
Similar interest in strategic ports is visible elsewhere on the continent, with Berbera in Somaliland, Mombasa in Kenya, and Walvis Bay in Namibia attracting attention from China, Turkey, the UAE, and India.
