Togo could emerge as a strategic gateway for Russian and Belarusian goods into West Africa, with the country’s deep-water Port of Lomé offering access to regional markets, according to an analysis recently published by Russia’s Pivot to Asia.
The report points to Lomé’s geographic position and port infrastructure as potential advantages for strengthening trade links between Eurasian producers and West African economies.
The Port of Lomé is widely described as the only deep-water port on the West African coast capable of accommodating large vessels, giving Togo an important role in regional maritime logistics. The port has also been developed as a regional transshipment and logistics hub serving markets beyond Togo.
Russia’s Pivot to Asia identified Togo as an example of how smaller African economies could gain strategic importance within emerging Eurasian-African trade networks. The analysis suggested that the country could provide a commercial entry point for Russian and Belarusian companies seeking access to West African markets.
The report also highlighted Russia-Togo ties, including a visit by Russian Defence Minister Andrei Belousov to Togo in March as part of broader bilateral military cooperation and discussions over port access.
Togo seeks broader Eurasian economic ties
Togo’s outreach to Eurasian partners has increasingly focused on investment, industrial cooperation and market access.
At the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Plus (SCO+) summit in Bishkek on September 1, Togolese Council President Faure Gnassingbé called for a more equitable international economic order and greater access to financing for developing countries.
He also advocated greater local processing of natural resources and technology transfers, arguing that African economies should be able to create more value from their resources rather than relying primarily on raw-material exports.
The message coincides with Togo’s efforts to diversify its economic partnerships and attract investment into agriculture, agro-industry, mining and other productive sectors.
During a meeting with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko in Bishkek, the two sides identified food security, agro-industry, agricultural mechanisation, mining and banking as potential areas for cooperation.
Belarus further expressed readiness to support Togo’s 2026-2031 government roadmap by encouraging partnerships between Togolese and Belarusian private-sector companies.
From diplomacy to commercial links
The Togo-Belarus discussions suggest a potential shift from diplomatic engagement toward commercially focused cooperation, particularly in sectors where Belarus has industrial and agricultural capabilities.
Togolese authorities have affirmed the importance of investment, local processing and value creation as part of the country’s broader strategy to expand economic ties with Eurasian markets.
Russia’s Pivot to Asia argued that such developments could eventually create a broader commercial bridge connecting Russian, Belarusian and other Eurasian companies with West African markets.
The report also pointed to a proposed large-scale business forum involving Togo, Belarus and other African countries in 2027 as a possible platform for expanding private-sector links.
