Togo’s Port of Lomé is fast becoming a critical maritime node for West Africa and international players eyeing strategic entry points into Africa. With its modern infrastructure, deep-water capacity, and geographic advantage, the port has now caught the attention of the United States, signalling new prospects for U.S.–Africa commercial partnerships.
Located on the Gulf of Guinea, the Port of Lomé is currently Africa’s fourth-busiest container port and the only deep-water port in West Africa that can accommodate new-generation vessels without tidal restrictions. It has steadily built a reputation for speed, efficiency, and transshipment capabilities — critical assets in today’s global supply chains.
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According to the U.S. Embassy in Lomé, these strengths make the port a high-potential asset for U.S. businesses looking to expand their presence in Africa’s growing consumer markets.
“With advanced deep-water capabilities and modern logistics infrastructure, the Port of Lomé presents unmatched access for U.S. companies looking to expand their footprint across Africa,” the Embassy posted on X (formerly Twitter).
This assessment followed Chargé d’Affaires Joann Lockard Michaels’ lead of a U.S. delegation to tour the port and the Lomé Container Terminal on July 21, during which they met with port stakeholders to assess commercial and investment opportunities.
Geostrategic and Economic Value of Port of Lomé
The Port of Lomé’s value proposition extends far beyond its physical infrastructure. It benefits from:
• A tax-free logistics and free-trade zone
• Togo’s political stability and investor-friendly policies
• Centrality along the Atlantic coast, making it a logistics linchpin for landlocked neighbours like Burkina Faso, Niger, and Mali
These advantages have turned the port into a regional transshipment hub, accounting for a major share of cargo movement across West Africa.
The port’s contribution to Togo’s economy is equally significant:
• Approximately 70% of the nation’s economic activity is tied to maritime trade.
• Maritime revenues make up over 75% of national tax income.
• In 2024, the Port of Lomé handled 30.64 million tonnes of cargo, up from 30.09 million tonnes in 2023.
Global Ranking and Performance
In addition to its African standing, the Port of Lomé has remained in the top 100 container ports globally for four consecutive years, climbing to 93rd in 2024, up from 94th in 2023.
This steady climb reveals years of strategic investment and reform, including public-private partnerships that have enhanced port efficiency, cargo processing times, and operational scale.
The renewed U.S. focus on Lomé aligns with Washington’s broader strategy to deepen economic engagement in Africa. With growing competition from China, India, the EU, and Gulf states, the United States is looking to leverage existing infrastructure hubs — like the Port of Lomé — to accelerate trade, support regional security, and build mutual prosperity.
To this end, the U.S. Embassy has invited American companies to connect with its commercial services for tailored business advice, partnerships, and investment facilitation.
As global trade routes adapt to shifting supply chain dynamics and Africa continues to urbanise and industrialise, ports will play a significant role in shaping the continent’s economic future.
For Togo, the Port of Lomé is more than a logistics hub — it is a strategic asset at the heart of regional integration, national revenue, and international relevance. For the United States and the rest of the world, it represents a gateway not just into Togo, but into the broader promise of African markets.
