In Rome, from June 17 to 19, the FII PRIORITY Europe 2026 summit is underway. Togo’s President of the Council, Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé, called for a refreshed economic partnership between Africa and Europe. As guest of honour at this forum focused on European competitiveness, he promotes Togo’s role as a regional logistics platform in transforming global value chains.
FII PRIORITY Europe summit: Faure Gnassingbé as guest of honour in Rome
At the Waldorf Astoria Rome Cavalieri, Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé took part in the summit on Wednesday, June 17, 2026. He arrived the previous evening in the Italian capital and participates at the invitation of Yasir bin Othman Al-Rumayyan, governor of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) and chairman of the FII Institute, the organiser.
Bringing together heads of state, investors and economic decision-makers under the theme “Europe Reinvented: Capital, Sovereignty and Strategic Autonomy,” the summit examines financing mechanisms for reindustrialisation, supply chain resilience and the transformation of work in an economy shaped by artificial intelligence. Organisers highlight that eurozone growth is projected at around 1.2% in 2026, while the potential for additional private investment that the continent could mobilise over ten years is estimated at nearly €800 billion.
Africa-Europe partnership: Togo bets on investment appeal
In his speech, the head of the executive stressed the opportunities that the economic partnership between Africa and Europe opens. Driven by some of the world’s fastest growth rates, Africa now represents a prime destination for investment flows, connectivity and logistics infrastructure development, and deepening regional integration. Togo, he added, intends to play its full part by leveraging its position as a regional logistics platform. Lomé highlights the performance of its autonomous port, the development of integrated industrial zones and reforms to improve the business climate, with the stated goal of attracting more foreign direct investment (FDI) and strengthening corridors linking the country to its hinterland.
“Natural gateway to the West African hinterland, serving shared growth,” said Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé, President of the Council of Togo.
Regional connectivity: A diplomatic and economic offensive for Lomé
This trip to Rome is part of a busy week for Togolese economic diplomacy. Three days earlier, the President of the Council had presided in Lomé over the opening of the first African Air Transport Convention and Exhibition. This series of initiatives illustrates the Togolese government’s will to make connectivity — port, air and digital — a central pillar of its national development strategy.
