The Autonomous Port of Lomé (PAL) recently played host to a high-profile delegation from the World Bank, led by Marie-Chantal Uwanyiligira, the institution’s regional director overseeing Togo, Côte d’Ivoire, Benin, and Guinea. The visit on July 16, 2026 was strategically timed to coincide with the signing of groundbreaking financial agreements, with a shared focus on unlocking new avenues for collaboration to solidify the port’s reputation as West Africa’s leading logistics hub.
Lomé’s port: a west african logistics powerhouse
The delegation was welcomed by Edem Kokou Tengué, the PAL’s director-general, who led a comprehensive tour of the port’s state-of-the-art facilities. During the briefing, he highlighted the country’s most impressive achievements, emphasizing the port’s role as a cornerstone of Togo’s economic ambitions.
The Lomé Container Terminal (LCT) stood out as a flagship project—designed to accommodate the largest vessels of the next generation. The terminal is complemented by specialized infrastructure, including dedicated mineral, oil, and conventional berths. These advancements align with Togo Vision 2040, a long-term government initiative aimed at transforming the coastal corridor into a magnet for trade, logistics, and industrial activity.
Driving sustainable employment across the nation
For Marie-Chantal Uwanyiligira, the World Bank’s interest in the port is rooted in its outsized contribution to Togo’s economy. She underscored the direct link between the port’s efficiency and national economic performance, stressing the institution’s mission to foster productive, lasting employment.
« The scale of this port’s impact is undeniable—its operations ripple across the economy, shaping job creation and growth. For us at the World Bank, our compass is clear: to drive more and better jobs, especially in sectors that fuel sustainable development. » — Marie-Chantal Uwanyiligira
The director praised Togo’s rapid progress, noting how strategic investments have elevated the port to a level of competitiveness that rivals those of much larger economies.
200 million dollar boost to link port and industry
The visit culminated in a landmark announcement: the World Bank Group, through its public and private financing arms, has committed a $200 million (120 billion FCFA) funding package to modernize transport links between the port and the country’s key industrial zone. The funds will be used to upgrade critical road infrastructure and optimize the rail network, creating a seamless logistics corridor designed to accelerate trade flows and economic integration.
