Port of Lomé Attracts U.S. Investment as Africa’s 4th Busiest Container Hub Grows in Strategic ImportancePort of Lomé Attracts U.S. Investment as Africa’s 4th Busiest Container Hub Grows in Strategic Importance
The Port of Lomé, Togo’s thriving maritime hub and Africa’s fourth busiest container port, is drawing renewed interest from the United States as it positions itself as a strategic entry point for American businesses expanding into African markets.
According to the U.S. Embassy in Lomé, the port’s deep-water access, modern logistics infrastructure, and advantageous location offer significant trade potential for U.S. companies.
On Sunday, July 21, Chargé d’Affaires Joann Lockard Michaels led a tour of the Port of Lomé and the Lomé Container Terminal, engaging with local port authorities and stakeholders to identify potential areas for U.S. private sector investment.
“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 U.S. Embassy stated in a post on X (formerly Twitter).
This initiative is part of a broader U.S. strategy to deepen economic ties in West Africa by leveraging strategic infrastructure to enhance bilateral trade.
The embassy also encouraged American firms to reach out for tailored guidance on business opportunities in the region.
Over recent years, the Port of Lomé has gained international recognition, driven by its tax-free logistics zone, political stability, and central location on the West African Atlantic coast.
These factors have helped the port maintain its position among the world’s top 100 container ports for four consecutive years, rising to 93rd in 2024 from 94th in 2023.
As Togo’s principal maritime gateway, the port is critical to the national economy. Maritime trade accounts for approximately 70% of the country’s economic activity and contributes over 75% of its national tax revenue.
Regionally, the port serves as a key transshipment hub for landlocked countries including Burkina Faso, Niger, and Mali.
In 2024, the Port of Lomé handled 30.64 million tonnes of cargo, up from 30.09 million tonnes in 2023—a testament to its growing importance in West African trade.
U.S. interest in the port reflects a broader strategy to strengthen commercial diplomacy in Africa amid increasing competition from China and other global powers.
