The Rise of Port of Lomé as a Key Maritime Hub in West Africa

As Port of Lomé grows its transshipment role in West Africa, major global powers including the U.S and Russia are moving to secure access to the important maritime hub. The increase in volume of trade between Asia and West Africa has seen Lomé port transform into a key regional container port. Major ocean carriers, specifically MSC, have responded by redeploying ultra-large container vessels (ULCVs) to the route. This has come as a major boost for liner connectivity of West African ports including Lomé.

In view of these trade advantages, the U.S has pledged to expand its African market access through Lomé port. Last week, the U.S Embassy in Lomé led by the Chargé d’Affaires Richard C. Michaels conducted a tour of the port facility. The delegation also held a meeting with the management of Lomé Container Terminal (LCT) to explore commercial opportunities for U.S businesses.

“With advanced deep-water capabilities, cutting-edge equipment, and an annual throughput exceeding 30 million tons, Lomé offers U.S businesses unmatched access to African markets. Ongoing infrastructure expansion, including a dry-port and industrial zone further enhances the port’s role as a growing gateway,” commented U.S Embassy in Togo.

The port tour follows shortly after U.S President Donald Trump met five African leaders in Washington. The African leaders were largely from countries in West Africa including Gabon, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mauritania and Senegal. The meeting with Trump concentrated on trade opportunities for both sides, at a time the U.S government is cutting aid in Africa and other regions.

Meanwhile, Russia has ratified its military cooperation agreement with Togo, which was initially signed early this year. As per the agreement, Russia and Togo will jointly hold military exercises, training exchanges and weapons and military equipment support. Notably, the agreement also covers support in hydrography, navigation and combatting piracy.

According to some observers, the agreement will give Russia unfettered access to Togo’s strategic seaport of Lomé. Visit by Russian military ships to ports in Togo is covered by the cooperation.

“Togo is considered the most organized and equipped in Tropical Africa. For example, the busiest seaport in the West African region is located on its territory,” said Vladimir Gruzdev, a member of the Russian Government Commission on Legislative Activity, which drafted the ratification law of the defense cooperation.

Top image: Container terminal at Lome, Togo (Houaito Affo Daniel / CC BY SA 4.0)