Togo's Port of Lomé:

Built for the China-Africa Trade Surge

China's trade with Africa is booming, and Togo's port of Lomé has a direct stake in that story. Two-way trade between China and Africa reached $203.5 billion in the first half of 2026, up 24% year-on-year, with Chinese exports to the continent climbing 26.2%. The surge follows an expanded zero-tariff policy launched on 1 May 2026, covering products from 53 African countries, including Togo.

Lomé is well placed to capture this growth because of who runs its container terminal. The Lomé Container Terminal is a joint venture between China Merchants Port Holdings and MSC's Terminal Investment Limited, giving one of China's largest port operators a direct hand in the facility's growth. Under a €120 million investment plan through 2027, the terminal has deepened its access channel to 18.6 metres and widened its turning circle to 550 metres, now handling fully loaded vessels of up to 24,000 TEUs. Capacity is set to climb from 2 million to 2.5 million TEUs as a result.

That mix of Chinese ownership and deep-water infrastructure puts Lomé in a strong position as shipping lines concentrate their biggest vessels at a handful of capable African hubs. As West Africa's largest port and a key trans-shipment gateway for landlocked Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso, Lomé stands to see more direct calls and stronger connectivity as Chinese trade keeps climbing.

Growth on this scale also raises the stakes for efficient port operations. Tighter competition for vessel slots and rising cargo volumes mean smooth customs processes matter more than ever for anyone moving goods through Togo.

As Lomé cements its role as a preferred stop for Chinese trade flows, having your paperwork ready is essential. Our ECTN certificate services for Togo help your shipments clear customs quickly and reliably, so you can make the most of Lomé's growing global connections.

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