Togo is positioning the Port of Lomé as a strategic alternative global shipping hub amid ongoing disruptions in key maritime routes, particularly the Strait of Hormuz, where geopolitical tensions have raised concerns over the safety and cost of international trade.
The Strait of Hormuz, which handles about 20% of global oil shipments, has become increasingly unstable due to tensions between Iran and the United States, leading to higher shipping costs, delays, and increased insurance premiums for global carriers.
Against this backdrop, Togo’s Minister Delegate for Maritime Economy Edem Kokou Tengue said the Port of Lomé is being developed as a reliable logistics alternative for international shipping routes seeking safer transit options.
He explained that the port has undergone major modernization, enabling it to accommodate large modern vessels and handle increased cargo volumes. According to him, the goal is to position Lomé as a key logistics gateway for Eurasian, Asian, and African trade flows.
The minister added that the port could also serve as an alternative to other disrupted maritime corridors, including the Suez Canal and the Red Sea route, offering shipping companies more secure and flexible options for global trade.
He noted that the initiative aligns with Togo’s broader ambition to become a major logistics hub in West Africa, attracting international partnerships and redirecting trade routes through West African infrastructure.
By presenting Lomé as a safer and more efficient maritime option, Togo aims to strengthen its role in global supply chains while responding to rising geopolitical risks affecting traditional shipping lanes.
