The capital of Italy played host to a pivotal gathering this week as global leaders converged for the FII PRIORITY Europe 2026 summit in Rome, running from June 17 to 19. Among the distinguished attendees was Togolese Prime Minister Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé, who seized the opportunity to advocate for a revitalized economic partnership between Africa and Europe. As a featured keynote speaker, he underscored Togo’s strategic role as a regional logistics hub poised to transform global value chains.
Rome summit gathers top leaders to reshape European economic strategies
Held at the prestigious Waldorf Astoria Rome Cavalieri, the summit brought together heads of state, investors, and economic policymakers under the theme “Redefining Europe: Capital, Sovereignty, and Strategic Autonomy.” The gathering examined critical topics such as sustainable financing for reindustrialization, supply chain resilience, and the future of work in an AI-driven economy. Organizers projected the eurozone’s growth at 1.2% for 2026, while also highlighting a potential €800 billion boost to private investments across the continent over the next decade.
Prime Minister Gnassingbé’s participation was secured through an invitation from Yasir ben Othman Al-Rumayyan, Governor of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) and Chairman of the FII Institute, the event’s organizer. His arrival in Rome came just a day before the summit’s official kickoff.
Togo positions itself as gateway to West African trade and investment
In his address, the Togolese leader emphasized the rising appeal of African markets for European investors. He highlighted the continent’s rapid economic growth, vast infrastructure needs, and untapped potential in fostering regional integration. Togo, he noted, is actively positioning itself to capitalize on these opportunities by leveraging its strengths as a logistics gateway.
The country is prioritizing the expansion of its autonomous port in Lomé, the development of integrated industrial zones, and policy reforms aimed at improving the business environment. These efforts are designed to attract more foreign direct investment (FDI) and strengthen trade corridors linking Togo to its landlocked neighbors.
« As a natural gateway to West Africa’s hinterland, we are committed to fostering shared growth and prosperity, » Prime Minister Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé stated.
Diplomatic push for regional connectivity gains momentum
This high-profile appearance in Rome follows a flurry of diplomatic activity for Togo’s economic leadership. Just three days prior, Prime Minister Gnassingbé inaugurated the first-ever African Air Transport Convention and Exhibition in Lomé. The dual events reflect a deliberate strategy to elevate the country’s profile as a key player in regional connectivity—whether through ports, aviation, or digital networks.
