Lomé is forging stronger international partnerships as it diversifies its diplomatic engagements. During a high-level meeting in the Togolese capital on July 15, President Faure Gnassingbé welcomed Xavier Bettel, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Luxembourg, to discuss the future of bilateral cooperation with a renewed focus on digital transformation, cybersecurity, and sustainable resource management.
Once primarily centered on development aid, the relationship between Togo and Luxembourg is now evolving toward high-impact investments that align with Lomé’s modernization agenda. The shift reflects a shared ambition to move beyond traditional assistance models and toward sustainable, results-driven collaboration.
Three landmark agreements to drive Togo’s progress
The centerpiece of Bettel’s working visit was the signing of three cooperation agreements designed to shape the bilateral relationship for years to come.
- INCLURE Program: A financing initiative dedicated to local development, resource efficiency, and the preservation of protected ecosystems. The project aims to strengthen community-based growth while ensuring environmental sustainability.
- New Indicative Cooperation Program (PIC): A strategic framework outlining priority areas for Togo-Luxembourg collaboration, with a focus on high-potential sectors.
- Togocyber+ Initiative: A dedicated effort to bolster Togo’s national cybersecurity capacities, addressing the rising challenges posed by rapid digitalization in public administration and service delivery.
These agreements underscore a fundamental shift in the partnership, moving from conventional support toward investments that deliver tangible economic and institutional benefits for Togo.
Strengthening a partnership built on shared ambition
While diplomatic ties between Togo and Luxembourg date back to the 1970s, the past two years have seen a marked acceleration. New cooperation instruments were introduced in 2024, followed by the establishment of LuxDev’s development agency in Lomé in 2026. Together, the two countries are now implementing a portfolio of projects valued at 49.3 million euros, equivalent to nearly 32.34 billion FCFA.
The joint initiatives span critical sectors such as digital transition, forest landscape restoration, enhancement of the École Polytechnique de Lomé, and natural heritage protection. This coordinated approach signals a commitment to long-term, outcome-focused cooperation rather than short-term aid.
A strategic alliance for West Africa’s future
The visit highlights Togo’s growing role on the West African diplomatic stage. By prioritizing targeted partnerships with European allies like Luxembourg, Lomé is positioning itself to access specialized expertise and sustainable financing for its national priorities.
For Luxembourg, Togo represents a stable and forward-looking partner—ideal for long-term projects where governance, technological innovation, and sustainable development converge. The discussions between Faure Gnassingbé and Xavier Bettel reaffirmed a shared vision: leveraging bilateral cooperation as a catalyst for economic, institutional, and digital progress, benefiting both nations and their citizens.