Togo–Egypt: revitalising trade to support businesses and industrialisation
Togo and Egypt are seeking to revitalise their trade relations, which have been in decline for several years. In Lomé, the new Egyptian ambassador, Shahinaz Abuseri, outlined to officials from the Togo Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI) the approaches being considered to revive this cooperation.
Several sectors are being targeted: pharmaceuticals, agriculture, technology and construction. According to the CCI’s president, José Kwassi Symenouh, Egypt can contribute to Togo’s industrialisation, particularly through its experience and the investments made by its companies.
The figures, however, highlight the imbalance. According to United Nations (UN Comtrade) data, as reported by Trading Economics, Togo imported $30.3 million worth of Egyptian goods in 2025, whilst its exports to Egypt amounted to only around $302,000.
Construction materials account for $13.4 million, or 44 per cent of Egyptian sales to Togo. Sugar and confectionery total $5.4 million, followed by fuels and mineral oils at $3.3 million, and dyeing and tanning extracts at $1.7 million.
The visit to Togo by the Egyptian Minister for Foreign Affairs, Badr Abdelatty, announced for 2027, could serve as a catalyst for securing new commitments. The two countries already have a joint committee for bilateral cooperation.
Agriculture sets a precedent with the Egyptian-Togolese farm in Abatchang, which was launched as part of a cooperation initiative relaunched in 2017. Discussions also covered infrastructure, the ports of Lomé and Suez, urban planning, tourism and the construction of hospitals.
