Togo and China signed key economic agreements during a state visit, aiming to boost soy exports and tech training. Trade between the two nations has surged to $5.43 billion.
Togo and China sign economic agreements
President Faure Gnassingbé of Togo visited China from October 9 to 16, 2026, during which several economic, commercial, and technological agreements were signed. These agreements aim to diversify Togo’s markets, improve trade, and boost local production capabilities.Soy export phytosanitary protocol
One of the agreements outlines phytosanitary requirements for Togo’s soy exports to China. This aims to remove health and safety barriers that have previously limited Togo’s access to the Chinese market. In 2023, Togo exported about 293 tonnes of soy to China, according to World Bank data.Togo's soy production and export strategy
Togo produced over 260,000 tonnes of soy during the 2024-2025 season. While China is the world’s largest soy importer, opening its market does not guarantee increased sales for Togo. The country also focuses on local soy processing, supported by an export tax on soy seeds introduced in January 2026.Customs and technology cooperation
The discussions also included agreements on customs procedures, supply chains, e-commerce, and green development. A cooperation agreement between Togo’s tax authority and Chinese customs will focus on the authorized economic operator status. Technology is also central to the partnership, with plans for free training in robotics and 6G technology for Togolese students.Growing trade between Togo and China
Trade between Togo and China reached $5.43 billion in 2025, a 55% increase compared to the previous year. The two countries also discussed a partial debt cancellation for Togo, though the amount remains unspecified. During the visit, President Gnassingbé and Chinese Premier Li Qiang reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening their cooperation.Regional developments in West Africa
In Niger, crude oil refining has been limited to a single facility in Zinder since 2011, which struggles to meet domestic demand. In Guinea, $336 million is being invested to build over 160 km of roads in the northeast, aiming to improve infrastructure and resource access. In Nigeria, public-private partnerships are growing in the palm oil industry to meet domestic needs.Food security and art in West Africa
Food security in the region increasingly depends on hybrid maize seeds, according to Bayer’s Innocent Konan. On World Food Day, October 16, 2026, Ellipse Art Projects 2026: West Africa told by its new generation of artists was highlighted. This project, created in 2021, supports emerging contemporary artists through the Elipse Prize.
