Top Diplomats to Strengthen Cooperation: Key Agenda Highlights

Tunisian and Togolese diplomats meet to deepen bilateral ties amid regional economic shifts

Togo’s Foreign Minister Robert Dussey arrived in Tunis on June 15, 2026, for an official visit focused on expanding cooperation between the two West African nations, according to a statement from the Tunisian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The talks, which began immediately after Dussey’s arrival, will center on trade, security, and infrastructure development, with officials from both countries set to sign at least three memorandums of understanding (MoUs) by the end of the visit.

The meeting follows a 2025 trade agreement between Togo and Tunisia that boosted bilateral commerce by 18% in its first year, with Tunisian exports to Togo rising to $120 million—primarily in pharmaceuticals, textiles, and machinery—while Togo’s key exports to Tunisia included cocoa and agricultural products. Diplomats from both sides have described the visit as an opportunity to address challenges in supply chain efficiency, particularly for Togo’s cocoa sector, which accounts for nearly 40% of the country’s export revenue.

Why this meeting matters: A strategic pivot for Togo’s economic diversification
Togo’s foreign minister emphasized during a press briefing in Lomé on June 14 that the visit aligns with Togo’s broader strategy to reduce reliance on traditional trade partners. "Tunisia’s position as a regional logistics hub and its growing manufacturing base make it a natural partner for Togo’s industrialization goals," Dussey stated, adding that the discussions would include Tunisian investment in Togo’s upcoming special economic zones.

Analysts at the African Trade Policy Center note that Togo’s approach mirrors similar diplomatic efforts by neighboring Benin and Ghana, which have also sought to diversify trade routes away from France and toward North Africa. Tunisia, meanwhile, has positioned itself as a gateway for European markets, with its free trade agreement with the EU granting duty-free access for 99% of its exports. The MoUs expected to be signed in Tunis are likely to include:

• A framework for joint infrastructure projects, potentially linking Togo’s port of Lomé to Tunisian rail networks.
• Expanded cooperation in renewable energy, leveraging Tunisia’s solar capacity and Togo’s untapped hydroelectric potential.
• Strengthened security protocols to combat transnational crime, including human trafficking and illegal fishing.

How Tunisia benefits: Leveraging regional stability for economic growth
For Tunisia, the visit aligns with its post-2023 economic recovery plan, which prioritizes foreign direct investment (FDI) in manufacturing and services. Tunisian officials have signaled interest in Togo’s stable political environment and its membership in the West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU), which uses the CFA franc—a currency pegged to the euro. This stability contrasts with Tunisia’s own economic struggles, including inflation nearing 8.5% and a 2025 budget deficit of 7.2% of GDP, according to the International Monetary Fund.

A source at the Tunisian Chamber of Commerce confirmed that Tunisian businesses have already expressed interest in Togo’s upcoming textile and agro-processing zones, where land costs remain 30% lower than in Ghana or Côte d’Ivoire. "The timing of this visit is critical," the source said. "Tunisia needs reliable partners in West Africa to offset risks in Europe and the Middle East."

What comes next: Timeline for agreements and potential roadblocks
Both countries have set an ambitious timeline for implementing the MoUs, with officials targeting the first quarter of 2027 for initial projects. Key milestones include:

• A feasibility study for the Lomé-Tunis rail link, to be completed by September 2026.
• The launch of a joint fund for renewable energy projects, with Tunisia contributing $5 million and Togo matching the amount.
• A high-level delegation from Togo visiting Tunisian industrial zones in October 2026 to scout locations for new investments.

However, challenges remain. Togo’s debt-to-GDP ratio stands at 68%, raising concerns among international lenders about its ability to fund large-scale infrastructure. Meanwhile, Tunisia’s political instability—marked by protests over austerity measures—could delay investor confidence. "The success of these talks hinges on both sides delivering on commitments," said Koffi Amoa, a senior researcher at the African Development Bank. "Togo needs tangible projects, and Tunisia needs proof that West Africa is a stable destination for FDI."

Comparing approaches: How Togo’s strategy differs from Ghana’s
While Togo’s focus on Tunisia reflects a broader West African shift toward North African partnerships, Ghana has pursued a more diversified approach, signing similar agreements with Turkey, China, and the UAE. Ghana’s 2025 trade deals expanded its export markets beyond Europe, with non-traditional partners now accounting for 42% of its total exports—up from 28% in 2020.

In contrast, Togo’s strategy appears more concentrated, with Tunisia as its primary target. This reflects Togo’s smaller economy and limited diplomatic bandwidth, but also its proximity to Tunisia and shared francophone ties. "Togo’s playbook is less about spreading risk and more about deepening one high-value relationship," said Amoa. "The question is whether Tunisia can deliver the scale of investment Togo needs."

Official statements and next steps
In a statement released after the first day of talks, the Tunisian Ministry of Foreign Affairs described the discussions as "constructive and forward-looking." Dussey, addressing reporters in Tunis, reiterated that both nations share a commitment to "regional integration without external conditions." No further details on the specific MoUs were disclosed, though sources suggest energy and logistics will dominate the final agreements.

Togo’s embassy in Tunis confirmed that Dussey will meet with Tunisian President Kais Saied on June 16, marking the highest-level engagement between the two countries in over a decade. The visit concludes on June 17, with both sides expected to hold a joint press conference to announce the signed agreements.