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Togo - US Relations

The United States established diplomatic relations with Togo in 1960 following its independence from a French-administered trusteeship. On April 27, 1960, the Republic of Togo became independent. A message from President Eisenhower to Prime Minister Sylvanus Olympio, April 18, extended U.S. greetings and congratulations, remarked on U.S. pride and satisfaction with the successful conclusion of another United Nations Trusteeship, and declared that the United States looked forward to close and friendly relations.

Togo is a pro-Western, market-oriented country. The United States and Togo have had generally good relations since its independence, although the United States has never been one of Togo's major trade partners. U.S. exports to Togo have generally been used clothing and scrap textiles. Other important U.S. exports include rice, wheat, shoes, and tobacco products, and U.S. personal computers and other office electronics are becoming more widely available.

The Government of Togo, with the support of the Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), established an export processing zone (EPZ) in Togo in 1989. The zone has attracted private investors interested in manufacturing, assembling, and food processing, primarily for the export market. USAID closed its local office in 1994 and runs local development programs from its office in Accra through nongovernmental organizations in Togo. Contour Global, an American power company, built a new power plant in Lome that provides 100 megawatts of electricity. Plant operations began in October 2010. At a cost of over $200 million, it is the largest single private American investment in West Africa in over a decade and the largest electricity investment ever made in Togo.

Today Togo is benefitting from economic growth, gradual democratic reform leading to greater transparency, and a steady professionalization of its security sector, due in part to U.S. assistance. The United States and Togo have had generally good relations, and the United States seeks to work with Togo to consolidate democratic gains and economic growth.

In fiscal year 2014, the United States provided $3 million in health funding to Togo and $0.2 million in international military education and training aid. The U.S. Agency for International Development runs local development programs from its office in Ghana through nongovernmental organizations in Togo. The Peace Corps established its presence in Togo in 1962 and has 84 volunteers in the field, working primarily in on projects in agriculture, education, and health. In December 2015, Togo was selected for a Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) Threshold program.

Togo has a market-oriented economy, and the country is eligible for preferential trade benefits under the African Growth and Opportunity Act. The United States has a significant trade surplus with Togo. U.S. exports to Togo include fuel oil, vehicles, petroleum products machinery and food products, while U.S. imports from Togo include cocoa and coffee. Togo's export processing zone, established with U.S. Government support, has attracted private investors interested in manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and food processing, primarily for the export market. A 100-megawatt power plant is among the largest electricity investments in Togo and one of the largest single private U.S. investments in West Africa.

The two countries have signed a treaty on investment and economic relations. The United States also has a trade and investment framework agreement with the West African Economic and Monetary Union, of which Togo is a member. Togo is working with the United States and other development partners to improve the investment climate and commercial infrastructure. Togo has the deepest port on the west coast of Africa. The government is working to expand the port and road network to make Togo a better option for regional transshipment.

The Peace Corps began its work in Togo in 1962, as part of the second wave of countries where the Peace Corps began service. Since that time, more than 2,500 Volunteers have served in Togo. Peace Corps/Togo has a successful history of collaboration and involvement with the Togolese people at all levels. The Volunteers’ efforts build upon counterpart relationships and emphasize low-cost solutions that make maximum use of local resources, which are usually people. Collaboration with local and international private organizations, as well as international development organizations, is an important component of Volunteer project activities.

Currently there are approximately 100 Volunteers serving in Togo. Volunteers have a successful history of collaboration and involvement with the Togolese people at all levels. Their efforts build upon counterpart relationships and emphasize low-cost solutions that make maximum use of local resources. Partnering with local and international organizations is an important component of Volunteer project activities. Volunteers work to promote self-sufficiency in the areas of small business development, education, environment, and health. All Volunteers, regardless of sector, are trained in how to promote HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention.