Egyptian conglomerate Orascom Group is exploring potential investment opportunities in Togo, as part of its broader strategy to expand across Africa.
Discussions took place in Lomé between Togolese officials and Egyptian billionaire Naguib Sawiris, founder of the group, according to Arthur Lilas Trimua, Togo’s Minister of Investment Promotion.
Trimua said on March 10 that the meeting focused on identifying potential projects the group could develop in the country, although the specific sectors under consideration have not yet been disclosed.
The talks mark a new step in Orascom’s long-standing interest in the Togolese market and reflect growing engagement between North African investors and West African economies.
Expansion strategy across Africa
Orascom Group operates in a wide range of sectors including telecommunications, emerging technologies, media, infrastructure and construction.
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The company has spent decades developing large-scale projects across the Middle East, Africa and Europe through various subsidiaries, including Orascom Development Holding.
Its projects typically span tourism developments, real estate complexes, energy infrastructure and telecommunications networks.
The conglomerate has also been pursuing expansion across Africa in recent years.
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In 2019, Orascom secured $170 million in financing from African Export-Import Bank to support its growth strategy on the continent.
The funding was intended to help the group identify new markets and develop projects in emerging African economies.
Potential boost for Togo’s investment climate
Togolese authorities say discussions with the Egyptian group highlight growing international interest in the country’s economic prospects.
The government has been working to attract foreign investors in recent years through reforms aimed at improving the business environment and promoting strategic sectors such as infrastructure, logistics and digital technology.
A potential investment by Orascom could strengthen Togo’s appeal to international investors while creating employment opportunities, particularly for young people.
Officials say large-scale projects developed by multinational companies can also contribute to technology transfer and strengthen local supply chains.
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Telecommunications legacy
Orascom has a long history in the telecommunications sector.
The group made history in Egypt when it launched Mobinil in 1998, the country’s first mobile network operator.
The telecom venture later became one of Egypt’s largest mobile service providers and played a key role in expanding mobile connectivity across the country.
Sawiris, who ranked seventh on the 2025 list of Africa’s wealthiest individuals compiled by Forbes, remains one of the continent’s most prominent business figures.
His investment interests span telecommunications, mining, technology, media and construction.
Strengthening economic ties
While negotiations are still at an exploratory stage, analysts say a potential entry by Orascom into Togo could deepen economic ties between North and West Africa.
If confirmed, the investment could support infrastructure development and stimulate private-sector activity in the country.
For the Togolese government, attracting major foreign investors is seen as key to accelerating economic growth and diversifying the economy.
Further details about the possible projects and investment scale are expected to emerge as discussions between the two sides continue.
