July 28, 2025 [Togo First]- Starting in August 2025, Lome will host a floating terminal with a 160,000 metric ton capacity, operated by United Petro Group (UPG).

This new oil infrastructure will comprise 60,000 metric tons of gasoline and 100,000 metric tons of diesel, stored on a vessel anchored offshore. It aims to ensure an uninterrupted supply to key markets in West and Southern Africa, including Ghana, South Africa, and Mozambique.

The announcement comes from the Singapore-based energy trading company, which operates in over 16 countries across Africa, Asia, Europe, and Latin America.

According to United Petro Group, the Lomé platform addresses the limited onshore storage capacity in the region, where fewer than 6% of facilities exceed 150,000 cubic meters. The floating terminal also arrives as nearly 70% of West Africa’s fuel surpluses are already stored off the coast of Togo, establishing the country as a strategic oil trading hub.

While the infrastructure is expected to strengthen Lomé’s position as a hub for hydrocarbon flows in the subregion and beyond, the strategy faces criticism, particularly from regional players in the sector.

For instance, Nigerian cement and now refining magnate Aliko Dangote has criticized what he views as a counterproductive system. He contends that Lomé’s offshore platform would severely undermine the viability of any refinery in sub-Saharan Africa.

“In fact I don’t see any new major refining project succeeding with the offshore Lome market in existence,” he said, as quoted by Nigerian media outlet Vanguard. He accuses international traders of maintaining floating stockpiles to manipulate prices, to the detriment of local refining capacity.

His comments come as he continues to support his $20 billion mega-refinery project, which still faces challenges securing crude oil supplies.

In Lomé, however, officials emphasize the efficiency of maritime trade and the logistical resilience offered by the deep-water port. The conflict between these two visions highlights growing tensions around Africa’s energy future. For now, the West African nation appears set to consolidate its position, navigating between economic pragmatism and geopolitical pressure.