20th International Fair of Lomé: Interview with the CEO of CETEF Dr. Alexandre De Souza

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Extract from the article: On the occasion of the 20th edition of the Lomé International Fair, which also marks the 40th anniversary of CETEF, the Director General looks back on the evolution of this institution, which has become one of the main economic hubs in the sub-region

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« This 20th edition will be the most modern in our history. We are introducing the complete digitization of services and the creation of a Quality Office... »

    On the occasion of the 20th edition of the Lomé International Fair, which also marks the 40th anniversary of CETEF, the Director General looks back on the evolution of this institution, which has become one of the main economic hubs in the sub-region. Between modernization, digitization of services, enhanced security, and increased support for local businesses, this edition is set to be historic. More than 1,000 exhibitors from some 20 countries are expected to celebrate four decades of trade, innovation, and economic cooperation.

The Lomé International Fair is celebrating its 20th edition this year, and this important event is also celebrating its 40th anniversary. What does this double event mean to you?

    It is a historic and meaningful moment. Forty years is an entire generation of collective work, resilience, and innovation in the service of Togo's economic development. This 20th edition pays tribute to all those who built this institution and celebrates the renewed confidence of our partners, exhibitors, and visitors. It is also a sign that the Lomé Fair remains an engine of growth and a bridge between African economies.

With just a few weeks to go before the opening, how are preparations coming along?

    We are in the final stages. The site layout is almost complete, the exhibitors have been confirmed, and the official program has been approved. The technical, logistics, and security teams are on hand to ensure a smooth, modern, and secure event. Every effort is being made to provide an optimal experience for our participants.

Why did you choose the theme “40 years of history, 20 editions: a look back at the past, a look ahead to the future”?

    This theme reflects our vision. It invites us to revisit the path we have traveled, that of a fair that has become a regional benchmark, while affirming our ambition to go further: more innovation, more openness, and more economic impact. We want to place CETEF in a sustainable dynamic of modernization and excellence.

How has CETEF evolved since its creation?

CETEF has evolved from a simple exhibition venue to a true center for economic promotion. Among the milestones: the first Lomé Fair in 1985, coupled with the 4th All-Africa Trade Fair organized by the OAU, the 30th anniversary celebration in 2015, and the complete digitization of our services since 2020. Today, CETEF is recognized as a regional hub for business and trade.

What innovations are planned for this year?

This 20th edition will be the most modern in our history. We are introducing the complete digitization of services, the creation of a Quality Office with 24-hour processing, enhanced security and technology, VIP access cards, an official mascot, and above all the “FIL Attitude” concept, which embodies our spirit of rigor, pride, and professionalism.

How many exhibitors are you expecting this year, and what are the main categories (countries, sectors, companies) already confirmed?

More than 1,000 exhibitors from some 20 countries will participate in this edition. All the major sectors will be represented: commerce, industry, crafts, innovation, agri-food, services, fashion, and cosmetics. This diversity confirms FIL's position as one of the largest commercial platforms in the sub-region.

What place do you reserve for local companies?

    Togolese SMEs and SMIs are at the heart of our system. We offer them preferential conditions, personalized support, and opportunities for B2B meetings with foreign partners. A major training program has already been dedicated to them to strengthen their capabilities and visibility at the fair.

CETEF often works with numerous institutional and private partners. What are the major collaborations for this 20th edition?

    Our sponsors and partners are true co-contributors to the success of FIL. Their financial, technical, and logistical support makes this event possible. I would like to commend their loyalty and constant commitment to CETEF.

The audience grows every year. What measures are planned for hospitality and security?

    We have reviewed the entire system: enhanced security and coordination between law enforcement and private security; reorganized traffic, with more access and parking areas; increased training for hospitality staff; permanent health measures in place with the Ministry of Health. Everything has been designed to ensure comfort, fluidity, and peace of mind.

Beyond trade, what other activities are planned?

    The FIL is also a space for ideas and culture. The program includes conferences, panels, economic forums, B2B meetings, institutional days, concerts, and cultural events. It is a true showcase of Togolese and African expertise.

What are the measurable impacts of the Lomé International Fair on Togo and the sub-region today?

    There are many: economic impacts, including increased customs activity through trade with visiting countries and thousands of jobs created in the hotel, transport, and restaurant industries; social impacts, with a space for cohesion and national pride; institutional, by strengthening Togo's position as a regional platform for business and cooperation.

Finally, what message would you like to send to your partners and the public?

    First, I would like to thank the Togolese government for its constant support, as well as our public and private partners for their trust. I invite exhibitors, visitors, and economic actors to mobilize en masse. This 20th edition is a historic one: let's make it the biggest economic event of the decade together.

Gamé KOKO