The search for business opportunities and new possibilities for cooperation marked the visit of the Togolese ambassador to Brazil, Ninsao Oubonfo Lantame, to Unesc this Tuesday (September 29). The agenda included a meeting at the Rectorate and a visit to the Integrated Health Clinics. The country's strategic position in African trade was among the topics presented during the meeting.

With a population of around 8.4 million people, Togo has one of the main ports in the region and occupies a strategic position for commercial entry into African countries. Its location allows connections with markets such as Kenya, Rwanda, Ethiopia, and Mozambique, which are cited among Brazil's main trading partners in Africa.

"Togo wants to strengthen relations with Brazil and create new possibilities for cooperation. The partnership with Unesc can open doors for education, student training, and also for projects that contribute to the development of both countries," stated Lantame.

In addition to commercial ties, the visit opened up new possibilities for cooperation between higher education institutions. Lantame expressed interest in establishing an agreement between Unesc and the University of Lomé, with opportunities for student exchanges, shared research, and joint actions in the field of education.

According to the acting rector of Unesc, Gisele Silveira Coelho Lopes, this partnership expands possibilities in different areas of the university's activities. "Unesc is open to building new international partnerships. The connection with Togo enhances opportunities in Teaching, Research, Extension, and also in cooperation for projects across all fields of knowledge. We can advance in student exchanges, dual certification, shared research, and initiatives that bring the University closer to the needs of that country. The ambassador's visit represents an opportunity to better understand Togo and build an institutional relationship with benefits for both sides," she emphasized.

Exchange

The possibility of an agreement with a Togolese university could enhance academic mobility between the two countries. Currently, students from the West African country are already part of Unesc's academic community, but they arrived in Brazil as immigrants and not through an institutional agreement.

The proposal discussed during the visit envisions formalizing cooperation to allow new Togolese students to arrive at Unesc and for Brazilian students to have academic experiences in Togo.

The preparation of students was also part of the discussion. Lantame presented the possibility of offering Portuguese classes to Togolese students before their arrival in Brazil, including through online activities. This initiative aims to facilitate academic adaptation and enhance conditions for future exchange actions.

During the meeting, the ambassador invited Unesc representatives to visit Togo on a trip planned for early 2027. "The agenda may include a visit to the partner university and advancing negotiations for formalizing the agreement," he mentioned.