Discover the city of Lomé

The origin of the name Lomé

With its name coming from “ALOTIME” which in Ewé means “in the middle of the Alo plants” Lomé is the capital of Togo. It is located in the extreme southwest of Togo, and extends along the coast of the Gulf of Guinea.

The demographics of Lomé

According to the 2010 census, the Lomé agglomeration has 1,477,660 inhabitants, while the city itself has 837,437.

The character of Lomé

Lomé is neither a “colonial” city built and established by colonial powers, nor a “traditional city”, whose village roots are still inscribed in urban structures and processes. It is an African city that is evolving at high speed, to the rhythm of its nightclubs, its large market, its cyber cafes, its motorcycle taxis (zémidjans) and the cargo ships in its free port zone.

The identity of Lomé

Lomé is therefore undeniably an African city, combining tradition and modernity in turn with the image of luxury hotels and bank buildings. It remains a cosmopolitan capital where many languages ​​and dialects are spoken, with Kabyè and Mina predominating.

Lomé, like any tropical climate, experiences two rainy seasons: a first beginning in April and ending around July, followed by a second less marked rainy season beginning at the beginning of September and ending at the end of November.

The heat is constant, with an average temperature of 23°C in the morning in the shade, and a minimum of 30°C in the afternoon. At the start of the year, the harmattan sets in, a dry wind coming from the Sahara which can cause the thermometer to drop to 19°C in the morning.

The beaches of Lomé, lined with magnificent coconut trees, offer an exceptional setting. The equatorial climate is tempered by the ocean, ensuring stable heat without excessive peaks, made pleasant by the sea breeze.

Lomé, nicknamed “Lomé LA BELLE”, is a very African city where styles, influences and traditions mix into a vibrant mix.

Intertwining the past, the present and the future, Lomé is a crucible where everything meets, everything is transformed and everything evolves at incredible speed.

The city offers a splendid view with the red of the earth, the asphalt of the main avenues and large squares, the green of the gardens and the multiple colors of the houses.

Architecture and History

The city center of Lomé dates from the beginning of the 20th century and retains some remains of colonial architecture, such as the Governors’ Palace and the Sacré-Cœur Cathedral, in German neo-Gothic style.

Modern Buildings

There are also many modern buildings, such as the headquarters of the BCEAO, BOAD, BTCI, the magnificent ECOWAS building, the headquarters of Ecobank Transnational Incorporated (ETI) or even hotel buildings such as the Onomo hotel, the Mercure Sarakawa hotel, the Palm Beach hotel or the famous February 2 hotel (RADISSON BLU), a modernist building mixing concrete and glass panels, culminating at 102 meters.