In Lomé, Faure Gnassingbé, Chair of the Council, urged African nations and business leaders to move beyond policy discussions and fast-track the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). His call came during the launch of the third edition of Biashara Afrika, a high-level forum focused on boosting intra-African trade and investment.
Addressing ministers, investors, entrepreneurs, and development partners from across the continent, the Togolese leader emphasized the urgency of turning political commitments into tangible benefits for citizens. “The era of vision must transition into an era of results,” he stated, underscoring the need for actionable economic policies and stronger regional integration.
The Lomé forum, co-hosted by the Togolese government and the AfCFTA Secretariat, serves as a critical platform for fostering collaboration, deepening regional value chains, and accelerating Africa’s economic transformation. According to Gnassingbé, the continent now possesses the essential ingredients for success: a vast market, abundant resources, a young and dynamic workforce, and the unified legal framework provided by the AfCFTA.
The Togolese president highlighted the country’s progress as a model for economic integration, citing major infrastructure projects like the deep-water port of Lomé and ongoing reforms to improve the business environment and attract foreign investment. However, he acknowledged persistent challenges, including non-tariff trade barriers, infrastructure gaps, financing constraints, and the limited participation of small and medium-sized enterprises in cross-border commerce.
Through Biashara Afrika 2026, participants aim to forge strategic partnerships, mobilize investments, and develop practical solutions to unlock Africa’s economic potential. The ultimate goal is to translate this potential into inclusive and sustainable growth across the continent.
