Togo’s Leadership Urges Concrete Action on Africa’s Free Trade Zone
At the helm of Biashara Afrika 2026, Faure Gnassingbé, Chair of the Council, delivered a powerful call to action this week in Lomé. Addressing heads of state, investors, entrepreneurs, and development partners from across the continent, he emphasized the urgent need to move beyond policy pledges and deliver tangible economic integration under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
The forum, held in partnership with the AfCFTA Secretariat and the Togolese government, serves as a high-level platform to accelerate intra-African trade, strengthen regional value chains, and unlock the continent’s economic potential. Gnassingbé’s message was clear: “The era of vision must now give way to an era of results.”
From Policy to Practice: Breaking Down Barriers in Africa’s Trade
Faure Gnassingbé outlined Africa’s strategic advantages—its vast market, abundant resources, youthful workforce, and unified AfCFTA legal framework—as key enablers of economic transformation. However, he stressed that success hinges on three critical pillars: efficient public policies, targeted infrastructure investments, and seamless trade facilitation.
The Togolese leader positioned Togo as a model of economic integration in progress. He highlighted the country’s strategic logistics infrastructure, including the deep-water port of Lomé, as well as ongoing reforms to improve the business climate and attract foreign direct investment. These efforts, he noted, are designed to position Togo as a gateway for regional trade and industrial development.
Overcoming Persistent Challenges in Africa’s Economic Integration
Despite progress, significant obstacles remain. Non-tariff barriers continue to stifle trade flows, while inadequate infrastructure, limited access to financing, and the underrepresentation of SMEs in cross-border commerce persist as major bottlenecks. Gnassingbé acknowledged these hurdles but remained optimistic, citing the continent’s growing digital economy and expanding regional partnerships as reasons for hope.
During Biashara Afrika 2026, delegates from over 30 African nations are engaging in high-level dialogue to forge new trade alliances, mobilize investment capital, and develop scalable solutions aimed at turning Africa’s economic promise into shared prosperity.
The forum underscores a broader continental shift—one where rhetoric gives way to real-world action. With AfCFTA as the foundation, the focus is no longer on what Africa could achieve, but on how it will actually deliver inclusive growth for all.