Faure Gnassingbé Urges Swift Action on Africa’s Economic Integration at Biashara Afrika 2026
In a bold call to action at the third edition of the Biashara Afrika forum in Lomé, Togolese President Faure Gnassingbé urged African nations and business leaders to move beyond policy declarations and accelerate the practical implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). The two-day event, held under the banner of intra-African trade and investment, brought together policymakers, investors, entrepreneurs, and development partners from across the continent.
The Time for Bold Moves Is Now
Addressing a high-level audience, Gnassingbé emphasized that Africa must shift from visionary rhetoric to measurable outcomes that directly benefit its people. “The era of vision must now give way to the era of results,” he declared, underscoring the urgency of translating economic integration commitments into tangible progress. The forum, co-organized by the Togolese government and the AfCFTA Secretariat, serves as a strategic platform to foster deeper regional cooperation and strengthen supply chains.
Lomé’s Forum Spotlights Africa’s Economic Potential and Challenges
Gnassingbé highlighted Africa’s growing advantages: a massive single market, abundant strategic resources, a young and dynamic workforce, and the unified legal framework provided by the AfCFTA. Yet, he stressed that success hinges on three critical pillars: efficient public policies, high-impact investments, and streamlined trade facilitation. Without these, the continent risks leaving its vast potential untapped.
The Togolese leader also positioned Togo as a model of economic integration in progress. He spotlighted the country’s logistical backbone—particularly the deep-water port of Lomé—as a gateway for regional trade, alongside ongoing reforms to improve the business environment and attract foreign capital. These efforts, he noted, are already yielding dividends in positioning Togo as a hub for West African commerce.
Roadblocks Still Cloud the Path to Regional Prosperity
Despite these strides, significant hurdles remain. Non-tariff barriers, underdeveloped infrastructure, limited financing options, and the limited engagement of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in cross-border trade continue to stifle the continent’s economic cohesion. Addressing these gaps is essential if AfCFTA is to fulfill its promise of inclusive and sustainable growth.
Biashara Afrika 2026: A Platform for Action and Partnership
The forum’s agenda reflects a clear mission: to forge strategic partnerships, mobilize investment, and develop actionable solutions that unlock Africa’s economic potential. By fostering dialogue between governments, investors, and the private sector, participants aim to turn shared ambitions into shared prosperity—ensuring that the benefits of integration reach every corner of the continent.
