Africa 2026 trade forum urges faster economic integration under Zlecaf

At the opening of the third edition of the Biashara Afrika economic forum in Lomé, Togolese President Faure Gnassingbé called on African nations and business leaders to shift from policy declarations to actionable results under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

The gathering brought together policymakers, investors, entrepreneurs, and development partners from across the continent to explore ways of deepening intra-African trade and investment. Speaking during the opening ceremony, Gnassingbé emphasized that Africa’s economic ambitions must now translate into tangible benefits for its people.

« The era of visionary declarations must give way to an era of measurable outcomes, » he stated, underscoring the urgency of turning AfCFTA commitments into real economic gains. The Lomé forum, jointly hosted by Togo’s government and the AfCFTA Secretariat, serves as a platform for accelerating regional economic cooperation and strengthening value chains.

Gnassingbé highlighted Africa’s growing potential, citing the continent’s vast market, abundant resources, youthful workforce, and unified legal framework under the AfCFTA. He stressed that accelerating economic integration now depends on improving public policy efficiency, mobilizing strategic investments, and simplifying cross-border trade procedures.

The Togolese leader also positioned his country as a model of ongoing economic integration. He pointed to recent infrastructure upgrades, including the deep-water port of Lomé, alongside reforms aimed at enhancing the business climate and attracting foreign capital. These efforts, he noted, are already positioning Togo as a gateway for trade across West Africa.

Despite notable progress, significant obstacles remain. Non-tariff barriers, infrastructure gaps, financing challenges, and the limited participation of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in cross-border commerce continue to impede the continent’s economic cohesion. Addressing these issues, participants at Biashara Afrika 2026 are focused on forging partnerships, unlocking investments, and implementing practical solutions to convert Africa’s economic potential into inclusive and sustainable growth.