Lomé is currently hosting the third annual Biashara Africa forum, which commenced on May 18, 2026. This pivotal continental gathering is dedicated to fostering commerce, investment, and strategic economic partnerships across Africa. It’s a key event for those following Africa breaking news and African current affairs.

During the opening ceremony, President Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé delivered a compelling address. His speech focused on the critical challenges facing the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and underscored the urgent need for Africa to transform its political aspirations into tangible economic results. This call for action highlights a shift in African governance towards practical implementation.

Addressing a distinguished audience of African leaders, ministers, investors, and private sector representatives, the Togolese head of state asserted that “the time for vision must now transition to the era of results.”

honoring commitment and operationalizing the afcfta

In his remarks, President Gnassingbé paid tribute to Issoufou Mahamadou, a staunch advocate for the AfCFTA, recognizing his unwavering dedication to advancing African economic integration.

The President emphasized that mere agreements and legal frameworks are no longer sufficient. He stressed that African integration must now manifest through efficient infrastructure, high-performing logistical corridors, modern payment systems, and streamlined exchanges between African businesses. This is crucial for strengthening the continent news narrative of progress.

He specifically highlighted the ongoing impediments to intra-African trade, such as persistent non-tariff barriers, bureaucratic delays at borders, and exorbitant logistics costs.

“biashara africa must be a platform for solutions”

For the Togolese head of government, the Biashara Africa forum should transcend simple discussions.

“This event must serve as a platform for solutions, for partnerships, and for the operationalization of African integration,” he declared, setting a clear agenda for the forum.

The Togolese leader also underscored the strategic importance of the AfCFTA in a global landscape characterized by geopolitical tensions, rising protectionism, and the reconfiguration of international supply chains. This makes for compelling English Africa news.

a more economically sovereign africa

According to Faure Gnassingbé, no single African economy can effectively defend its interests in an increasingly fragmented world.

He views the AfCFTA as far more than a mere trade agreement; it is a vital instrument for achieving continental economic sovereignty.

The ultimate goal, he explained, is to empower Africa to boost local production, strengthen its industrial capabilities, and enhance its negotiating power within the global economy. This is a crucial aspect of Africa breaking news in economic circles.

advocating for major african enterprises

The President of the Council also underscored the imperative for the continent to cultivate robust regional value chains and foster the emergence of a more powerful African private sector.

Despite Africa’s abundant natural and human resources, Faure Gnassingbé expressed regret that the continent predominantly exports raw materials while importing high-value-added processed goods. This imbalance is a frequent topic in African current affairs.

For him, the AfCFTA must enable Africa to transcend the limitations of fragmented national markets to build competitive African industries.

He specifically advocated for the growth of African-owned enterprises capable of operating effectively on a continental scale.

youth and smes at the heart of african integration

In the concluding segment of his address, Faure Gnassingbé placed significant emphasis on Africa’s youth, women entrepreneurs, and Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs).

He affirmed that African integration can only be truly sustainable if it delivers concrete benefits to African populations, particularly through job creation, entrepreneurial opportunities, and access to regional markets.

“African integration cannot succeed if it remains perceived as a project reserved solely for large corporations or institutions,” he asserted, highlighting the inclusive nature of this African governance initiative.

Togo reaffirms its continental commitment

In closing, Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé reiterated Togo’s steadfast commitment to African integration.

Leveraging its strategic geographical position, robust logistical infrastructure, and dedication to regional connectivity, Togo aims to play a proactive role in shaping the future African market. This demonstrates Togo’s leadership in continent news.

The Togolese leader finally expressed his hope that this edition of Biashara Africa would catalyse new partnerships and ignite a fresh economic dynamic for the African continent, a sentiment echoed by many across The African Tribune.