Faure Gnassingbé Urges Swift Action on Africa’s Economic Integration at Biashara Afrika 2026

At the third edition of Biashara Afrika—a pivotal forum dedicated to intra-African trade and investment—Faure Gnassingbé, President of the Council, delivered a compelling call to action. Addressing leaders, investors, and entrepreneurs from across the continent in Lomé, he emphasized the urgent need to move beyond rhetoric and translate the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) into tangible progress for citizens.

The forum, co-hosted by Togo’s government and the AfCFTA secretariat, serves as a dynamic platform to foster economic cooperation and strengthen regional value chains. Gnassingbé’s remarks underscored a shift from visionary declarations to measurable outcomes, stressing, « The era of ambition must now give way to the era of results. »

Togo as a Model for Economic Integration

Togo stands out as a beacon of progress in this continental push. Gnassingbé highlighted the nation’s strategic investments in logistics infrastructure, particularly the Port of Lomé, one of Africa’s most advanced deep-water harbors. He also pointed to ongoing reforms aimed at streamlining business regulations and attracting foreign direct investment as key drivers of growth.

The President emphasized that Africa now possesses all the essential ingredients for success: a vast consumer market, abundant natural resources, a youthful workforce, and the legal framework provided by the AfCFTA. However, he cautioned that success hinges on three critical pillars: efficient public policies, large-scale investments, and seamless trade facilitation.

Challenges Hindering Africa’s Economic Progress

Despite notable strides, significant hurdles persist. Non-tariff barriers, underdeveloped infrastructure, financing gaps, and the limited participation of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in cross-border trade continue to impede the continent’s economic integration. During the forum, participants engaged in high-level discussions to identify actionable solutions that could unlock Africa’s economic potential and ensure shared, sustainable prosperity.

Biashara Afrika 2026: A Catalyst for Partnerships and Growth

The Biashara Afrika 2026 initiative is designed to bridge gaps between policymakers, investors, and businesses. By fostering strategic partnerships and mobilizing resources, the event aims to accelerate the implementation of the AfCFTA and create an enabling environment for intra-African commerce. The ultimate goal? To transform Africa’s economic potential into a driver of inclusive development for all its nations.