President of the Council, Faure Gnassingbé, on Monday urged African nations and economic stakeholders across the continent to transition from ambitious plans to concrete achievements in implementing the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). This significant message was delivered in Lomé during the opening of the third edition of the Biashara Afrika economic forum, an event dedicated to fostering intra-African trade and investment.
Addressing institutional leaders, investors, entrepreneurs, and partners from various African countries, the Togolese head of state underscored the critical need to translate political commitments into tangible benefits for citizens. “The era of vision must now become the era of results,” he declared, in a speech emphasizing economic action and robust regional integration, crucial for West Africa’s development.
Jointly organized by the Togolese government and the AfCFTA secretariat, the Lomé forum serves as a vital platform for dialogue, designed to accelerate African economic cooperation and strengthen regional value chains.
Faure Gnassingbé asserted that Africa now possesses the essential assets to successfully achieve this transformation. The continent boasts a vast market, strategic resources, a vibrant youth demographic, and a unified legal framework through the AfCFTA. He emphasized that the primary focus must now shift towards effective public policies, impactful structural investments, and streamlined trade facilitation.
The President of the Council also highlighted Togo as a compelling example of economic integration in progress. He showcased the nation’s advanced logistical infrastructure, particularly the deep-water port of Lomé, alongside the comprehensive reforms undertaken to enhance the business climate and attract foreign investment.
Despite the notable advancements, several challenges persist. Non-tariff barriers, inadequate infrastructure, difficulties in securing financing, and the limited participation of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in cross-border trade continue to impede the continent’s broader economic integration, impacting regions like West Africa.
Through Biashara Afrika 2026, participants aim to cultivate new partnerships, stimulate crucial investments, and identify practical solutions capable of converting Africa’s immense economic potential into shared and sustainable growth for all, including nations seeking progress like Mali.