Africa’s economic future hinges on faster zlecaf implementation, says faure gnassingbé

At the launch of Biashara Afrika 2026 in Lomé, Togolese leader Faure Gnassingbé urged African nations and business leaders to move beyond policy declarations and accelerate the practical rollout of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). The call came during his opening address at the third edition of the continent-wide forum dedicated to intra-African trade and investment.

From vision to action: transforming africa’s economic trajectory

Addressing a diverse audience of policymakers, investors, entrepreneurs, and development partners from across Africa, President Gnassingbé emphasized the urgency of translating political commitments into tangible benefits for citizens. « The era of declarations must give way to an era of delivery,» he stated, underscoring the need for decisive economic action and deeper regional integration.

The Biashara Afrika platform, co-hosted by the Togolese government and the AfCFTA Secretariat, serves as a vital forum for fostering cross-border collaboration, strengthening regional value chains, and unlocking the continent’s economic potential through streamlined trade facilitation.

Unlocking africa’s competitive edge

President Gnassingbé highlighted Africa’s growing strategic advantages: a vast, unified market under the AfCFTA framework, abundant natural resources, a youthful and enterprising population, and a shared legal foundation for continental trade. He stressed that the next phase must prioritize efficient public policies, high-impact investments, and smoother cross-border trade to fully harness these assets.

Togo’s role as a regional integration model

The Togolese head of state positioned Togo as a frontrunner in Africa’s economic integration journey. He cited key national achievements, including the deep-water port of Lomé, which stands as a gateway for regional trade, alongside ongoing reforms to enhance the business climate and attract foreign direct investment.

Persistent hurdles on the path to integration

Despite progress, significant challenges remain. Non-tariff trade barriers, inadequate infrastructure, financing gaps, and the limited participation of small and medium-sized enterprises in cross-border commerce continue to impede the continent’s economic cohesion. Biashara Afrika 2026 is designed to confront these obstacles head-on by fostering strategic partnerships, mobilizing investment, and identifying actionable solutions to convert Africa’s economic promise into shared and sustainable growth.