Africa urged to shift from economic ambitions to tangible results
The message was unequivocal and direct. During the opening of the third edition of the Biashara Afrika panafrican forum in Lomé, the Chairperson of the Council, Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé, called for an Africa that prioritizes concrete economic outcomes. He urged continental leaders to move beyond political aspirations and take decisive actions to foster sustainable growth and deeper African integration.
Lomé is solidifying its reputation as a hub for pragmatic African commerce. On this occasion, the Togolese capital welcomed decision-makers from across the continent for the third edition of Biashara Afrika. Organized jointly by the Secretariat of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and the Togolese government, this high-level forum dedicated to intra-African trade and investment kicked off with a strong commitment to action.
Togo as a living laboratory for the AfCFTA
Beyond theoretical discussions, the Togolese head of state presented his country’s roadmap as a tangible example. Positioned strategically, Togo is leveraging its infrastructure to become a key player in the AfCFTA:
- Enhanced regional connectivity to streamline trade corridors.
- A world-class logistics hub anchored by its deep-water port, unmatched in the subregion.
- Bold structural reforms consistently praised for improving the business climate.
The model championed by Lomé aims to demonstrate how economic integration can yield immediate and tangible dividends when political will aligns with the needs of economic operators.
Colossal figures, persistent challenges
The AfCFTA represents an unparalleled economic project on the global stage. This ambitious initiative seeks to unite a vast trade space with staggering dimensions:
AfCFTA by the numbers:
- 55 member states.
- 1.4 billion consumers.
- $3.4 trillion in combined GDP.
Yet, this promising landscape is still hindered by entrenched barriers. The Biashara Afrika forum is committed to addressing the bottlenecks stifling intra-African trade. Key priorities include eliminating non-tariff barriers, addressing chronic infrastructure gaps, and easing access to financing. There is also a strong focus on restructuring fragmented value chains and ensuring the integration of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs), often sidelined in cross-border trade.
From promises to action: the AfCFTA’s moment of truth
“We must shift from intentions to tangible results,” declared a Kenyan entrepreneur at the forum, echoing Faure Gnassingbé’s call. A Nigerian economist added, “The AfCFTA will only gain credibility if SMEs find their place in this single market.” These voices reflect the urgent demand from economic actors for swift and inclusive implementation.
The discussions at Biashara Afrika extend beyond technical debates, embodying a broader geopolitical shift: an Africa determined to assert itself in global trade. The AfCFTA is seen as a strategic response to globalization challenges and international trade tensions.
The message delivered in Lomé leaves no room for delay. Africa now possesses the legal framework, natural resources, and human capital needed. For the AfCFTA, the challenge is no longer about envisioning the future—it’s about executing it immediately.
