Biashara afrika 2026: faure gnassingbé pushes for results-driven african economic integration
Lomé has become the epicenter of African economic ambition this May 2026, hosting the third edition of Biashara Afrika, a continental gathering dedicated to trade, investment, and economic partnerships across Africa.
From vision to action: transforming african economic integration
At the forum’s opening ceremony, Togolese President Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé delivered a keynote address emphasizing the urgent need to shift from political aspirations to tangible economic outcomes for the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Addressing heads of state, ministers, investors, and private sector leaders, Gnassingbé declared that “the era of vision must now give way to an era of measurable results.”
A tribute to a pioneer of african economic unity
The Togolese leader paid homage to Issoufou Mahamadou, a driving force behind the AfCFTA, recognizing his pivotal role in advancing the continent’s economic integration agenda.
Operationalizing the afcfta: breaking barriers to intra-african trade
Gnassingbé underscored that theoretical agreements alone cannot drive economic growth. He pointed to persistent non-tariff barriers, cumbersome border procedures, and exorbitant logistics costs as major obstacles to seamless trade within Africa.
For him, the path forward requires:
- Robust infrastructure and efficient logistics corridors
- Modernized payment systems to facilitate cross-border transactions
- Streamlined trade processes to reduce delays and costs
Biashara afrika 2026: a platform for action, not just discussion
The Togolese President framed Biashara Afrika not as another talk shop, but as a “platform for solutions, partnerships, and the operationalization of African integration.”
He highlighted the AfCFTA’s strategic importance in a world reshaped by geopolitical tensions, rising protectionism, and shifting global supply chains. Strengthening intra-African trade, he argued, is essential for the continent to assert its economic sovereignty.
Building a sovereign african economy
Gnassingbé stressed that no single African nation can defend its economic interests in isolation. The AfCFTA, he maintained, is far more than a trade agreement—it is a instrument of continental economic sovereignty.
Key objectives include:
- Boosting local production to reduce reliance on imports
- Enhancing industrial capacities across the continent
- Strengthening Africa’s bargaining power in global trade negotiations
Fostering homegrown industrial champions
The President called for the development of regional value chains and the emergence of a more influential private sector. Despite Africa’s abundant natural and human resources, he noted a persistent imbalance: the continent exports raw materials while importing high-value finished goods.
To reverse this trend, Gnassingbé advocated for:
- African-owned enterprises capable of operating at a continental scale
- Stronger regional industries to compete globally
- Reduced reliance on fragmented national markets
Empowering africa’s future: youth, women, and smes
In his closing remarks, Gnassingbé emphasized that sustainable integration must benefit all Africans, particularly through job creation, entrepreneurship, and access to regional markets.
He warned that integration efforts would fail if they remained exclusive to large corporations or institutions, stressing that “African integration cannot succeed if it is perceived as a project for the elite alone.”
The Togo model: a bridge to africa’s economic future
Concluding his address, Gnassingbé reaffirmed Togo’s commitment to continental integration. With its strategic location, strong logistics infrastructure, and regional connectivity, the country is poised to play a leading role in shaping Africa’s unified market.
The President expressed hope that Biashara Afrika 2026 would catalyze new partnerships and set the stage for a more dynamic, self-reliant African economy.
