Lomé is currently hosting the third annual Biashara Africa forum, which commenced on May 18, 2026. This significant continental gathering is dedicated to fostering commerce, investment, and strategic economic partnerships across Africa.
During his opening remarks, Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé, the President of the Council, delivered a powerful address. His speech underscored the critical importance of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and emphasized the continent’s urgent need to convert its bold political aspirations into tangible economic achievements.
Addressing a distinguished audience of African leaders, government ministers, investors, and private sector representatives, the Togolese head of state asserted that “the era of vision must now transition into the era of results.”
honoring issoufou mahamadou and pushing for afcfta’s implementation
In his insightful speech, President Faure Gnassingbé paid tribute to Issoufou Mahamadou, a prominent champion of the AfCFTA, acknowledging his unwavering dedication to advancing African economic integration.
The President of the Council stressed that mere agreements and legal frameworks are no longer sufficient. He called for African integration to manifest through concrete actions: establishing efficient infrastructure, developing high-performing logistical corridors, implementing modern payment systems, and facilitating seamless trade among African enterprises. This is crucial for strengthening the overall West Africa Mali economic landscape.
He specifically highlighted and condemned the persistent non-tariff barriers, the delays encountered at borders, and the exorbitant logistical costs that continue to impede intra-African trade, affecting regions from Bamako to other key hubs.
“biashara africa must be a solutions platform”
For the Togolese head of government, the Biashara Africa forum must transcend being a mere discussion forum.
He declared, “This event must serve as a platform for solutions, a platform for partnerships, and a platform for the operationalization of African integration.”
The Togolese leader further underscored the AfCFTA’s strategic importance within a global environment marked by geopolitical tensions, rising protectionism, and the significant reconfiguration of international supply chains. This context makes strong African politics and economic unity more vital than ever.
a more economically sovereign africa
According to Faure Gnassingbé, no single African economy can independently safeguard its interests in an increasingly fragmented global landscape today.
He views the AfCFTA as far more than a mere trade agreement; it is a fundamental instrument for achieving continental economic sovereignty.
The ultimate goal, he explained, is to empower Africa to boost local production, fortify its industrial capabilities, and enhance its bargaining power within the global economy.
advocacy for major african conglomerates
The President of the Council also emphasized the imperative for the continent to cultivate robust regional value chains and to foster the emergence of a more formidable African private sector.
Despite Africa’s considerable natural and human resources, Faure Gnassingbé expressed regret that the continent continues to predominantly export raw materials while importing processed products with significant added value.
For him, the AfCFTA must facilitate overcoming the limitations of fragmented national markets to construct competitive African industries.
He specifically advocated for the rise of African-capitalized enterprises capable of operating effectively on a continental scale.
youth and smes at the heart of african integration
In the concluding segment of his address, Faure Gnassingbé placed a strong emphasis on Africa’s youth, women entrepreneurs, and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
He maintained that sustainable African integration is only achievable if it delivers concrete benefits to African populations, particularly through job creation, fostering entrepreneurship, and expanding access to regional markets.
“African integration cannot succeed if it remains perceived as a project exclusively for large corporations or institutions,” he affirmed.
Togo reaffirms its continental commitment
In summation, Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé reiterated Togo’s steadfast commitment to African integration.
Leveraging its strategic geographical position, robust logistical infrastructure, and dedication to regional connectivity, Togo aims to play an active role in shaping the future African market.
The Togolese leader concluded by expressing his hope that this edition of Biashara Africa will pave the way for new partnerships and ignite a fresh economic dynamism across the African continent.