AfCFTA forum concludes in Togo with launch of Africa trade and distribution company and renewed push for intra-African trade
Date: 2026-05-21
By: Nana Appiah Acquaye
The
2026 edition of Biashara Afrika has concluded in Togo with renewed commitments
to accelerate intra-African trade, strengthen regional value chains, and deepen
implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) framework.
The
closing session of the forum, convened by the African Continental Free Trade
Area Secretariat, emphasized the need to move beyond policy dialogue toward
practical mechanisms that enable African businesses to scale across borders.
In
his closing remarks, AfCFTA Secretary-General Wamkele Mene expressed
appreciation to governments, financial institutions, and private sector
stakeholders for their participation, noting that the outcomes of the forum
demonstrated growing alignment around implementation-focused trade reforms.
A
key outcome of the forum was the launch of the Africa Trade and Distribution
Company, designed to strengthen continental trade networks and improve market
access for small and medium-sized enterprises. Delegates also noted renewed
momentum in areas including logistics integration, trade finance, digital
connectivity, and cross-border trade facilitation.
Participants
highlighted the importance of coordinated infrastructure and regulatory reforms
to support the emergence of a single African market under the AfCFTA agenda.
Discussions also underscored the role of private sector leadership in driving
sustainable trade expansion across the continent.
The
Government of Togo was commended for hosting the event and facilitating
high-level participation. Special recognition was given to President Faure
Gnassingbé for initiatives aimed at easing intra-African mobility, including
steps to eliminate visa requirements for African passport holders as part of
broader efforts to advance continental integration.
Organizers
said the forum reaffirmed that implementation, partnership, and private sector
engagement remain central to achieving the objectives of the One African Market
and accelerating Africa’s economic transformation under the AfCFTA framework.
