Biashara Afrika Forum 2026: Boosting African Economic Integration
Lomé, Togo, May 18-20, 2026
The third edition of the Biashara Afrika forum is being held in Lomé, Togo, from May 18 to 20, 2026. Co-organized by the Togolese government and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), the event was officially opened on May 18 by the President of the Council, Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé. The forum brings together African decision-makers to discuss trade and economic integration in Africa, within the framework of the AfCFTA.
On the sidelines of the forum, exchanges took place between Togolese authorities and a delegation from Afreximbank. The discussions focused on AfCFTA priorities, such as industrialization, energy, transportation, and logistics. These sectors are crucial for facilitating trade between African countries.
"We had discussions on creating wealth through the transformation of Togolese raw materials. We particularly talked about phosphate, energy production for industrial zones, and other topics related to the transformation of raw materials in African countries, and the need to have more added value," said the President of the Council. For his part, Dr. George Elombi reiterated the institution's willingness to support the free trade area and work alongside Togo to strengthen its industrial development. He emphasized the importance of mobilizing adapted financing and attracting technical partners capable of supporting the implementation of the country's industrial policies.
In general, the AfCFTA aims to strengthen exchanges in Africa and reduce trade barriers. To achieve this, several institutions, such as Afreximbank, are putting in place financial tools. Among them is the pan-African payment system and a $10 billion adjustment fund to support African economies in their transition to free trade.
This financing mechanism is already operational through several concrete investments in strategic sectors, which illustrates the willingness to stimulate the continent's competitiveness. For example, a $10 million financing was granted to Telecel Global Services Ltd to develop its telecommunications activities in Ghana and Liberia. These investments aim to improve connectivity and strengthen digital infrastructure in West Africa. Additionally, in the mining sector, a $300 million investment was announced in the Africa Minerals and Metals Processing Platform (A2MP). This platform works on transforming several resources, such as gold, bauxite, manganese, and iron ore. It also develops treatment centers for essential minerals used in batteries and modern technologies. Recall that Afreximbank, based in Cairo, has structured itself into a group comprising the Bank, the African Export Development Fund (FEDA), and AfrexInsure.
These initiatives demonstrate a willingness to develop industry in Africa, transform raw materials on the continent, and create more added value locally.
Read also:
