In Lomé, Biashara Afrika 2026 brought back into focus the obstacles still slowing African trade, despite the ambitions of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). High logistics costs, non-tariff barriers, insufficient industrialisation, and low levels of intra-African trade dominated discussions among African leaders, financial institutions, and private sector actors.
For three days, political leaders, industrial players, investors, and African financial institutions discussed mechanisms capable of accelerating the continent’s economic transformation under the AfCFTA framework. Organised by the Secretariat of the African Continental Free Trade Area in partnership with the Government of Togo, Biashara Afrika 2026 focused mainly on industrial competitiveness, regional infrastructure, trade logistics, and African value chains. Six years after the entry into force of the continental trade agreement, fifty African states have ratified the AfCFTA, and twenty-six are already trading under its preferential rules. In 2024, intra-African trade reached 220 billion dollars, an increase of 12.5% in one year. Projections from the AfCFTA Secretariat now estimate that trade volumes could reach 230 billion dollars by 2027.
«Today, logistics costs in the region remain among the highest in the world. Non-tariff barriers persist, and border delays slow down trade flows. »
Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé, President of the Council – Togo
Discussions highlighted the weight of logistical constraints on African trade. Despite regulatory progress in recent years, transport costs, customs procedures, and difficulties in the movement of goods continue to limit continental economic integration. The automotive, textile, digital, agro-industrial, and infrastructure sectors were identified as strategic drivers capable of supporting stronger industrialisation and enhancing the local transformation of African raw materials.
«Progress made on rules of origin, as well as advancements recorded in sectors such as automotive, textiles, and apparel, show that the necessary conditions for the continent’s industrialisation are gradually being put in place »
Wamkele Mene, Secretary General of the AfCFTA Secretariat – South Africa
Promoters of the AfCFTA have called for increased African industrial investment in order to expand the continent’s production capacity. The AfCFTA Secretariat estimates that the integration of regional value chains is one of the key drivers that could sustainably increase the share of intra-African trade, which remains below 20% of total continental trade.
« The African Continental Free Trade Area is targeting high-potential strategic sectors across each region in order to develop industrial ecosystems, move up regional value chains, and secure higher value-added segments. This was stated earlier by the President of Afreximbank.»
Mahamadou Issoufou, AfCFTA Champion – Former President – Niger
Beyond trade, Biashara Afrika 2026 also focused on African economic sovereignty, the digitalisation of trade, the financing of regional infrastructure, and the development of logistics corridors. Togo has particularly invested in the Autonomous Port of Lomé, logistics platforms, and digital services modernisation to strengthen its position in West African trade flows. With a continental GDP estimated at over 3.4 trillion dollars and a population expected to exceed 2.5 billion by 2050 according to the United Nations, the AfCFTA now seeks to transform Africa into an integrated market capable of supporting industrialisation, investment, and global competitiveness.
