The Boost AFCFTA programme, initiated by legal technology company Miabeloya, aims to facilitate access to the African market for Togolese companies. At a time when the African Continental Free Trade Area is redefining trade, this programme supports entrepreneurs in their regional expansion. Between opportunities and challenges, discover the ecosystem that is shaping intra-African trade.
Eugénie, a young entrepreneur who makes gadgets and office items, wants to expand her sales to other countries in the sub-region. To do this, she has signed up to the Boost Zlecaf programme launched by legaltech Miabeloya. This programme helps Togolese companies to penetrate the African Continental Free Trade Area market more easily.
I’m currently taking a closer look at my strategy. I want to make sure that my products are accessible internationally. The BOOST AFCfTA programme will help us initially. We need training and information. To get the information.
EUGÉNIE D’ALMEIDA, Entrepreneur
Africa is currently experiencing a meteoric rise in entrepreneurship. According to official figures, more than 10,000 new businesses will have been created in Côte d’Ivoire and around 4,000 in Togo by 2020. This programme, like many others that have been set up, helps hundreds of businesses every year to adapt to the new commercial dynamics and easily integrate this market of 1.3 billion consumers.
BOOST AFCfTA is a response to a problem. That of helping SMEs to reach other markets. The results are quite positive, with a 70% success rate in the region’s markets. However, there has been a lot of experience and a lot of learning. We’re working on a lot of shortfalls.
NADIA ANWONE, Lawyer-Representative of the Boost AFCfTA programme
Today, we’re going to be able to have several entrepreneurs from one country and another working together on the basis of their comparative or personal advantages, and so become a force for proposal. In my opinion, the AFCfTA will enable customs barriers to be reduced. It’s as if the entire African continent became a single country. And that’s something really wonderful.
JOSUE PGNOZI TCHAH, Expert in Entrepreneurship
Despite significant progress, many challenges remain: administrative formalities, international standards and economic cooperation. If the AFCfTA is to transform Africa into a single market, its success depends on the adaptability and innovation of businesses. A major challenge, but above all a unique opportunity for intra-African trade.
