ECOWAS Seeks Faster Trade Growth Through AfCFTA Implementation, Holds Forum in Lome, Togo By Raymond Enoch
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has renewed efforts to accelerate trade growth across the region through the effective implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), as stakeholders gathered in Lomé, Togo, for the 3rd Edition of the Biashara Afrika Forum.
The forum, held from May 18 to 20, 2026, brought together policymakers, trade institutions, business support organisations and Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) to discuss practical steps towards strengthening intra-African trade and improving economic cooperation across the continent.
Discussions at the gathering focused on key areas affecting regional trade, including access to trade finance, digital payment systems, standards harmonisation, non-tariff barriers and the development of regional value chains.
ECOWAS representatives stressed the need for stronger collaboration among African countries to ensure that the AfCFTA delivers real economic benefits to businesses, manufacturers and entrepreneurs, especially within West Africa.
Participants observed that although the AfCFTA presents enormous opportunities for African economies, several businesses still struggle with border bottlenecks, inconsistent regulations and limited market access, factors that continue to slow down regional trade.
The forum also provided an opportunity for ECOWAS to engage with stakeholders on improving trade promotion networks and building stronger systems capable of supporting cross-border commerce and investment.
According to discussions at the event, expanding digital trade solutions and improving coordination among regional economies would help businesses compete more effectively while opening wider markets for locally produced goods and services.
Stakeholders further noted that strengthening regional value chains could help reduce dependence on imports, encourage local production and create employment opportunities for young people across the continent.
The Biashara Afrika Forum has continued to serve as an important platform for advancing conversations around Africa’s economic integration agenda and the practical implementation of the AfCFTA.
For ECOWAS, the meeting in Lomé reinforced the importance of turning policy commitments into measurable outcomes capable of boosting trade, supporting businesses and driving sustainable economic transformation across West Africa.
