The United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), in collaboration with the government of Togo, has initiated the development of implementation strategies for the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). This workshop, organized by ECA through its African Trade Policy Centre (ATPC) and its subregional offices for West and North Africa, with financial backing from the Open Society Foundations, took place in Lomé, Togo.
Workshop Objectives and Participation
The event brought together representatives from ministries responsible for trade, regional economic communities, the private sector, chambers of commerce, and technical and financial partners from both West and North Africa. Participants assessed progress made in AfCFTA implementation, shared experiences and best practices, discussed challenges, and identified priority actions to accelerate continental trade integration. They also examined the role of AfCFTA in strengthening Africa's economic resilience and reducing external dependency.
Key Remarks from ECA Director
Ngone Diop, Director of the ECA Subregional Office for West Africa, emphasized that accelerating AfCFTA implementation must be viewed as part of Africa's broader response strategy to an increasingly uncertain and fragmented global environment. She noted that the integrated meeting aims to take AfCFTA implementation a step further by moving beyond strategy design toward practical implementation. “It is about creating a strategic platform for countries in both regions to come together, share experiences, and identify practical solutions to the challenges hindering regional and continental trade, turning these challenges into opportunities,” she said.
Call to Action from Togo Official
Mensah Koffi Vinyo, Chief of Staff of the Minister of Economy and Strategic Intelligence of Togo, stated that West Africa must go beyond paying lip service to regional trade and integration. He highlighted that AfCFTA constitutes a strategic response for strengthening the continent's resilience. The workshop reinforced the shared commitment of African countries and partners to transform AfCFTA's promise into concrete results for economies, businesses, and citizens across the continent.
