Overview: A strategic shift for Biashara Afrika
The government of Togo, in collaboration with the AfCFTA Secretariat, has announced a postponement of the third Biashara Afrika Forum, Africa’s premier trade and investment platform under the AfCFTA umbrella. Previously set for November 3, the event will now take place in March next year. The reschedule reflects the organizers’ planning considerations and a broader alignment with regional and continental trade agendas.
Why Biashara Afrika matters for Africa’s trade ambitions
Biashara Afrika serves as a high-profile space for dialogue, deal-making, and policy discussion around intra-African trade. The forum brings together policymakers, private sector leaders, and development partners to explore opportunities created by the AfCFTA—an agreement designed to boost cross-border commerce, elimination of tariff barriers, and the harmonization of trade rules across 54 African nations. For Togo, hosting or co-hosting such a flagship event reinforces its role as a gateway to landlocked neighboring markets and a strategic hub for regional value chains.
Implications of the March rescheduling
While the postponement may alter some logistical plans for participants, it also offers several practical advantages:
– Extended preparation time: Delegates and exhibitors gain additional months to finalize partnerships, secure funding, and finalize country-specific agendas aligned with AfCFTA objectives.
– Increased stakeholder alignment: The new date allows closer coordination with national development plans in member states and with parallel regional forums, creating a more cohesive continental narrative on trade and investment.
– Enhanced visibility for AfCFTA implementation: March commonly marks the close of the first quarter, a natural moment to showcase progress in tariff liberalization, rules of origin improvements, and digital trade initiatives.
What attendees can expect
Participants can anticipate a robust program centered on practical outcomes, including:
- Policy dialogues on barriers to intra-African trade and how to accelerate clearance times at borders.
- Public-private sector roundtables addressing financing mechanisms, risk management, and the role of investment promotion agencies.
- Showcase sessions where local businesses can connect with potential buyers and investors who are keen on tapping into African markets.
Reaffirming AfCFTA’s momentum
The rescheduling does not reflect a slowdown in AfCFTA’s implementation but rather a deliberate effort to ensure a high-impact forum with tangible outcomes. As member states continue to implement tariff concessions, rules of origin clarity, and digital trade rules, Biashara Afrika remains a cornerstone event to translate policy into practical, on-the-ground opportunities for entrepreneurs—especially small and medium-sized enterprises seeking regional integration.
What this means for Togolese and regional businesses
Togo’s reputation as a logistics and trade hub could receive renewed attention as the March date approaches. For regional businesses, particularly those in landlocked corridors seeking efficient routes to export markets, Biashara Afrika offers a platform to secure partnerships, understand compliance requirements under AfCFTA, and access finance for cross-border ventures. The anticipation around the rescheduled forum signals ongoing confidence in Africa’s continental trade project and its capacity to generate jobs and growth across diverse sectors.
Next steps and participation guidance
Organizers are expected to release detailed guidance on registration, program schedules, and country-specific participation packages in the coming weeks. Stakeholders are encouraged to monitor official AfCFTA and Togolese government channels for updates, including visa information, alignment with national trade agendas, and opportunities for local businesses to participate in B2B matchmaking sessions linked to the forum.
