Togo Launches Review of AfCFTA Strategy to Boost Trade Benefits
Tuesday, 07 October 2025 12:25 
(Togo First) - Togo began revising its national strategy for implementing the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) on October 6. The Ministry of Trade, Handicrafts, and Local Consumption organized a three-day workshop in Lomé to update the framework.
The meeting gathered public, private, and civil society stakeholders. Authorities asked participants to propose adjustments to the existing plan and identify priority actions. A diagnostic of the current strategy is underway to assess shortcomings since the continental agreement took effect.
Officials said the updated strategy will enable Togolese businesses to benefit more from AfCFTA protocols. These include agreements on goods, competition, intellectual property, e-commerce, investment, and the participation of women and youth in intra-African trade.
Mensah Koffi Vinyo, chief of staff at the Ministry of Trade, said, “The AfCFTA is not a simple trade agreement but one of the most ambitious projects on the continent, aiming to create a single market of 1.4 billion consumers with a combined GDP estimated at more than $3 trillion.” He called the initiative “a historic opportunity for Togo,” citing potential gains in competitiveness, investment, and job creation for youth and women.
Serge Yapo, head of the UN Systems Office in Togo, said the revision strengthens the country’s position to capture Africa’s growth prospects under the AfCFTA. He cited expected increases of 41.1% in agri-food trade, 39.2% in services, 39% in industrial products, and 16.1% in energy and mining.
The current strategy (2019–2024) delivered notable progress, according to Togolese authorities. The government has taken multiple steps to help local businesses benefit from AfCFTA opportunities. Officials said the new plan will build on these gains to deepen participation in continental trade.
This article was initially published in French by Esaïe Edoh
Adapted in English by Ange Jason Quenum
