The Togo Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI-Togo) in collaboration with the Federation of West African Chambers of Commerce and Industry, organised a high-level sideline event during the Biashara Afrika Summit 2026 under the theme: “From National Markets to African Markets: Chambers of Commerce and Industry as Drivers of the AfCFTA in the Digitalization Era.” The event was held at the Palais des Congrès de Lomé on Tuesday, 19th May 2026.
In his welcome remarks, the President of the Togo Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Dr. Kwassi Symenouh, emphasized the need to strengthen and rely on Chambers of Commerce as strategic institutions for advancing the digitalization of trade within the African region.
Also speaking at the event, the National President of Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, Engr. Jani Ibrahim, mni, OON, standing in for FEWACCI President, Mr. Faman Toure, described the African Continental Free Trade Area as a strategic instrument for economic sovereignty, industrial transformation, and positioning Africa competitively within the global economy. He noted that the agreement has created a single African market of over 1.4 billion people with a combined GDP exceeding $3 trillion. The NACCIMA President was accompanied by the Directors-General, Engr. Sola Obadimu; Alhaji Yahaya Idris, NVP/President, Badagry Chamber of Commerce; Alhaji Salami Nasiru Alasoadua, NACCIMA Presidential Adviser on Cross-Border Trade; Hajia Amina Lawal-Aliyu, Head of Trade Facilitation; Barr. Kola Awe, Chairman of NACCIMA Export Group and Mrs. Rebecca Ebokpo, Vice-Chair, NACCIMA AfCFTA Committee.
The National President further stated that the success of the AfCFTA would depend not merely only political declarations, but on the ability to translate continental ambitions into practical business opportunities for SMEs, women entrepreneurs, and youth-led enterprises. He emphasized that Chambers of Commerce and Industry are strategically positioned to drive this transition across the continent.
Also present was the Director of the Sub-Regional Office of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, Mrs. Ngone Diop, who stressed the need for innovation and enhanced trade facilitation support for women and youths. She noted that the implementation of the AfCFTA must not only be policy-driven but also inclusive through active collaboration with the private sector, particularly through Chambers of Commerce and Industry. The Minister of Trade of Togo was ably represented at the event.
The major highlight of the event was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture and the Togo Chamber of Commerce and Industry aimed at deepening economic cooperation, strengthening bilateral trade relations, and promoting private sector collaboration between both institutions.
