The Government of the Republic of Togo, under the esteemed leadership of H.E. Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé, President of the Council of the Republic of Togo, has officially announced significant measures to facilitate visa-free entry for all nationals of African States who hold valid passports. This momentous announcement, which was conveyed by the Minister of Security on 18 May 2026, has garnered a warm welcome from key continental institutions, specifically the AfCFTA Secretariat and the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank).

The declaration was made in Lomé, occurring on the sidelines of Biashara Afrika 2026, which is recognized as the continent's premier platform for trade and business. This influential event brought together a diverse group of participants, including policymakers, private sector leaders, investors, and various stakeholders from across Africa. Their collective aim was to foster and advance dialogue on crucial topics such as intra-African trade, investment, and the overarching goal of regional integration. Throughout these engagements, there was a consistent emphasis from participants on the critical importance of facilitating the movement of African citizens, entrepreneurs, and investors, recognizing it as a fundamental enabler for robust intra-African trade and enhanced economic cooperation.

In light of these discussions and the broader continental objectives, Togo's announcement profoundly reflects the increasing momentum across Africa towards strengthening connectivity and deepening the process of African integration. Both the AfCFTA Secretariat and Afreximbank, institutions to which Togo is a State Party and a Member State respectively, share a unified vision. This vision envisions a continent where goods, services, capital, and crucially, people, can move with greater freedom across national borders, thereby supporting the establishment of a truly integrated African market. Measures such as these, which actively facilitate mobility and connectivity, are deemed essential for contributing significantly towards advancing the broader mandates of both institutions and, ultimately, for achieving the ambitious aspirations outlined in Agenda 2063.

Concluding their statement, the AfCFTA Secretariat and Afreximbank extended their profound commendation to the Government and the people of the Republic of Togo. This commendation was specifically for their successful hosting of Biashara Afrika 2026 and for their unwavering, continued commitment to vigorously advancing Africa's vital economic integration agenda.