AfCFTA, Afreximbank Welcome Togo’s Visa-Free Move for Africans

The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) have jointly welcomed the decision by Togo to facilitate visa-free entry for African nationals, describing the move as a major boost to continental integration and intra-African trade.

In a joint statement issued in Lomé on May 20, the two continental institutions praised the Togolese government under the leadership of Faure Gnassingbé for announcing measures that will allow citizens of African states holding valid passports to enter the country without visas.

The announcement was made on the sidelines of the ongoing Biashara Afrika 2026, one of Africa’s leading trade and investment gatherings bringing together policymakers, investors, business leaders and stakeholders from across the continent.

According to the statement, participants at the forum emphasized that easier movement of African citizens, entrepreneurs and investors remains critical to unlocking the full potential of intra-African trade and economic cooperation under the AfCFTA framework.

The AfCFTA Secretariat and Afreximbank noted that the decision reflects growing continental momentum toward improving connectivity, mobility and regional integration across Africa.

The institutions further stressed that the free movement of goods, services, capital and people is essential for building an integrated African market and achieving the broader aspirations of African Union Agenda 2063.

They also commended the government and people of Togo for hosting Biashara Afrika 2026 and reaffirmed support for the country’s commitment to advancing Africa’s economic integration agenda.

Togo’s latest visa facilitation announcement is expected to strengthen the country’s position as a growing regional hub for trade, investment and continental business cooperation, while also adding momentum to calls for wider implementation of free movement policies across Africa.