Togo: Togolese SMEs set out to conquer Africa

Facilitating access to the African market for Togolese businesses is the ambition of the Boost AFCFTA programme, initiated by the legaltech company Miabeloya. At a time when the African Continental Free Trade Area is redefining trade, this programme supports entrepreneurs in their regional expansion. Between opportunities and challenges, we take a look at the ecosystem that is shaping intra-African trade.

Eugénie, a young entrepreneur, is on her way to an information session this morning. A maker of gadgets and office items, she wants to expand her sales to other countries in the sub-region. To achieve this, she has signed up to the Boost Zlecaf programme launched by legaltech Miabeloya. The programme is designed to help Togolese businesses enter the African Continental Free Trade Area market more easily.

Africa is currently experiencing a meteoric rise in entrepreneurship. According to official figures, more than 10,000 new businesses will have been created in Ivory Coast and around 4,000 in Togo by 2020. This programme, like many others that have been set up, helps hundreds of businesses every year to adapt to the new commercial dynamics and easily integrate this market of 1.3 billion consumers.

Despite significant progress, many challenges remain: administrative formalities, international standards and economic cooperation. If the AFCFTA is to transform Africa into a single market, its success depends on the adaptability and innovation of businesses. A major challenge, but above all a unique opportunity for intra-African trade.

Source: Africa24