AfDB Launches Forum to Advance African Trade Integration

Held on 28 May 2026 during the Bank’s Annual Meetings in Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo, the forum was organised under the theme “Made in Africa. Trade in Africa.”

The African Development Bank Group has launched the first-ever Integrate Africa Forum, bringing together policymakers, development institutions, business leaders and regional organizations to strengthen trade, investment and economic integration across the continent.

Held on 28 May 2026 during the Bank's Annual Meetings in Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo, the forum was organised under the theme "Made in Africa. Trade in Africa." Participants discussed practical ways to accelerate intra-African trade, increase co-financing opportunities and promote policy alignment among African countries. Representatives from the African Union Commission, Regional Economic Communities, development finance institutions and government ministries attended the event, reflecting growing support for deeper continental economic cooperation.

AfCFTA Opportunities Take Centre Stage

A major focus of the discussions was the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which aims to create a single market connecting 55 African countries and more than 1.3 billion people. Speakers highlighted sectors with strong potential for regional growth, including agriculture, pharmaceuticals and mineral processing. Leaders stressed that expanding manufacturing and value-added production within Africa could help reduce dependence on imports while creating jobs and supporting industrial development.

Officials from major financial institutions, including Afreximbank, the Trade and Development Bank Group, the African Trade and Investment Development Insurance agency and the Development Bank of Southern Africa, expressed support for initiatives designed to strengthen African production and trade networks.

Business leaders also shared their experiences of building companies and expanding operations across borders under AfCFTA trading arrangements. Entrepreneurs discussed both the opportunities and challenges involved in creating competitive African brands and reaching new markets within the continent.

Calls Grow for Easier Movement Across Africa

The forum also highlighted the importance of improving the movement of people alongside the movement of goods and services. Africa Prosperity Network founder Gabby Otchere-Darko used the platform to promote the #MakeAfricaBorderlessNow campaign, which advocates for the implementation of Africa's Free Movement Protocol. The initiative seeks to make it easier for Africans to travel, work and do business across the continent.

The discussion gained additional significance following the announcement by Republic of the Congo President Denis Sassou-N'Guesso that citizens of all African countries will be granted visa-free access to Congo beginning on 1 January 2027. During the event, the African Development Bank also unveiled the second edition of Integrate Africa Magazine, a publication that showcases investments and initiatives supporting regional integration.

Closing the forum, Acting Vice President for Regional Development, Integration and Business Delivery Dr Abdul Kamara said the event would serve as a platform for tracking Africa's integration progress in the years ahead. He noted that future forums would measure achievements in areas such as infrastructure connectivity, industrial growth, job creation and partnerships as the continent works toward a more connected, resilient and prosperous future.