Togo's National Assembly VP advocates for Africa’s economic consolidation against protectionism: Video

Speaking on global trade challenges, d'almeida emphasised the negative impact of protectionism on free trade and fragile economies. She highlighted the need for African countries to strengthen internal production and value chains to compete effectively in international markets.

Togo, she noted, is adopting inclusive strategies to bolster national production while navigating trade barriers, particularly with traditional partners in Europe. 

“It is true that today the globalised world tends to create and instil more protectionism in the most economically stronger states and countries. And our African countries have the duty and the responsibility to consolidate our economies so that they can regain their place in an already very competitive market,” she remarked.

Adding, “Protectionism is always a barrier to free trade and puts fragile economies at a slight disadvantage. However, a country like Togo builds and consolidates its development by having a fairly inclusive approach that allows first to strengthen national production and internal production and then to effectively develop value chains with a vision on the external market.”

Her remarks follow the African Union's (AU) vision for the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). The trade agreement, endorsed by 47 AU member states, aims to create a $3 trillion free trade zone, the largest of its kind globally.

AfCFTA seeks to improve intra-African trade, reduce reliance on external markets, and build resilient economies across the continent.