African leaders, policymakers, industrialists and global partners will convene in Addis Ababa on 23 and 24 November 2026 for the Africa Trade Development Forum, a biennial summit co-hosted by Ethiopia’s Ministry of Trade and Regional Integration and TradeMark Africa. The gathering arrives as the continent seeks to accelerate economic integration amid shifting global trade dynamics.
While international debate often centres on tariffs, officials say the primary obstacle to African trade lies in non‑tariff barriers — the technical, regulatory, financial and logistical hurdles that prevent exporters from proving their goods meet safety and sanitary standards. These barriers currently add an estimated 15% to 30% to regional trade costs, according to forum organisers. The United Nations Economic Commission for Africa estimates that eliminating them alone could increase intra‑African trade by 52%. UNCTAD notes that compliance costs frequently exceed actual import duties, with technical measures now regulating two‑thirds of global trade.
The 2026 forum will prioritise collective action to harmonise standards, reduce compliance costs, speed up quality certification and curb the rejection of African goods in lucrative overseas markets.
“The next phase of Africa’s trade growth will depend on African firms showing that their products are as good as those of anywhere in the world,” said H.E. Hailemariam Desalegn Boshe, TradeMark Africa board chair and former Ethiopian prime minister. “Businesses are up for the challenge — what we need to do is help assess and certify their goods in a way that does not create a burden.”
Ethiopia’s Minister of Trade and Regional Integration, H.E. Kassahun Gofe, said the country is honoured to host the forum at a time of renewed focus on the quality of trade systems and market competitiveness. “Standards and quality infrastructure are central to industrial growth, market confidence and the ability of African producers to compete within the continent and beyond,” he said.
TradeMark Africa chief executive David Beer emphasised that the continent’s trade ambitions hinge on building systems that allow firms to compete globally by demonstrating compliance with the highest standards. “Quality systems underpin that, as they build the trust that markets demand,” he said.
The forum, convened by TradeMark Africa with a rotating host government, serves as a continental platform for actionable decisions on trade reforms. The previous edition in Kigali generated momentum around the No Stop Border model, which TradeMark Africa and its commercial subsidiary, Trade Catalyst Africa, are advancing with governments and development partners. Attendance is by invitation or accreditation only.
