AfCFTA Secretariat Official

The #AfCFTA Secretariat received a delegation from the University of Cincinnati, Ohio State, United States of America. The six-member delegation was made up of senior faculty members from business and social science, with a keen interest on understanding African economic integration, and how they could contribute towards the continent’s economic transformation. The Session provided the Secretariat the opportunity to appraise the university on the state of play on the implementation of the AfCFTA Agreement, and the role academia could play towards boosting the prospects of this transformative pan-African initiative. Discussions focused on strengthening ongoing collaboration and advancing key strategic priorities, with the university playing a key role through evidence-based trade policy research to inform objective AfCFTA trade reform initiatives for the benefit of state parties. Such knowledge generation is a key resource towards generating risk-mitigation policy interventions to sustain implementation of the Agreement. Both parties reaffirmed their shared commitment to deepen collaboration and forge viable win-win partnerships to enhance traction on the Africa’s economic integration agenda across the various tiers of programming, that is, national, regional and continental.

H.E. Wamkele Mene met with EU Ambassadors in Ghana to provide an update on #AfCFTA implementation. He expressed appreciation for the EU’s continued support through the EU-TAF. The meeting reinforced strong partnership and shared commitment to advancing Africa’s trade and integration agenda. #AfricanTrade #AfCFTA

The #AfCFTA Secretariat received a delegation from the ONE Campaign, led by Ms. Serah Makka, Executive Director for Africa, in Accra as part of their mission to Ghana. The engagement focused on exploring areas of collaboration, particularly in advancing advocacy efforts that support Africa’s development priorities. Discussions highlighted the importance of shaping global narratives on the cost of capital, strengthening investor confidence, and amplifying African voices in international policy discourse. An update on the implementation of the #AfCFTA was shared, underscoring progress made and the critical role of partnerships in driving impact on the ground, including through trade facilitation, private sector engagement, and initiatives such as PAPSS. Both teams expressed optimism about the opportunities ahead and the potential for strengthened collaboration to support practical, outcomes-driven advocacy aligned with Africa’s trade and development agenda. #CreatingOneAfricanMarket

H.E. Wamkele Mene met with H.E. Wael Fathy, Ambassador of Egypt to Ghana, during a courtesy visit at the AfCFTA Secretariat. Discussions focused on: - Upcoming Egypt–Ghana Virtual Business Forum - Upcoming AU Mid-Year Business Summit in El Alamein - Progress in AfCFTA implementation, incl. trade volumes & issued AfCFTA Certificates of Origin by state parties H.E. Mene underscored the need to elevate trade & investment issues at the highest level and create the space for the private sector to engage with African leaders. He also commended Egypt’s leadership in the conclusion of key AfCFTA protocols. #AfCFTA #AfricanTrade #EgyptGhana #RegionalIntegration

H.E. Wamkele Mene received the newly accredited Ambassador of the Republic of Angola to the Republic of Ghana, H.E. Rui Orlando Xavier, during a courtesy visit to the AfCFTA Secretariat. During the meeting, H.E. Mene provided an update on the progress of AfCFTA implementation and expressed appreciation to President João Lourenço and the Government of Angola for their leadership and support to the implementation of the AfCFTA, particularly during President Lourenço’s tenure as Chairperson of the African Union in 2025. H.E. Rui Orlando Xavier commended the Secretary-General for the progress achieved thus far in the AfCFTA process and reaffirmed Angola’s commitment to supporting its successful implementation. He also invited the Secretary-General to the 2026 Luanda International Trade Fair (FILDA 2026), scheduled for July 2026. #AfCFTA

I met today in Marrakech with Chakib Alj, President of the Confédération Générale des Entreprises du Maroc (CGEM), Morocco’s leading national employers’ federation and umbrella organisation representing the private sector at #GITEX2026. Our discussion focused on the opportunities presented by the @AfCFTA for Moroccan businesses and investors to expand their operations and internationalise across the continent. We emphasised that raising awareness about the AfCFTA is crucial to boosting trade and strengthening economic ties between African countries. #AfCFTA #GITEX2026

On the sidelines of #GITEX 2026 held in Marrakech, I also met with Amine El Mezouaghi, Director General of the Digital Development Agency (ADD), Morocco’s leading public institution driving digital transformation. Our discussions focused on potential areas of cooperation, including the possibility of formalizing our collaboration through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The ADD plays a pivotal role in shaping Morocco’s digital strategy, driving the digitalization of public administrations and SMEs, promoting the adoption of digital tools among citizens, and nurturing a vibrant startup ecosystem through flagship initiatives, including in artificial intelligence. #AfCFTA#GITEX2026

Today, on the sidelines of #GITEX 2026 in Marrakech, I met with Trixie LohMirmand, CEO of GITEX, to explore areas of cooperation. Our discussions highlighted the @AfCFTA Secretariat’s role in advancing intra-African trade, regulatory alignment, and digital commerce, alongside GITEX’s strength in showcasing innovation, connecting startups with investors, and convening global technology stakeholders. Together, these capabilities offer opportunities to accelerate digital trade and investment across Africa. #GITEX Africa is organised by the Dubai World Trade Centre in partnership with Morocco’s Digital Development Agency. Further initiatives are planned in Nigeria and Kenya in the coming months. #AfCFTA #GITEX2026

At the opening of #GITEXAfrica2026 in Marrakech today, I reaffirmed a simple but urgent priority; Africa’s digital future must work for its people. Through the AfCFTA’s Digital Trade agenda, we are creating real pathways for youth, women, and MSMEs to participate meaningfully in intra-African trade, breaking down barriers, expanding market access, and enabling businesses to scale beyond borders. I am particularly encouraged by the role that emerging technologies, including AI, can play in unlocking productivity, driving innovation, and equipping our young population with the tools to compete globally. Africa’s future will be shaped by its entrepreneurs, its innovators, and its people. Through the @AfCFTA, we are building the foundation for them to thrive. #AfCFTA #GITEX2026 #Marrakech

On this joyful celebration of Easter Sunday, the African Continental Free Trade Area marks a season of renewal, hope, and new beginnings. May the spirit of resurrection inspire strengthened partnerships, shared prosperity, and continued progress toward a more integrated and resilient Africa. #EasterSunday #AfCFTA #SharedProsperity

On this solemn observance of Good Friday, the African Continental Free Trade Area reflects on the values of sacrifice, solidarity, and shared purpose. May these principles continue to guide our collective efforts toward deeper integration, inclusive growth, and a more united and prosperous Africa. #GoodFriday #AfCFTA #AfricanUnity #Integration #SharedProsperity

Today, I had the honour of meeting with H.E. President Emmerson Mnangagwa during his State Visit to Ghana. I provided an update on the progress made in the implementation of the AfCFTA and reaffirmed the Secretariat’s continued support to Zimbabwe, particularly in the areas of dispute settlement, digital trade, and investment. We are also working closely with Zimbabwe to modernise its agricultural infrastructure, including the development of grain silos, to strengthen food security and position the country as a breadbasket for Africa. I commended the Government of Zimbabwe for its adoption of PAPSS and for hosting the IATF Headquarters; both significant contributions to advancing intra-African trade. H.E. President Mnangagwa reaffirmed his strong belief that the AfCFTA remains the most viable path toward Africa’s sustainable economic development and sovereignty.

On the margins of the South Africa Investment Conference, H.E. Wamkele Mene met with Parks Tau to brief him on the discussions and recommendations of the Committee of Heads of State and Government on AfCFTA Implementation, as well as key outcomes of the 39th AU Summit. Discussions focused on aligning South Africa’s industrial policy priorities, including diversification, decarbonisation, and digitalisation, with AfCFTA objectives and broader African Union programmes such as the Africa Green Industrialisation Initiative. The engagement underscored the importance of accelerating AfCFTA implementation across State Parties. #AfCFTA #CreatingOneAfricanMarket

The next phase of engagement is taking shape. Biashara Afrika 2026 will convene key stakeholders to advance implementation, strengthen commercial linkages, and unlock investment across priority sectors under the AfCFTA. Registration details will be released soon. #BA26 #BiasharaAfrika #CreatingOneAfricanMarket

The #AfCFTA Secretariat is currently convening its Quarterly Webinar for Journalists focused on reporting on the African Continental Free Trade Area. Bringing together media professionals and experts, the session is unpacking the AfCFTA’s implementation phase, strengthening strategic reporting, and fostering sustained engagement between the Secretariat and the media. Through interactive discussions and practical insights, the webinar supports accurate, informed, and impactful storytelling on Africa’s trade agenda. Join the webinar: zoom.us/webinar/regist… #AfCFTA #TradeInAfrica #CreatingOneAfricanMarket

The #AfCFTA Secretariat will host its Maiden AfCFTA Media Webinar, convening journalists from across the continent for a focused and practical engagement on the Agreement. The session will provide deeper insight into AfCFTA protocols and implementation, while supporting more informed, accurate, and impactful reporting on Africa’s evolving trade landscape. Date: Tuesday, 31 March 2026 Time: 10:00 AM GMT Format: Virtual Journalists from across Africa are invited to participate. Register here: lnkd.in/dHXHdaAy

Today, the #AfCFTASecretariat convened the Inaugural Meeting of the AfCFTA Committee on Trade and Statistics in Nairobi, Kenya, bringing together representatives from national statistical offices, customs and revenue authorities, central banks, development finance institutions, think tanks, and experts under the theme “Recomputing Intra-African Trade.” Recognising the critical role of trade data in advancing AfCFTA implementation, this platform was established following the Council of Ministers' decision to address data opportunities and challenges across the continent. Participants reviewed the draft Terms of Reference and a proposed three-year work plan, and engaged in substantive discussions on the computation of intra-African trade statistics, including alternative methodological approaches. Key outcomes included the need to develop a sustainable, harmonised framework to strengthen trade data systems and standardised templates for data collection and reporting. The Committee will meet twice a year, with its work expected to inform the development of the inaugural and subsequent AfCFTA Intra-African Trade Reports. #CreatingOneAfricanMarket #RecomputingIntraAfricanTrade

The @AfCFTA Secretariat, @thebankofghana , the @FCDOGovUK , and @ODI_Global convened to mark the soft launch of Neofingo; a Digital Trade Finance Corridor designed to simplify and accelerate how African SMEs access cross-border trade finance. Paper-based letter-of-credit systems have slowed transactions, introduced costly errors, and limited the growth potential of small businesses. Neofingo is a Digital Trade Finance Corridor, a jointly governed protocol, that connects UK digital finance actors with African fintech ecosystems through a new form of AI-enabled and validated digital letter of credit. This initiative signals a practical step toward closing sub-Saharan Africa’s $120 billion trade finance gap and advancing more inclusive global trade. #Neofingo #AfCFTA #DigitalTrade #TradeFinance #SMEs