AfCFTA Secretary-General Urges Africa to “Dare to Invent the Future”
At the official opening ceremony of Biashara Africa and the launch of the 2nd edition of the Guided Trade Initiative in Kigali, Rwanda, AfCFTA Secretary-General Wamkele Mene emphasized the importance of economic integration and trade in reducing poverty rates in Africa.
Mene expressed gratitude to the Government of Rwanda for co-hosting Biashara Africa, a crucial platform for advancing continental economic integration under the AfCFTA. He acknowledged the presence of esteemed leaders, including President Paul Kagame, Prime Minister Russell Dlamini, and former President Mahamadou Issoufou.
*Key Highlights:*
Progress Under AfCFTA: 48 countries have ratified the Agreement, and commercially meaningful trade has commenced under the Guided Trade Initiative (GTI), with 39 countries participating this year.
Empowering Women and Youth: A Protocol on Women & Youth in Trade has been adopted, and small-holder farmers are exporting under AfCFTA preferences.
Digital Economy : The recently adopted protocol on Digital Trade promises to expand digital markets and promote financial inclusion.
Challenges Ahead: Mene acknowledged the need to address high trade finance costs, infrastructure deficits, and limited progress on free movement of persons.
Mene concluded by quoting Pan-Africanist President Sankara, urging Africa to “dare to invent the future.” With the AfCFTA, Africa has the potential to defeat extreme and moderate poverty through trade and economic integration.
