African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat

We are excited to announce that registration for Biashara Afrika 2024 is now open. This premier event will bring together industry leaders, policymakers, and entrepreneurs to drive the future of Africa’s trade landscape. Secure your place today and be part of this transformative event: https://lnkd.in/ebD-w4vC #BA2024 #CreatingOneAfricanMarket #DareToInventTheFutureOfTheAfCFTA

The AfCFTA is hosting a Media Workshop aimed at fostering stronger partnerships with media professionals. This workshop will offer insights on covering Africa’s trade opportunities and the transformative role of the AfCFTA in driving economic growth. Follow along for key updates and insights. #BIASHARAAFRIKA2024 #AfCFTA

We are just 3 days away from the #BiasharaAfrika24! Get ready for dynamic discussions on trade, innovation, and Africa’s economic future, featuring thought leaders and trailblazers from across the continent. You can still join us from October 9-11 in Kigali and be part of the future of African trade. #BiasharaAfrika2024 #AfCFTA

We are thrilled to welcome some of the most influential thought leaders and industry experts to the stage at #BiasharaAfrika2024. From policymakers to innovators, our speakers will provide deep insights into Africa's trade transformation and business growth. Join us from October 9-11 in Kigali for this landmark event! Stay tuned as we unveil the voices shaping the future of the AfCFTA! #BiasharaAfrika24 #AfCFTA

Ready to take off for #BiasharaAfrika2024 in Kigali? Ethiopian Airlines is offering an exclusive 12% discount on both business and economy class fares from all ET online points to Kigali! Use promo code: ETK15 and secure your seat now to join us. Book your flight and get ready for an unforgettable experience! #BiasharaAfrika #AfCFTA #EthiopianAirlines

The Secretary General of the @AfCFTA Secretariat, H.E. @MeneWamkele, delivered a speech and received the Broad Pool of Ideas (BPI) Foundation award on Thursday in #Johannesburg, #SouthAfrica. In his speech titled "Transformative Industrialization and Effective Implementation of the #AfCFTA as Catalysts for #Africa’s Sustainable Development," His Excellency emphasized that the AfCFTA is more than just a trade agreement; it is a driving force for economic growth and industrialization across Africa. He highlighted the shift from raw material exports to the production of value-added goods, marking a fundamental change in Africa's engagement with the global economy. In the presence of former President of #Mozambique, Joaquim Chissano, and former First Lady of South Africa, Zanele Dlamini Mbeki, the Secretary General was honoured for his vision and leadership in overseeing the creation of a unified African market for goods and services under the African Union. The @theBPISA Foundation, a non-profit organization based in South Africa, aims to contribute to societal transformation through various initiatives.

Attend Biashara Afrika with 20% OFF BASE FARE on Rwanda Air! Just use the promo code BIAFOR24 when booking. Join us in Kigali from October 9-11,2024 and be part of shaping the future of African trade. Secure your seat now! #BiasharaAfrika2024 #AfCFTA ##RwandaAir

The Secretary General of the @AfCFTA Secretariat, @MeneWamkele, was one of the special guests at the Global Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) Summit, taking place in #Cairo, #Egypt, from 1–3 October. The Secretary General's speech focused on the intersection between DPI and #Africa's economic integration. He emphasised how DPI can accelerate intra-African trade, promote financial inclusion, and unlock new opportunities for the continent's digital economy, aligning with the #AfCFTA's vision of a more interconnected and prosperous Africa. According to the Secretary General, the AfCFTA Protocol on Digital Trade develops comprehensive and harmonised data governance frameworks to facilitate cross-border data transfers, protect personal data, promote innovation, and ensure responsible data use. The DPI, therefore, supports the ambitions of the AfCFTA by enabling the implementation of digital identification, interoperable digital payments, and reliable data exchanges. After the presentation, H.E. took part in a dynamic fireside chat. The discussion explored the main challenges and opportunities of leveraging digital technologies to boost trade across African borders. The Summit is a gathering of stakeholders in the DPI ecosystem. Better Than Cash Alliance

AfCFTA Secretary General Highlights Progress in Intra-African Trade at Global Africa Business Initiative Event New York, United States – 25 September 2024 The Secretary General of the AfCFTA Secretariat, Wamkele Mene, participated in a high-level panel at the “Unstoppable Africa” event in New York, organised by the Global Africa Business Initiative (GABI). In his remarks, he emphasised that much of the work has focused on creating a legal framework to promote intra-African trade. This phase is nearing completion with the approval of the final two protocols: digital trade and women and youth in trade. The focus is now on the full implementation of the AfCFTA. The Secretary General also noted that trade within this framework has already begun, with expectations that volumes will increase in the coming years. Benin’s Foreign Minister, Olushegun Adjadi Bakari, also spoke on the importance of free movement for businesspeople across the continent. He pointed out that African countries have largely upheld the borders imposed by colonial powers, and in some cases, even made them stricter. He highlighted that Benin does not require visas for any African passport holders. Other panel participants included British A. Robinson, Coordinator of Prosper Africa representing the US government, and Igor Van den Essen from APM Terminals. GABI is a global platform led by the African private sector, aimed at galvanising leaders from across the private, public, and social sectors to invest in Africa. It seeks to drive transformative change and reposition the continent on the global stage by expanding business, trade, and investment opportunities, and by connecting the African private sector with potential global partners, companies, and investors.

The Secretary General of the @AfCFTA Secretariat, H.E. @MeneWamkele, took part today in #NewYork in the inaugural meeting of the Steering Committee of the Africa Green Industrialisation Initiative (AGII). The meeting, held on the sidelines of #UNGA79, was chaired by the President of #Kenya, H.E. William Samoei Ruto, PhD . Members of the Committee shared their thoughts on the vision of the initiative, exchanged insights/lessons learnt and expectations on the scope and approach of AGII.