(In Kenya) AfCFTA Chief Urges Unity to Build Strong African Internal Market

African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretary General Wamkele Mene has called on African Union member states to unite in strengthening the continent’s internal market through the AfCFTA framework.

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Speaking at the 4th Intra-African Trade Fair in Algiers, Mene stressed the urgency of collective action to boost resilience, safeguard shared interests, and confront challenges posed by global economic uncertainty, rising protectionism, and trade nationalism.

The AfCFTA, which has already helped push intra-African trade beyond $220 billion in 2024, is seen as a driver of industrialisation and reduced reliance on raw-material exports. Mene outlined key priorities, including addressing structural barriers such as transport, operationalising the Single African Air Transport Market, launching the AfCFTA Adjustment Fund, and mobilising greater investment in infrastructure.

He also underscored the importance of adopting new protocols, such as the Digital Trade Protocol, to expand opportunities for African youth and accelerate economic transformation.

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