‘Algiers Awaits’ – AfCFTA Chief rallies Africa for trade renaissance

“All roads lead to Algiers,” Wamkele Mene, Secretary-General of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), declared on Tuesday at the Kempinski Hotel in Accra.

With those words, he threw the spotlight on the upcoming Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF2025), calling it the single most important marketplace for transforming Africa’s trade story.

Speaking at the Accra leg of the continent-wide roadshow ahead of the Fair, Mr. Mene described IATF2025, set for September in Algeria, as “Africa’s premier trade and investment event” and a gateway to tangible economic transformation.

“It is a marketplace of ideas, opportunities, and partnerships,” he said.

“A catalyst for turning the promise of the AfCFTA into concrete outcomes: trade deals signed, investments mobilised, and jobs created.”

With African trade still hovering around 15% of total intra-continental activity, compared to 70% in Europe, 60% in Asia, and 40% in North America, Mr. Mene said Africa cannot afford business as usual.

“Africa’s path to genuine, inclusive prosperity depends on stronger trade performance,” he said. “For too long, our share of global trade has stagnated at just 3%.”

He blamed part of this stagnation on historical trade patterns that favour raw material exports and finished goods imports.

“We have historically sent raw materials abroad only to re-import finished goods,” he said. “The AfCFTA is fundamentally changing this paradigm.”

According to Mr. Mene, dismantling trade barriers, eliminating tariffs and non-tariff barriers, and building production networks across borders are no longer just aspirations.

They are becoming policy and practice. “We are incentivising industries to specialise, process, and add value on the continent,” he said. “This means more intermediate and finished goods moving across African borders.”

He stressed that IATF2025 in Algiers would serve as the launchpad for these ambitions. “IATF2025 is where this vision is translated into practical reality,” he said.

“At the Fair, the AfCFTA Secretariat will have a dedicated pavilion, showcasing the Agreement’s significant achievements so far. It will be a direct resource, highlighting opportunities and connecting businesses with the tools they need to thrive.”

He urged Ghanaian businesses not to be left behind. “Whether you are looking to exhibit your excellence, source new suppliers, find investment, or simply explore the vast potential of our continental market, you must be there,” he said.

“This is your gateway to forging new partnerships and securing lucrative deals.”

Mr. Mene also made a passionate call for collaboration, especially among governments, private enterprises, and finance institutions.

“By developing regional value chains in agribusiness, automotive, energy, and manufacturing, we can reduce post-harvest losses, create jobs, and strengthen food security,” he said.

“We need robust public-private partnerships and support from institutions like Afreximbank to deliver.”

He was clear that IATF2025 is not just another summit. “Let us work together to make IATF2025 the most successful edition yet,” he said. “The future of African trade is unfolding, and it is happening now.”

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