AfCFTA Secretariat Secretary General urges Africa to re-engineer continent’s economic model

The Secretary General of the Secretariat of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) based in Accra, Mr. Wamkele Mene, has urged industry leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders across Africa to rethink and re-engineer the continent’s economic model by focusing on industrial development, agricultural advancement, and strategic trade policy.

“We stand at a crucial juncture, facing challenges in infrastructure, regulatory adjustments, and strategic partnerships that are as substantial as the opportunities ahead. Our united approach will be vital,” Mr Mene said when he addressed delegates at the 13th Ghana Economic Forum.

Mr. Mene emphasized that the AfCFTA is the key instrument to drive this transformation. He highlighted the critical role of AfCFTA in reshaping Africa’s economic landscape, stating that it provides the necessary framework to unlock the continent’s full economic potential.

“The African Continental Free Trade Area is the tool we must use to re-engineer Africa’s economic model. By prioritizing industrial and agricultural development, coupled with robust trade policies, we can achieve sustainable growth and prosperity across the continent,” Mr. Mene said.

He pointed out that the AfCFTA was not just about enhancing trade; it was about creating a diversified and resilient economic framework across Africa, adding that “as the host country and a key leader, Ghana’s role is pivotal in this transformation.”