Charting Africa’s Future: Insights from H.E. Wamkele Mene, Secretary General, AfCFTA Secretariat on Trade, Growth, and Opportunity  

As part of Africa Collective’s Road to Davos – Leadership Voices Series, we spoke with Secretary General Mene about the AfCFTA Secretariat’s transformative role in advancing Africa’s economic integration. By operationalising the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), the Secretariat is paving the way for Africa to become a major global player in trade, economic growth, and sustainability. With significant milestones already achieved and projections of significant boosts to intra-African trade and income, the Secretariat’s work is central to realising Africa’s vision for a prosperous and unified future.

Africa Collective: What is your organisation’s primary focus or mission? 

At the heart of our mandate is facilitating the operationalisation of the African Continental Free Trade Area, which involves negotiating trade rules, harmonising trade policies, and monitoring the Agreement’s implementation. Our role is pivotal in enhancing Africa’s global trade position, driving economic growth, and reducing poverty by increasing intra-African trade. 

The Secretariat works collaboratively with State Parties to negotiate trade frameworks, eliminate barriers, and establish rules that promote fair and efficient trade. In implementing the AfCFTA Agreement, we strive to align State Parties’ trade policies with its provisions. This includes identifying and addressing policy gaps, conducting periodic reviews, and providing targeted interventions to ensure compliance. 

A key aspect of our work is capacity building, where we empower State Parties and stakeholders through tailored initiatives that enable full participation in and benefit from the AfCFTA. These efforts are designed to bridge disparities and foster equal opportunities across the continent. 

In addition to these technical functions, the Secretariat engages in advocacy and awareness efforts to bring key stakeholders – governments, civil society, and the private sector – on board. Through sensitisation and dialogue, we raise awareness about the AfCFTA’s potential, fostering broad-based support and active participation in achieving its objectives. 

Dispute resolution is another critical responsibility. The Secretariat oversees mechanisms such as the Dispute Settlement Body, adjudicating panels, and an Appellate Body to ensure transparent and efficient resolution of trade-related disputes. These processes safeguard the integrity of the AfCFTA Agreement, fostering trust and cooperation among State Parties. 

Africa Collective: How do you see your organisation as a pan-African champion? 

The AfCFTA Secretariat stands as a true pan-African champion, playing a transformative role in advancing Africa’s integration, development, and shared economic aspirations. As the driving force behind the implementation of the AfCFTA, the Secretariat is integral to the African Union’s Agenda 2063, a blueprint for inclusive and sustainable development across the continent. 

The AfCFTA Secretariat operates across the continent, addressing pan-African priorities with the participation of 54 out of 55 African Union member states that have signed the Agreement, and 48 having ratified it to date. This extensive engagement reflects an unprecedented commitment to continental integration. By harmonising policies, facilitating trade, and fostering collaboration among regional economic communities (RECs), the Secretariat plays a critical role in uniting Africa’s fragmented markets into a cohesive and dynamic economic bloc. 

Since becoming operational in January 2021, the AfCFTA has achieved significant milestones. The Guided Trade Initiative (GTI), launched in October 2022, has facilitated commercially meaningful trade among participating countries, translating policy into action. According to UNECA, the AfCFTA is set to boost intra-African trade by 15–25% by 2040. The World Bank projects it will raise Africa’s income by 9% ($571 billion) by 2035, lift 50 million people out of extreme poverty, and deliver particularly significant wage gains for women. These figures underscore the AfCFTA’s potential as a game-changer for Africa’s socio-economic transformation. 

The AfCFTA Secretariat, through its unwavering commitment to collaboration, regional integration, and self-reliance, upholds the vision of Africa’s founding leaders. These efforts firmly establish the AfCFTA as a cornerstone for fostering a prosperous, unified, and sustainable future for the continent. 

Africa Collective: Which topics and themes related to Africa would you like to see more prominently featured on global platforms such as the World Economic Forum? 

Global platforms like the World Economic Forum (WEF) should focus on themes that amplify Africa’s priorities, underscore its contributions to the global economy, and are in line with shared global challenges.  

One critical area is food security and agricultural transformation. Africa holds over 60% of the world’s uncultivated arable land yet remains a net food importer. Transforming the continent’s agricultural potential is both a continental issue and a global imperative. By investing in sustainable farming, agri-tech, and value addition, Africa could significantly enhance global food security. For instance, it has been shown that if African countries replicate the agricultural productivity growth seen in India from 1980 to 1990, the continent could add $200 billion in economic value by 2030 and increase cereal and grain production by up to 20% of the current global output. However, achieving this requires substantial investments in infrastructure, digital tools, climate-smart farming practices, and intra-African trade. 

Financing sustainable and inclusive development is another important issue. Africa faces an infrastructure deficit estimated at $130–$170 billion annually, which continues to hinder growth and integration. Compounding this challenge is the continent’s high vulnerability to climate change despite contributing less than 4% of global emissions. Addressing these issues requires equitable access to climate finance and the mobilisation of resources through innovative mechanisms such as green bonds and public-private partnerships. Securing Africa’s fair share of global climate finance is essential for meeting the continent’s infrastructure and climate adaptation needs, as well as ensuring global sustainability and resilience. 

Digital transformation and the Fourth Industrial Revolution represent another transformative area. While Africa was left behind in previous industrial revolutions, the 4IR offers an opportunity to leapfrog development barriers. The continent’s growing tech ecosystem, mobile penetration exceeding 40%, and youthful population create a fertile ground for innovation. Africa is poised to lead in digital trade, fintech, and tech-enabled solutions in health, education, and governance. However, bridging the digital divide is essential to unlocking this potential. Investments in digital infrastructure, capacity-building, and cross-border collaboration will be crucial for Africa to fully realise the benefits of the digital age and to participate equitably in the global digital economy. 

Last but not least, climate action and green industrialisation must be central to discussions. Africa possesses vast renewable energy resources, including solar, wind, and hydropower, as well as 30% of the world’s mineral reserves, which are critical for low-carbon technologies like electric vehicles. The Congo alone holds over 70% of the world’s cobalt, a key component for EV batteries. Leveraging these resources strategically can position Africa as a global leader in green energy and sustainable industrial practices. This not only supports Africa’s socio-economic goals but also contributes significantly to achieving global climate objectives. There can be no green economy without Africa’s resources, and the continent’s role in the global decarbonisation agenda must be recognised and supported. 

In summary, themes such as agriculture, sustainable financing, digital transformation, and climate action are not just African priorities but global necessities. Featuring these topics prominently on platforms like the WEF will help position Africa as a key driver of solutions to some of the world’s most pressing challenges, fostering collaboration, innovation, and shared prosperity. Africa’s development is inseparably linked to the global agenda, and these platforms provide an opportunity to highlight this interconnectedness. 

Africa Collective: What advice would you give to other leaders/organisations/companies looking to make a positive impact in Africa? 

African leaders and organisations play a critical role in shaping the continent’s future. By prioritising sustainability, inclusivity, and innovation while fostering collaboration and ethical leadership, they can drive transformative change that uplifts their organisations, communities, and the broader African continent. Success depends on adopting a holistic approach that aligns with Africa’s developmental frameworks and leverages the continent’s unique strengths. 

Central to this endeavour is an unwavering commitment to the values of Pan-Africanism: prioritising Africa’s interests, upholding the dignity and aspirations of its people, and advancing democracy, peace, integration, and development. These principles guide our collective purpose, encouraging unity even in the face of formidable challenges. They remind us that our success as leaders lies in working together within a unified framework driven by a shared vision for Africa’s progress and prosperity. 

First, leaders should align their strategies with established continental and global frameworks, such as the African Union’s Agenda 2063, the goals of the AfCFTA, and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These frameworks provide a clear roadmap for sustainable development, economic integration, and inclusive growth, offering a foundation to guide impactful initiatives.  

Second, meaningful engagement with regional bodies is crucial. Organisations should actively collaborate with institutions like the AfCFTA Secretariat, the African Development Bank, and AUDA-NEPAD. These partnerships can facilitate integration into regional value chains, unlock broader opportunities, and drive collective progress in areas such as industrialisation, trade facilitation, and infrastructure development. 

Third, investment in capacity-building and skills development is essential. Leaders must cultivate a highly skilled workforce, equipping employees with the tools and knowledge to thrive in a rapidly changing world. Leveraging digital transformation and fostering a culture of innovation empowers individuals to take ownership of organisational success, driving long-term value creation. 

Fourth, cross-sectoral collaboration is non-negotiable. Leaders must forge strategic partnerships with governments, international organisations, and other businesses to pool resources, share expertise, and amplify their impact. These synergies are vital to overcoming structural barriers and accelerating development. 

Fifth, sustained effort and perseverance are required from all stakeholders to achieve the ambitious vision of continental integration and development. Civil society organisations, private sector players, and development partners must work in tandem to address systemic challenges. African leaders, in particular, have a unique responsibility to champion and actualise a unified, resilient, and prosperous Africa. 

Lastly, telling Africa’s story is imperative. Leaders must promote the continent’s potential, highlighting its vast opportunities, talent, and resilience on global platforms. Countering stereotypes and shaping a positive narrative inspires confidence in Africa as a destination for investment, innovation, and partnerships. 

By embracing these principles and upholding Pan-African values, African leaders and organisations can position themselves as catalysts for transformative change. This transformation will build a future where Africa’s vast potential translates into inclusive and sustainable prosperity. The continent’s success depends on visionary leadership, strategic collaboration, and a shared commitment to progress, ensuring that Africa’s unity becomes its greatest strength. 

Africa Collective: What key message would you like to share about Africa’s potential and opportunities with the global community?  

The key message to share with the global community about Africa’s potential and opportunities is simple: Africa is the world’s next frontier for growth, innovation, and sustainable development. 

Africa is a continent of immense scale and strategic importance, home to 1.4 billion people across 55 diverse nations. Its combined market, driven by the AfCFTA, represents a $3.4 trillion economic bloc that unlocks vast opportunities for regional and global businesses. Projections indicate that, with the successful implementation of the AfCFTA, Africa’s combined consumer and business spending could reach US$6.7 trillion by 2030 and $16.12 trillion by 2050, positioning the continent as the next major global market. With the youngest workforce globally and a rapidly growing middle class, Africa is set to drive global economic transformation in the coming decades. 

Despite challenges like the pandemic and external economic shocks, Africa remains one of the fastest-growing regions globally. In 2024, 11 of the world’s 20 fastest-growing economies are African, with GDP growth projected to stabilise at 4.0% in 2024 and 2025, nearly one percentage point higher than the 3.1 per cent estimated in 2023. This resilience underscores the continent’s potential for sustained development. 

Africa is rich in natural resources that are critical to addressing global challenges. It holds over 60% of the world’s uncultivated arable land, making it vital to food security. With strategic investments and removing barriers to agricultural development, Africa’s agricultural output could rise from $280 billion annually to $1 trillion by 2030. Furthermore, Africa is a key player in the energy transition, with 30% of the world’s mineral reserves, including critical resources like lithium, cobalt, and graphite essential for renewable technologies. These resources make Africa indispensable to global sustainability efforts. 

Africa’s greatest asset is its youth. Seventy per cent of its population is under 30, making it the youngest continent globally. This tech-savvy generation is driving digital innovation, with the continent’s digital economy projected to grow from $180 billion in 2025 to $712 billion by 2050. African startups are leading innovations in fintech, e-commerce, and mobile technology, attracting significant global investments and transforming the continent into a digital powerhouse. 

Urbanisation further enhances this demographic dividend. By 2050, Africa’s population will reach 2.5 billion, with urban centres serving as hubs for education, skills, and economic opportunities. Africa’s rising middle class, projected to exceed a billion people by 2060, is driving demand for goods, services, and infrastructure, creating unparalleled opportunities for investors. 

Africa is moving beyond being a supplier of raw materials to becoming a hub of industrial and value-added production. Investments in manufacturing, logistics, and infrastructure are transforming African economies, creating jobs, and fostering inclusive growth. The AfCFTA is accelerating this transformation by harmonising trade policies and enabling seamless movement of goods, services, and people across borders. 

Africa’s future lies in its people and its vision. Together, leveraging the AfCFTA and guided by frameworks like Agenda 2063, Africa can achieve an integrated, prosperous, and peaceful continent. Now is the time for the global community to recognise Africa’s vast potential, collaborate with its vision, and contribute to building a thriving and sustainable future for the continent and the world. 

About the Road to Davos – Leadership Voices Series  

Leading up to Africa Collective’s Davos annual series of events during the period of the World Economic Forum in Switzerland, taking place from 20-24 January 2025, Africa Collective is speaking to a collection of foremost thought and business leaders in both the private and public sectors as part of our ongoing effort to highlight opportunities in Africa. Our objective with the Road to Davos – Leadership Voices Series is to position African topics on the global stage through the lens of leaders from the continent or who lead organisations with interests in the continent.