H.E. Wamkele Mene, the Secretary-General of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat, stands at the forefront of a transformative movement aimed at redefining Africa’s economic landscape. With nearly three years of dedicated service as the head of the AfCFTA Secretariat, Mene’s tenure has been marked by a clear vision and unrelenting commitment to fostering cross-border business excellence. His reappointment to a second term reflects the continent’s confidence in his ability to lead Africa’s most ambitious economic initiative.
H.E. Mene’s journey in shaping Africa’s trade policies began long before his tenure as Secretary-General. As South Africa’s Chief Trade Negotiator in the AfCFTA and Tripartite FTA negotiations, he played a pivotal role in crafting frameworks that now underpin Africa’s single largest trade agreement. His profound understanding of international trade and investment law, honed through academic achievements at Rhodes University, SOAS, and the London School of Economics, positioned him as a leading voice in Africa’s economic discourse.
Under his stewardship, the AfCFTA launched trade operations on January 1, 2021 — a landmark achievement symbolizing years of meticulous negotiations. This milestone not only opened doors to eliminating tariffs on 90% of goods traded across Africa but also laid the groundwork for boosting intra-African trade, enhancing competitiveness, and creating jobs on an unprecedented scale.
One of Mene’s standout achievements has been the establishment of the AfCFTA Secretariat in Accra, Ghana. By enhancing its technical capabilities, governance structures, and operational efficiency, he has ensured the Secretariat is equipped to drive Africa’s economic transformation. His efforts to mobilize political support, foster collaboration among African Union member states, and engage stakeholders have created an environment where African businesses and entrepreneurs can thrive.
Recognizing the continent’s diverse economic dynamics, Mene has prioritized initiatives that address barriers to trade, such as non-tariff obstacles, and advocated for policies that promote industrialization and value addition. He has also championed digitalization, e-commerce, and trade facilitation measures, aligning these with Africa’s broader goals of diversification and inclusive growth.
H.E. Mene’s leadership comes at a pivotal moment as Africa charts its recovery from the socioeconomic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. By aligning AfCFTA’s goals with broader continental priorities, Mene is driving efforts to transform Africa’s challenges into opportunities for growth. Mene’s leadership style—defined by pragmatism, innovation, and a comprehensive understanding of Africa’s economic landscape—has earned him recognition as a unifying figure in the quest for inter-country business excellence.
