Following a resounding affirmation of exemplary leadership and commitment to evolving the economic prosperity of the African continent, the African Leadership Organization congratulates His Excellency Wamkele Mene for his reappointment to serve as the Secretary General of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat for another four-year term.
In the effort to promote economic expansion, sustainable development, and continental integration throughout Africa, this reappointment marks a remarkable milestone for him.
HE Wamkele Mene’s return coincides with a pivotal moment in Africa’s efforts to recover from the socioeconomic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and to map out a course for a robust and inclusive economic recovery.
Under his direction, the historic agreement’s goals which include establishing a single market for goods and services, facilitating people-to-people travel, fostering industrial development, and fostering sustainable economic growth throughout the continent have been significantly advanced.
HE Mene has led the implementation of the AfCFTA agreement with unrelenting passion and vision since taking office in 2020.
He has put in countless hours to engage stakeholders, build cooperation amongst African Union member states, mobilize political support, and defend the interests of African companies and entrepreneurs. His leadership style has been defined by inventiveness, pragmatism, and a thorough comprehension of the many factors influencing Africa’s economic environment.
The smooth launch of trade under the AfCFTA framework on January 1, 2021, has been one of the major accomplishments during HE Wamkele Mene’s leadership. This momentous occasion heralded a new age of economic integration and potential for the continent, representing the culmination of years of negotiations and preparations.
The anticipated benefits of the AfCFTA include increased intra-African trade, investment stimulation, job creation, and competitiveness due to the elimination of tariffs on 90% of goods traded inside the continent and the facilitation of customs cooperation.
H.E Wamkele Mene has also played a significant role in advancing initiatives to improve the institutional capability and operational efficacy of the AfCFTA. He oversaw the AfCFTA Secretariat’s founding in Accra, Ghana, and spearheaded efforts to improve its technical capabilities, governance framework, and organizational structure. Employing focused initiatives aimed at enhancing capability, engaging with stakeholders, and forming strategic alliances, he has endeavored to furnish African nations with the necessary instruments and assets to capitalize on the prospects supplied by the AfCFTA.
HE Wamkele Mene has highlighted actions meant to eliminate the obstacles preventing the full realization of the potential of the AfCFTA, in addition to his focus on trade liberalization. The significance of tackling non-tariff obstacles, improving trade facilitation measures, advancing digitalization and e-commerce, and cultivating inclusive growth that benefits all societal sectors has been underscored by him. He has worked to guarantee that African nations may fully profit from intra-African trade by supporting policies that encourage industrialization, value addition, and diversification.
The African Union member states’ trust in HE Wamkele Mene’s leadership is demonstrated by their reappointment, which also highlights their commitment to advancing the AfCFTA agenda. It also emphasizes how crucial stability and continuity are to advancing the adoption of revolutionary projects that have the power to completely alter the economic landscape of Africa. HE Wamkele Mene is facing a fresh set of opportunities and difficulties as he begins his second term in office. These include the need to expedite the ratification and implementation of the AfCFTA agreement, enhance regional integration, address infrastructure deficiencies, encourage sustainable development, and navigate the dynamic global economic landscape.
Looking ahead, HE Wamkele Mene’s leadership will be instrumental in consolidating the gains achieved thus far and unlocking the full potential of the AfCFTA to drive Africa’s economic transformation. By fostering collaboration, innovation, and inclusive growth, he has the opportunity to leave a lasting legacy that will benefit present and future generations of Africans. As Africa embarks on the journey towards recovery and resilience, HE Wamkele Mene’s vision, determination, and strategic leadership will continue to be invaluable assets in shaping a brighter future for the continent.
