The Secretary-General of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), Wamkele Mene, has described the upcoming Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF2025) as a defining moment for Africa’s economic future, urging businesses across the continent to seize the opportunity.
Speaking at a roadshow event hosted at the Kempinski Hotel in Accra on Tuesday, Mr. Mene declared, “All roads lead to Algiers,” referencing the host city of IATF2025, set to take place in September.
“It is Africa’s premier trade and investment event — a marketplace of ideas, opportunities, and partnerships,” he stated. “A catalyst for turning the promise of the AfCFTA into concrete outcomes: trade deals signed, investments mobilised, and jobs created.”
The IATF2025, organized by the AfCFTA Secretariat in partnership with Afreximbank and the African Union, is expected to draw thousands of businesses, investors, and policymakers from across the continent.
Mr. Mene positioned it as a practical springboard for Africa’s trade integration, not just another summit.
“At the Fair, we will showcase the AfCFTA’s real achievements,” he noted. “This is where we translate vision into action.”
With intra-African trade still hovering at 15%—far below Europe’s 70%, Asia’s 60%, and North America’s 40%—Mr. Mene warned that Africa cannot afford “business as usual.”
“For too long, Africa’s share of global trade has stagnated at just 3%,” he said. “We have historically exported raw materials and re-imported finished goods. The AfCFTA is fundamentally changing this paradigm.”
He outlined ongoing efforts to remove tariffs, dismantle non-tariff barriers, and establish production networks across borders. These, he said, are no longer theoretical goals but concrete actions already in motion.
“We are incentivising industries to process and add value on the continent,” Mr. Mene added. “More intermediate and finished goods are beginning to move across African borders.”
Urging Ghanaian businesses to participate actively, he described IATF2025 as a once-in-a-generation opportunity.
“Whether you’re an exporter, investor, or entrepreneur looking to scale, this is your gateway to new partnerships and lucrative deals,” he said.
Mr. Mene also called for stronger collaboration between governments, private sector actors, and financial institutions to unlock Africa’s trade potential. He highlighted key sectors such as agribusiness, energy, automotive, and manufacturing as drivers of regional value chains.
“By working together, we can reduce post-harvest losses, create sustainable jobs, and ensure food security,” he said, adding that institutions like Afreximbank will play a crucial role in funding and facilitating these initiatives.
Mr. Mene concluded with a rallying cry for unity and ambition.
“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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