Secretary-General Wamkele Mene's Reappointment Marks Key Milestone as AU Adopts the Protocol on Digital Trade

Secretary-General Wamkele Mene's Reappointment Marks Key Milestone as AU Adopts the Protocol on Digital Trade

• Commercial
• February 20, 2024

AfCFTA Secretary-General Wamkele Mene's Reappointment Marks Key Milestone as AU Adopts the Protocol on Digital Trade

Introduction:

H.E Wamkele Mene, the Secretary-General of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat, has been reappointed for another four-year term. His reappointment, which took place on 18 February 2024, marks a pivotal moment in Africa's economic agenda and coincides with the African Union’s adoption of the Protocol on Digital Trade during its 37th Assembly Summit.

Press Conference by Secretary-General Wamkele Mene:

Mr. Mene held a press conference during the African Union (AU) Summit; he shared a comprehensive overview of the Secretariat's efforts in advancing the AU’s 2023 theme, 'Acceleration of AfCFTA implementation,' and achieving its objectives. Against the backdrop of his re-election, the Secretary-General outlined key achievements and challenges shaping Africa's trade landscape.

Key Highlights from the Press Conference:

During the briefing, Secretary-General Mene emphasized significant progress in promoting gender parity and youth representation within the AfCFTA Secretariat, showcasing a dedication to inclusive economic governance. Over 52% of the Secretariat’s staff is female and more than 36% of its employees reflect the youth demographic, aged 35 years or younger; this representation spans across all levels of the organization’s management, highlighting its commitment to diversity and inclusivity.

Moreover, the Secretary-General highlighted the expansion of commercially meaningful trade activities under AfCFTA, with the number of countries participating in the guided trade initiatives (GTI) increasing from seven to thirty-five. Notable examples of these activities include Cameroon importing ceramic tiles from Ghana, Tanzania exporting agricultural goods to Ghana and South Africa dispatching its inaugural AfCFTA consignments of various goods to Kenya and Ghana. He added that this growth signals a burgeoning intra-African trade ecosystem that is driving regional economic integration forward.

Mr. Mene addressed implementation challenges faced by certain AU member states, stressing the need for continued collaboration to overcome obstacles and achieve the AfCFTA's objectives. Specifically, he highlighted countries like Benin, Liberia, South Sudan, Sudan, Madagascar and Libya, which have yet to ratify the Agreement. Efforts such as ongoing discussions with South Sudan are underway to address these challenges, building upon the Secretariat’s earlier interventions such as the dispatch of a technical team to Madagascar. He also emphasized the urgent need to expedite advancements in ‘trade in services,’ particularly in sectors like tourism and financial services.

Adoption of the Protocol on Digital Trade:

Simultaneously, the AU's adoption of the Protocol on Digital Trade signifies a significant milestone in Africa's digital journey. Formalized during the 37th Assembly Summit, the protocol establishes a comprehensive framework that will govern digital trade activities across the continent, offering crucial insights into the region's progress towards economic integration and digital transformation. Covering areas such as e-commerce, digital services, data governance and cybersecurity, the protocol lays the foundation for a vibrant and inclusive digital economy in Africa.

Conclusion:

Secretary-General Wamkele Mene's press conference, held alongside the AU's adoption of the Protocol on Digital Trade, represents a pivotal moment in Africa's economic landscape. With a renewed focus on gender parity, youth empowerment and intra-African trade, Africa is poised for accelerated economic growth and digital innovation. As the continent navigates implementation challenges and embraces digital transformation, collaborative efforts and steadfast leadership will be critical in realizing the full potential of initiatives like AfCFTA, driving Africa towards prosperity and sustainable development.

This commitment to meaningful youth inclusion aligns perfectly with ICOYACA's mission to empower young entrepreneurs and connect them with opportunities under the AfCFTA. Through initiatives like the AfCFTA Youth Days, Youth Engage Series and other capacity building programs, ICOYACA is playing a crucial role in ensuring that young people are not left behind in Africa's digital and economic transformation.