In Focus: Unpacking Africa’s economic project (AfCFTA)

Africa’s ability to trade freely, easily and profitably holds the key to its prosperity. The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) is a flagship economic project under Agenda 2063 of the African Union. It aims to accelerate intra- African trade and boost Africa’s trading position in the global market by strengthening Africa’s common voice and policy space in global trade negotiations. The question here is: Will this agreement make this a reality for the population of Africa today or only future generations? In this interview, H.E. Wamkele Mene, Secretary- General of the AfCFTA Secretariat, shares how implementing the agreement is critical to Africa’s economic growth considering the financial effects of the COVID-19 pandemic that have risen since 2020.