The Secretary-General of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), Wamkele Mene, has called for accelerated industrialisation across the continent, stressing that Africa’s economic transformation depends on building competitive industries, creating jobs and strengthening regional value chains.
Speaking at the 9th SADC Industrialisation Week in Durban, South Africa, Mr Mene said the next phase of the AfCFTA is focused on implementation, with greater emphasis on industrial development, value addition and expanding intra-African trade.
He noted that Africa must move beyond exporting raw materials and instead invest in manufacturing and processing industries that add value to the continent’s abundant natural resources. According to him, industrialisation remains the pathway to attracting investment, generating employment and delivering shared prosperity for African citizens.
Mr Mene emphasised that the AfCFTA provides an unprecedented opportunity for African businesses to scale up production, access new markets and compete effectively across borders within a unified continental market.
He further highlighted the importance of strengthening regional value chains, encouraging collaboration among African countries to boost productivity, enhance competitiveness and promote sustainable economic growth.
The AfCFTA Secretary-General reaffirmed the vision of creating “One African Market,” describing it as a platform that unlocks endless possibilities for businesses, entrepreneurs and investors while advancing Africa’s long-term development agenda.
The 9th SADC Industrialisation Week brought together policymakers, business leaders and development partners to discuss strategies for accelerating industrialisation and deepening regional economic integration in Southern Africa and across the continent.
