The Secretary-General of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), Mr. Wamkele Mene, has issued a compelling call to action, urging stronger and more strategic US-Africa trade relations in the face of rising global instability and shifting trade dynamics.
Speaking during the U.S.–Africa Business Summit, Mene warned that the world is grappling with turbulent times marked by deepening geopolitical tensions, fragmented supply chains, and inconsistently applied trade rules. According to him, these disruptions are having a materially adverse impact on the global trade and investment environment, affecting both developed and developing economies.
Mene highlighted the importance of the Africa Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), emphasizing its historic role in fostering mutually beneficial trade and investment ties between the United States and African countries. He noted that over the years, AGOA has supported a range of stakeholders across the continent—from smallholder farmers and manufacturers to international investors—creating jobs and contributing to industrial development.
He stressed that Africa’s current objective is to intensify continental integration and ensure stability and predictability in trade relations. This is especially important in the evolving global context where dependable trade frameworks are needed to protect growth and development.
“The objective for the African continent is to deepen continental integration, ensuring continuity and predictability of trade, particularly trade between the United States and African countries in the context of the above,” Mene said.
He called on the United States to engage decisively and constructively with African partners to help reinforce the multilateral trading system. Mene emphasized that a rules-based global trade framework, anchored by institutions such as the World Trade Organization, is essential to ensuring fairness, safeguarding market access, and supporting both large and small economies.
Mene’s remarks come at a critical time when global economic uncertainty and competition are forcing nations to reevaluate trade alliances and economic priorities. His call underscores the urgency of strengthening ties between Africa and the U.S. in a way that supports inclusive development, economic resilience, and shared prosperity.
