Secretary-General Wamkele Mene has called for accelerated development of Africa’s domestic markets during an official visit to Cameroon, warning that external trade disruptions necessitate pragmatic continental self-reliance.
Meeting Cameroon’s Trade Minister Luc Magloire Mbarga Atangana, Mene cited the uncertain future of initiatives like the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) and rising global protectionism as catalysts for change.
“Global trade headwinds compel us to build our own market,” Mene stated. “With leaders’ commitment, we can achieve this rapidly.” He positioned the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) as the foundation for a unified market, urging businesses to “invest in value chains, forge cross-border partnerships, and create jobs” rather than merely increasing trade volumes.
Substantial progress underpins this vision: 54 of 55 AU members have signed the agreement, with 49 ratifications representing 90.7% of signatories. The now-concluded Guided Trade Initiative facilitated tangible intra-African commerce in processed foods, textiles, and batteries. “These real shipments created real jobs, especially through women-led SMEs,” Mene emphasized, noting the initiative’s legacy will continue via AfCFTA structures and the new Biashara Africa Project.
Critical regulatory advances include finalized Schedules of Specific Commitments across five priority services sectors business, communications, finance, tourism, and transport with 24 adopted to date. Mene stressed such frameworks enable Cameroon and other nations to harness emerging opportunities within the continent’s $3.4 trillion market potential.
The push comes as external trade uncertainties intensify, with Mene positioning AfCFTA as both an economic shield and growth engine for African industrialization.
