Zvamaida Murwira
Senior Reporter
The African Continental Free Trade Area Secretary-General, Mr Wamkele Mene says the organisation remains on track to achieve its economic objectives despite challenges that include high transport costs and visa restrictions that inhibit the movement of traders.
Mr Mene said this while addressing the COMESA Summit at the New Parliament building in Mt Hampden.
He said while several countries had signed the protocol that established AfCTA, most countries are yet to gazette it into law in their respective countries.
Mr Mene said member countries need to ratify the AfCTA to deepen trade for the benefit of African citizens.
“We are moving in the right direction despite the challenges that remain, which include the cost of trade finance, the deficit of infrastructure that enables trade, the cost of transport and logistics, and overly restrictive visa restrictions that inhibit the movement of business persons,” said Mr Mene.
“Despite all of these challenges, in 2026 we project that Africa’s intra-Africa trade shall be valued at $230 billion, an increase of 10 percent.”
He said the AfCFTA Secretariat remains fully committed to working with COMESA and Member States to deliver the priorities set out by Heads of State and Government.
Mr Mene said it is critical to make AfCFTA functional and meet its objectives.
“It is essential to make the African Continental Free Trade Area a fully functional market that delivers tangible commercial opportunities and jobs, opportunities for young people, the private sector, and our citizens across the continent.
“COMESA is a leading model of market integration, leveraging trade instruments and reinsurance facilities that enable trade,” said Mr Mene.
