Cotonou, Benin, 23 November 2024-The 12th edition of the Pan African Corporates Awards 2024, hosted by Pan African Corporates Magazine, celebrated excellence in African leadership and innovation. The AfCFTA Secretariat and its Secretary-General, H.E. Wamkele Mene, were honoured with two prestigious awards, recognising their contributions to advancing Africa’s economic integration.

Representing H.E. Wamkele Mene, the Chief of Staff of the AfCFTA Secretariat delivered opening remarks. He commended the magazine’s efforts to spotlight the AfCFTA and urged continued advocacy, particularly among Africa’s micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), which are crucial to the AfCFTA’s success. He further emphasised the Secretariat’s readiness to collaborate with the Government of the Republic of Benin to facilitate the country’s ratification of the AfCFTA Agreement. Benin’s participation, he noted, would mark an essential step in the continent’s collective journey toward deeper economic integration.

The event underscored the pivotal role of private sector engagement in the AfCFTA’s implementation, highlighting tools like the Pan African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) and the AfCFTA Adjustment Fund, which are designed to bolster intra-African trade and foster inclusive growth.

As the awards celebrated excellence and collaboration, the AfCFTA Secretariat reaffirmed its commitment to creating “The Africa We Want” under Agenda 2063.