Nairobi, Kenya, 7 November 2024– H.E. Wamkele Mene, Secretary-General of the AfCFTA Secretariat, presided over the TradeConnect Africa Initiative Launch and Flag-Off Ceremony, celebrating the first shipment by a Kenyan AfCFTA Trading Company under the AfCFTA framework. This milestone consignment included essential goods such as cooking oil, fertiliser, wheat, flour, rice, and packaged juice, all sourced from Kenyan MSMEs and dispatched to the Democratic Republic of Congo, South Sudan, and Zambia.

The TradeConnect Africa Initiative is a transformative project dedicated to boosting intra-African trade by linking manufacturers, SMEs, and exporters across the continent. Through the initiative, African SMEs gain access to critical resources, including capital, logistics, and market connections, enabling them to navigate trade, finance, and logistical challenges more effectively. Over the next 12 months, the initiative, led by Real Sources Africa, aims to mobilise and transport 1,000 containers of diverse products throughout Africa, advancing economic growth and integration within the AfCFTA framework.

In his remarks, H.E. Mene underscored the importance of this initiative in fostering economic integration and creating opportunities for African SMEs. “This is a significant milestone in our efforts to enhance intra-Africa trade,” he stated. “We commit the AfCFTA Secretariat to supporting this initiative and others, ensuring we do all we can for their success.”

The launch exemplifies the AfCFTA’s mission to expand market access for SMEs, strengthen economic collaboration, and build robust trade connectivity across Africa, fostering sustainable development for businesses across the continent.