Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – 13 December 2024: H.E. Wamkele Mene, Secretary-General of the AfCFTA Secretariat, participated in the first extraordinary meeting of the African Union (AU) Specialised Technical Committee on Trade, Tourism, Industry, and Minerals. The meeting brought together key stakeholders to address issues critical to the continent’s economic integration and to adopt a Continental Green Minerals Strategy.

In his address to the Ministers, H.E. Mene highlighted the AfCFTA’s pivotal role as the foundation for deeper continental integration. He emphasised that consolidating the gains of the AfCFTA should remain a priority, advocating for a phased approach with clear milestones and measurable progress. Such a strategy, he noted, would sustain momentum for economic integration while preparing the groundwork for future, deeper phases of collaboration.

As a key outcome of the meeting, the Ministers adopted a declaration urging Member States to accelerate the implementation of the AfCFTA before advancing to the establishment of a Customs Union. This decision underscores the commitment of African nations to fostering economic unity and harnessing the continent’s shared resources for sustainable development.