Davos, Switzerland, 21 January 2025– H.E. Wamkele Mene, Secretary-General of the AfCFTA Secretariat, participated in a panel discussion titled “Africa’s Economy: Young and Fast” at the World Economic Forum in Davos. The session brought together key leaders, including H.E. Duma Gideon Boko, President of the Republic of Botswana, Ms. Leila Fourie, Group CEO of the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, and Mr. Samaila Zubairu, CEO of the Africa Finance Corporation, to explore strategies for Africa’s economic transformation.

The discussion focused on unlocking the potential of Africa’s young and dynamic population. H.E. Mene underscored the significance of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) in driving economic integration, highlighting the opportunities created by the adoption of the Digital Trade Protocol. He also emphasised the role of a robust digital economy in facilitating intra-African trade.

“By the year 2050, Africa will have the youngest workforce in the world. Africa’s digital economy is a very important aspect of the overall intra-Africa trade,” H.E. Mene stated, pointing to the critical need for investment in digital public infrastructure and data centres to harness this demographic advantage.

In addition, H.E. Mene stressed the importance of seamless and interoperable payment systems as a cornerstone for advancing financial inclusion and enabling efficient cross-border trade.

The panel highlighted Africa’s potential to lead global markets through innovation and strategic investments, reaffirming the commitment of stakeholders to sustainable development, regional integration, and economic growth.