Accra, Ghana, 1 February 2025 – At the Africa Prosperity Dialogues 2025, AfCFTA Secretary-General, H.E. Wamkele Mene, underscored the progress made in advancing intra-African trade, highlighting three key initiatives that continue to drive economic integration and facilitate seamless trade under the AfCFTA framework.

H.E. Mene reaffirmed the significance of the Pan-African Payments and Settlements System (PAPSS), developed in partnership with Afreximbank, in enhancing cross-border transactions. By enabling payments in local currencies, PAPSS is reducing trade costs and improving financial connectivity across African economies.

He also highlighted the AfCFTA Adjustment Fund, a financing mechanism designed to support African nations in fully integrating into the AfCFTA’s single market. The fund provides targeted financial assistance to address infrastructure gaps and support competitiveness, ensuring that State Parties maximise the benefits of AfCFTA.

Additionally, H.E. Mene emphasised the role of the Digital Trade Protocol in strengthening Africa’s digital economy. By providing a structured legal framework for e-commerce, fintech, and digital trade, the protocol enhances regulatory certainty and promotes digital transformation across the continent.

H.E. Mene reiterated that these initiatives, collectively, are instrumental in fostering deeper economic integration, strengthening trade resilience, and positioning Africa as a competitive player in the global economy.