9 April, Accra, Ghana — AfCFTA Secretary-General, H.E. Wamkele Mene, received H.E. Wael Fathy, Ambassador of the Arab Republic of Egypt to Ghana, on a courtesy visit.

During the meeting, H.E. Wael Fathy extended an invitation for the AfCFTA Secretariat to actively participate in the upcoming Egypt–Ghana Virtual Business Forum under the AfCFTA framework, scheduled for 29 April 2026. Discussions also explored the convening of a business summit on the margins of the African Union Mid-Year Summit, to be held in El Alamein, Egypt, in June 2026.

The Secretary-General briefed the Ambassador on the progress of AfCFTA implementation, highlighting encouraging developments in intra-African trade volumes and the issuance of Certificates of Origin by State Parties.

Both parties emphasised the importance of elevating trade and investment discussions at the highest level to address persistent challenges, including the cost of trade, cross-border payments, and access to trade finance.

The Secretary-General also commended Egypt’s leadership in advancing the AfCFTA agenda, particularly in finalising key protocols, including Rules of Origin (notably in automotive and textiles) and Intellectual Property Rights.

The meeting reaffirmed the shared commitment to strengthening trade and investment ties under the AfCFTA framework.