1 June 2026 – Speaking at the 2026 Korea–Africa Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, H.E. Wamkele Mene, Secretary-General of the AfCFTA Secretariat, highlighted the growing strategic partnership between Africa and the Republic of Korea, anchored on trade, investment, industrialisation, digital transformation and sustainable development.

In his remarks, H.E. Mene noted the significant progress made in implementing the AfCFTA, including the adoption of key Protocols on Investment, Intellectual Property Rights and Digital Trade, which are laying the foundation for a more integrated and competitive African market.

The Secretary-General emphasised that Africa’s digital economy, customs modernisation initiatives, SME development and green industrialisation agenda present major opportunities for deeper collaboration between Africa and Korea.

With intra-African trade projected to grow significantly in the coming decade, H.E. Mene reaffirmed Africa’s readiness to work with Korea to unlock shared prosperity through enhanced trade, innovation and sustainable economic growth.