2 June 2026 – During the opening of the 2026 Korea–Africa Business Forum, H.E. Wamkele Mene, Secretary-General of the AfCFTA Secretariat, highlighted the evolution of Africa–Korea relations from traditional development cooperation to a strategic partnership driven by trade, investment, industrialisation and innovation.

In his remarks, H.E. Mene underscored the significant opportunities emerging under the AfCFTA across sectors such as automotive manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, critical minerals beneficiation and digital trade. He noted that Africa’s integrated market of 1.4 billion people, combined with the development of regional value chains, presents compelling opportunities for Korean businesses seeking to expand their presence on the continent.

The Secretary-General further emphasised that the AfCFTA Protocols on Investment and Digital Trade are creating greater certainty, predictability and market access for investors, strengthening Africa’s attractiveness as an investment destination.

H.E. Mene also called for deeper business-to-business partnerships and increased private sector engagement, reaffirming that Africa is open for business and ready to work with Korea to unlock mutually beneficial trade and investment opportunities that drive industrialisation, create jobs and deliver shared prosperity.