Lagos, Nigeria, 9 June 2026 – H.E. Wamkele Mene, Secretary-General of the AfCFTA Secretariat, participated in a fireside chat at Invest Lagos 3.0, where he discussed the current state of AfCFTA implementation and the opportunities emerging from Africa’s increasingly integrated market.
During the discussion, H.E. Mene noted that the AfCFTA has moved from negotiation to implementation, with tariff liberalisation progressing, Rules of Origin negotiations substantially concluded and businesses increasingly trading under AfCFTA preferences. He highlighted that intra-African trade is projected to reach approximately US$230 billion in 2026, with industrial and manufactured products accounting for an increasing share of regional trade.
The Secretary-General emphasised that the AfCFTA should be viewed not only as a trade agreement, but as a platform for industrialisation, investment and regional value-chain development. He highlighted growing opportunities across sectors including agro-processing, pharmaceuticals, automotive manufacturing, logistics, digital services and critical minerals beneficiation.
Discussions also focused on the role of digital trade, regulatory harmonisation and trade facilitation in accelerating implementation of the Agreement. H.E. Mene noted that digital platforms, interoperable payment systems, customs modernisation and harmonised regulations are helping reduce the cost of doing business and enabling firms to participate more effectively in regional markets.
The Secretary-General further underscored the importance of strengthening regional value chains, investing in trade-enabling infrastructure and expanding private sector participation. He stressed that the success of the AfCFTA will ultimately be measured by the number of businesses trading across borders, investments mobilised, factories established and jobs created across the continent.
H.E. Mene also highlighted Lagos’ growing importance as a gateway for trade, investment and business connectivity in Africa, noting the critical role of investors, entrepreneurs and business leaders in translating the opportunities created by the AfCFTA into tangible economic outcomes.
The AfCFTA Secretariat’s participation in Invest Lagos 3.0 reflects its continued commitment to engaging directly with the private sector and promoting investment, industrialisation and economic integration across Africa.
