Lagos, Nigeria, 9 June 2026 – Speaking at the Invest Lagos 3.0 Summit, H.E. Wamkele Mene, Secretary-General of the AfCFTA Secretariat, underscored the strategic role of cities and sub-sovereign governments in translating continental policy into tangible economic outcomes.
Addressing investors, entrepreneurs and business leaders, the Secretary-General noted that while the AfCFTA is negotiated by sovereign states, its success is ultimately realised in the cities, trade corridors and commercial ecosystems where trade and investment take place. He highlighted Lagos as one of Africa’s leading examples of how infrastructure, innovation and private sector dynamism can support economic transformation and regional integration.
H.E. Mene observed that intra-African trade is projected to reach approximately US$230 billion in 2026, reflecting growing momentum in industrialisation, value addition and the development of regional value chains across the continent. He noted that industrial and manufactured products are accounting for an increasing share of regional trade, signalling important progress towards diversification and productive transformation.
The Secretary-General further highlighted the growing importance of gateway cities such as Lagos in attracting investment, supporting enterprise development, strengthening infrastructure and connecting African economies to global markets. He noted that Africa’s projected economic growth of 4.2 per cent in 2026 will depend not only on national policies but also on the ability of cities and sub-sovereign governments to position local economies to benefit from opportunities created by the AfCFTA.
H.E. Mene also welcomed Nigeria’s hosting of the 5th Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF2027), which is expected to attract more than 100,000 participants and facilitate approximately US$50 billion in trade and investment opportunities. He noted that the event reflects Lagos’ growing significance as a gateway for trade, investment and business connectivity across Africa.
The AfCFTA Secretariat’s participation in Invest Lagos 3.0 reflects its continued commitment to engaging with investors, businesses and policymakers to advance Africa’s integration, industrialisation and economic development agenda.
