On Thursday, 19 September 2024, in Midrand, South Africa, the Secretary General of the AfCFTA Secretariat, H.E. Wamkele Mene, delivered a presentation on the state of implementation of the AfCFTA Agreement to the 12th Conference of Speakers of African National and Regional Parliaments. The Conference, which runs from 18 to 20 September 2024, provides a platform for the promotion of ratification, domestication, and implementation of the African Union’s legal and political instruments.
During his address, H.E. Mene emphasised the pivotal role that parliamentarians play in ensuring full participation in the AfCFTA, noting that 54 African countries have signed the Agreement, with 48 of those having ratified it. “We are striving for full participation, an area where Honourable Members of Parliament can play a pivotal role in ensuring that all African countries and their citizens reap the benefits of the Agreement,” he said.
H.E. Mene further highlighted the importance of active involvement by African legislative institutions in advancing the vision of a single continental trade market. He urged parliaments to advocate for increased funding for AfCFTA implementation through national budgets, support the African Union’s economic integration efforts, and promote participation by youth and women.
The Secretary General also underscored the vital partnership between the AfCFTA and the Pan-African Parliament (PAP), stating that PAP plays a strategic role in legislative oversight that ensures the effective implementation of continental priorities at the national level.
The session concluded with an interactive discussion, where Speakers of African regional and national parliaments raised questions on issues such as transport costs, cross-border payments, the ratification of newly adopted protocols, and the free movement of people, particularly businesspersons.
Right Honourable Chief Fortune Charumbira, President of PAP, reiterated PAP’s commitment to supporting the implementation of the AfCFTA and called for strengthened collaboration with the AfCFTA Secretariat.
