New York, United States – September 26, 2024 – The Secretary General of the AfCFTA Secretariat, H.E. Wamkele Mene was a special guest at the World Leaders Forum at Columbia University in New York, United States. During the event, H.E. Mene delivered a presentation on the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) as a developmental free trade agreement, following an introduction by Columbia University’s president, Katrina Armstrong.

In his address, H.E. Mene highlighted that an excessive focus on the mercantilist aspect of trade has fuelled criticism of globalisation. He pointed out that the AfCFTA, with its pioneering protocol on women and youth in trade, stands as a testament to the inclusivity prioritised by African Union Heads of State and government.

He further discussed how the AfCFTA differs from the multilateral trading system by incorporating provisions for intellectual property rights protection. At the same time, the protocol allows for exceptions in cases of public health emergencies. “Patent protection cannot come at the cost of human lives during a pandemic,” the Secretary General underscored, illustrating the flexibility built into the AfCFTA framework.

H.E. Mene concluded by reaffirming that the AfCFTA embodies Africa’s long-held aspirations—aspirations that are often overlooked by the multilateral trading system.

The World Leaders Forum is an ongoing series of high-level events designed to promote dialogue on key economic, political, and social issues. The Forum has hosted many Heads of State and other prominent leaders from various regions and fields worldwide.