Sharjah, United Arab Emirates, 23 October 2025. The AfCFTA Secretariat participated in the 29th World Investment Conference (WIC) of the World Association of Investment Promotion Agencies (WAIPA) in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates, led by H.E. Wamkele Mene, Secretary-General of the AfCFTA Secretariat.

A key milestone of the conference was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the AfCFTA Secretariat and WAIPA, represented by its Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Ismail Ersahin. This strategic collaboration aims to strengthen cooperation on investment promotion and facilitation, enhance capacity-building for State Party Investment Promotion Agencies, and support the development of a pipeline of sustainable, bankable projects across the continent.

During the session “Global Leaders’ Insights: Investing in an Age of Global Transition,” H.E. Mene underscored the urgency of moving Africa’s continental market from potential to participation under the AfCFTA. He called for a new model of investment diplomacy connecting capital to opportunity across the Global South and identified the AfCFTA Protocol on Investment as Africa’s roadmap for resilient, predictable and inclusive investment flows.

He also highlighted emerging opportunities in the green transition, including renewable energy, green hydrogen and critical minerals value addition, areas key to shifting Africa from resource extraction to industrialisation. H.E. Mene further noted the commitment of African financial institutions to mobilise funds for large-scale industrial investments, reinforcing the continent’s bankability and competitiveness.

The AfCFTA Secretariat looks forward to working closely with WAIPA and partners to unlock transformative investments that advance industrialisation, climate resilience and sustainable development across Africa.