Kigali, Rwanda, 24 May 2026 – In commemoration of African Liberation Day, H.E. Wamkele Mene, Secretary-General of the AfCFTA Secretariat, delivered a keynote address at the 62nd African Liberation Day International Conference held in Kigali, Rwanda, organised by the Pan African Movement under the theme: “Assuring Sustainable Water Availability and Safe Sanitation Systems to Achieve the Goals of Agenda 2063: A People-Centred and Market-Driven Strategy.”

In his address, H.E. Mene underscored the importance of deepening Africa’s integration, industrialisation and inclusive economic growth through the implementation of the AfCFTA. He noted that intra-African trade surpassed US$220 billion in 2024, reflecting growing momentum towards a more connected and opportunity-driven continental market.

The Secretary-General emphasised that expanding intra-African trade and strengthening digital economies under the AfCFTA framework will continue to create opportunities for businesses, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), women, youth and smallholder farmers across the continent.

H.E. Mene also highlighted the importance of digital innovation, regional collaboration, industrialisation and the free movement of people in unlocking Africa’s full economic potential and advancing the aspirations of Agenda 2063, “The Africa We Want.”