Weekly Recipient: Mr. Wamkele Mene

With great pride and honour, let's congratulate Mr Wamkele Mene on his reappointment as the Secretary-General for the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat by the Authority of Heads and Governments of the African Union (AU).

During the African Union’s 37th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of States and Government in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Mr. Mene was unanimously elected for a second term, signifying the utmost confidence and trust placed in his leadership.

The AU's decision to extend Mr. Mene's tenure underscores their unwavering commitment to realizing the collective vision of "the Africa we want," as outlined in Agenda 2063. As the inaugural Secretary-General since 2020, Mr. Mene has demonstrated exceptional dedication to fostering the implementation of the world's largest free trade area, overseeing its growth and facilitating its mission.

Under Mr. Mene's stewardship, significant strides have been made towards advancing the AfCFTA's objectives. Notably, 47 countries have ratified and deposited their instruments of ratification, marking a pivotal moment in African economic integration.

In a concerted effort to expedite the trade agreement's execution, the Secretariat spearheaded initiatives like the Guided Trade Initiative (GTI), enabling nations like Ghana and seven others to meet trade requirements efficiently. Furthermore, collaborative efforts with the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) resulted in the launch of the Pan-African Payment & Settlement System - PAPSS , simplifying transactions across the continent.

Crucially, negotiations on Rules of Origin, a fundamental aspect of the AfCFTA framework, have reached an impressive 88.3% completion, showcasing Mr. Mene's adept negotiation skills and strategic leadership.

Prior to his tenure as Secretary-General, Mr. Mene's illustrious career path speaks volumes of his expertise and dedication to advancing Africa's economic interests. Mr Mene, served as the Chief Director of the Africa Economic Relations at the Department of Trade and Industry, South Africa, where he acted as the negotiator in the AfCFTA and Tripartite FTA negotiations.?

He also worked as the Director for International Trade and Investment Law at the Department of Trade and Industry.?He represented South Africa at the World Trade Organization (WTO) in Geneva, Switzerland and was elected as the Chairman of WTO’s Committee on International Trade in Financial Services.?

His roles in the Department of Trade and Industry, South Africa, and representation at the World Trade Organization (WTO) underscore his profound commitment to African economic development and global trade cooperation.

Mr. Mene's academic background, including a Bachelor of Arts degree in Law from the Rhodes University and a master’s degree in international studies and diplomacy from the School of Oriental and African Studies, London, as well as a Master of Laws (LL.M) degree in Banking Law and Financial Regulations from the London School of Economics and Political Science, further enriches his qualifications and ability to navigate complex economic landscapes.

In celebrating Mr. Wamkele Mene 's reappointment, let's express our deepest gratitude for his exemplary leadership and unwavering commitment to the advancement of African economic integration. With his continued guidance, we are confident in the realization of our shared vision for a prosperous and #UnitedAfrica.

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