AfCFTA Secretary-General highlights strengthening Korea–Africa trade and investment partnership
Date: 2026-06-01
By: Nana Appiah Acquaye
The
Secretary-General of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), H.E.
Wamkele Mene, has underscored the growing strategic partnership between Africa
and the Republic of Korea, with emphasis on trade, investment,
industrialization, digital transformation, and sustainable development.
Speaking
at the 2026 Korea–Africa Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, H.E. Mene noted that
significant progress has been made in the implementation of the AfCFTA,
particularly through the adoption of key protocols on investment, intellectual
property rights, and digital trade. He said these frameworks are laying the
foundation for a more integrated and competitive African market.
He
emphasized that Africa’s expanding digital economy, ongoing customs
modernization initiatives, small and medium-sized enterprise development, and
green industrialization agenda present substantial opportunities for enhanced
cooperation between Africa and Korea.
According
to him, these priority areas provide a strong basis for deepening economic
collaboration and fostering mutually beneficial partnerships that support
inclusive growth and industrial transformation.
H.E.
Mene further stated that with intra-African trade projected to increase
significantly over the coming decade, Africa remains committed to strengthening
external partnerships that support shared prosperity.
He
reaffirmed Africa’s readiness to work closely with the Republic of Korea to
unlock opportunities in trade, innovation, and sustainable economic
development, within the framework of the AfCFTA.
