AfCFTA Secretary-General Wamkele Mene called for concrete action to attract financing and deliver measurable impact across the continent. He made this statement at a Presidential Initiative on Climate Change, Renewable Energy and Food Security in Freetown, Sierra Leone. The initiative focused on finding integrated solutions for climate resilience, energy sustainability, and food security.
Mr. Mene underscored that Africa must translate strategic frameworks into programmes that can attract funding. He emphasized that these areas are critical for Africa’s long-term economic transformation under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Policymakers, development partners, and private sector actors attended the high-level meeting.
This push for practical implementation aligns with Ghana's broader economic goals of diversification and regional integration. Ghana, a signatory to the AfCFTA, stands to benefit from increased intra-African trade and investment. The country also faces similar challenges in climate change and food security, making such initiatives highly relevant. The AfCFTA aims to create a single market for goods and services across 54 African countries, boosting trade and economic growth.
“Regional cooperation and coordinated investment strategies remain central to achieving inclusive growth and industrialisation,” Mr. Mene stated. He highlighted the AfCFTA as a key enabler for harmonizing policies and facilitating market access. He stressed that aligning climate action, renewable energy development, and agricultural productivity with trade objectives will unlock new value chains.
Mr. Mene commended Sierra Leone for being the first State Party to launch a national AfCFTA Readiness Assessment Report in 2025. He described this report as a strategic document providing a clear roadmap for integrating Sierra Leone into the continental market. It identifies priority sectors, addresses trade barriers, and outlines investment opportunities. This demonstrates strong political will to translate AfCFTA opportunities into tangible national outcomes.
The Secretary-General acknowledged global challenges affecting Africa’s trade and development. These include economic uncertainty, supply chain disruptions, and the impacts of climate change. He reinforced the need for stronger regional integration, resilience-building, and economic diversification. The AfCFTA Secretariat committed to providing technical and strategic support to Sierra Leone.
Collaboration among governments, regional institutions, and the private sector will be critical for the AfCFTA's success. The message from Freetown calls for practical, scalable solutions that drive growth, create jobs, and improve livelihoods. Observers hope more countries will follow Sierra Leone's lead in implementing AfCFTA frameworks. This will ensure the agreement contributes effectively to Africa's development ambitions.