By Ncaba Ntshakala
As means to accelerate economic development and harness the vast potential of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), Minister of Commerce, Industry, and Trade Mancoba Khumalo has announced the forthcoming official visit of His Excellency Wamkele Mene, the Secretary General of the AfCFTA Secretariat, to Eswatini.
The visit is scheduled to take place from 30th to 31st May 2024.
The Minister stated that the visit aims to establish a constructive dialogue on the implementation of the AfCFTA and explore avenues for leveraging its benefits for sustainable development.
Minister Mancoba Khumalo expressed the significance of Mene’s visit, where the Minister emphasized its importance in engaging stakeholders from both the public and private sectors, including Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), women, and youth.
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The visit is said to present a unique opportunity to discuss strategies for maximizing the potential of the AfCFTA as a catalyst for economic growth amidst evolving geopolitical and economic dynamics.
Minister Khumalo said that also central to the agenda of Mene’s visit is the promotion of exporting under the AfCFTA framework.
He highlighted the vast market opportunities presented by the AfCFTA, boasting a combined population of 1.3 billion people and a market share of E24.2 trillion (US$1.3 trillion).
The Misister stated that by engaging with traders and potential traders, Mene will further shed light on the impeccable benefits of participating in intra-Africa trade. He also emphasized the importance of inclusivity and empowerment for all stakeholders from the engagement.
The Minister of Commerce, beyond market access, has emphasized that the AfCFTA addresses critical issues such as Intellectual Property, Competition Policy, Digital Trade, and the participation of MSMEs, women, and youth in trade.
He said these factors are pivotal in facilitating trade and ensuring equitable distribution of benefits for the advancement of all emaSwati.
As part of the visit, the AfCFTA Secretariat will schedule a meeting with the private sector on 31st May 2024, where he will provide an opportunity for meaningful engagement and collaboration.
Khumalo has assured stakeholders that all necessary details would be communicated through official channels to ensure a great and productive dialogue.
Further, Minister Mancoba Khumalo urged all relevant stakeholders to prepare for Mene’s visit and seize the unique opportunity to contribute to the development and growth of Eswatini’s economy through the AfCFTA.
About AfCFTA Secretary General H.E Wamkele Mene
He was elected as the first Secretary General of the African Continental Free Trade Area Secretariat.
Mene was born and raised in Uitenhage, Eastern Cape Province in South Africa. He graduated with a B.A in Law from the Rhodes University.
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He then obtained an M.A. in International Studies and Diplomacy from the School of Oriental & African Studies and an LL.M in Banking Law and Financial Regulation from the London School of Economics and Political Science.
The Secretary General before assuming the AfCFTA office, served as the Head of Mission to the World Trade Organisation for South Africa.
He later Chaired the Committee on International Trade in Financial Services at the World Trade Organisation.
He was also the Chief Director for Africa Economic Relations in South Africa’s Department of Trade and Industry and South Africa’s lead negotiator in the African Continental Free Trade Agreement.
