By Esther Ososanya
The Secretary General of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), Wamkele Mene, has called for urgent action to unlock the power of digital trade across the continent.
Speaking at a side event during the 32nd Afreximbank Annual Meetings in Abuja, Mene described digital trade as one of the most promising tools to drive intra-African commerce, boost innovation, and attract critical investment.
He noted that global efforts to establish digital trade rules, particularly under the World Trade Organisation have stalled, further slowed by the COVID-19 pandemic. In light of these setbacks, Mene emphasized the importance of Africa building its own digital trade framework to ensure secure, seamless, and sovereign data flows across national borders.
According to Mene, strategic investment in digital infrastructure, especially data centers, will be crucial to creating new jobs and empowering Africa’s youth. He argued that the development of a robust digital economy would significantly enhance Africa’s competitiveness and reduce its dependence on external systems, positioning the continent for sustainable economic transformation.
Urge African Governments to Take Action
Mene urged African governments to move swiftly in enacting policies that support digital infrastructure, data governance, and cybersecurity. “Digital trade reduces barriers, drives innovation, and opens new frontiers for economic growth,” he said, warning that Africa cannot afford to be a bystander in the digital revolution.
Mene commended Prof. Benedict Oramah, President and Chairman of Afreximbank, for his leadership in supporting Africa’s economic development.
He noted that Afreximbank had been instrumental to the success of AfCFTA, a landmark initiative to establish a single, integrated market for goods and services across Africa.
He described the establishment and operationalisation of the AfCFTA as one of the most ambitious and transformative milestones toward continental integration since the independence era.
Mene outlined several areas of progress, noting 49 countries had ratified the AfCFTA Agreement, representing 90.7 per cent of signatories.
“Tariff reductions and simplified customs procedures are easing trade. Meaningful trade is underway, with businesses benefiting from reduced or zero tariffs.
“Progress is also evident in services trade, including finance, retail, telecommunications, and tourism.”
He noted the adoption of key protocols covering investment, intellectual property, competition policy, digital trade, and the inclusion of women and youth in trade.
Mene emphasised that the AfCFTA was more than a trade agreement; it was a framework for inclusive and sustainable growth, especially for small-scale traders, women, and youth.
Esther Ososanya is an investigative journalist with Pinnacle Daily, reporting across health, business, environment, metro, Fct and crime. Known for her bold, empathetic storytelling, she uncovers hidden truths, challenges broken systems, and gives voice to overlooked Nigerians. Her work drives national conversations and demands accountability one powerful story at a time.
