AfCFTA Chief Challenges Intra-Africa Trade Figures, Rallies Business Support for IATF 2025

Wamkele Mene, the Secretary-General of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), has cast doubt on widely cited statistics that peg intra-African trade at a mere 15%. Speaking at the Ghana Roadshow for the 2025 Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF) in Accra, he emphasized that these numbers likely underestimate the true extent of trade across the continent, particularly due to informal transactions and incomplete data on services.

Mene noted that the lack of formal record-keeping and the scale of informal cross-border exchanges obscure the real economic activity happening within Africa. He argued that more accurate data collection could unveil a much healthier intra-continental trade landscape, which would support the AfCFTA’s broader goals of integration and economic self-reliance.

Highlighting AfCFTA’s mission, Mene stressed the importance of shifting away from raw material exports and toward industrialisation and value addition within Africa. He outlined efforts to build regional value chains and industrial hubs that encourage manufacturing and specialized production within member states.

He also called attention to the removal of non-tariff barriers and trade restrictions as a critical move toward stimulating regional economic activity. By creating a more seamless trade environment, he said, African countries can become more competitive, attract investment, and retain more value from their resources.

Looking ahead to the 2025 Intra-African Trade Fair in Algiers, Mene said the event will be a vital platform for forging business partnerships and demonstrating the practical benefits of the AfCFTA agreement. With dedicated spaces for live consultations and showcases, he described IATF2025 as a cornerstone in realizing Africa’s vision of inclusive, sustainable prosperity.

Source: Citi newsroom