South Africa started exporting under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) on Wednesday, a historic milestone to boost intra-Africa trade.
AfCFTA Secretary-General Wamkele Mene highlited the results of South African industry and innovation.
“We are forging a path of mutual growth and shared prosperity. This is a powerful instrument to promote meaningful, impactful trade that benefits all corners of our continent.” H.E. Wamkele Mene said.
The secretary-general said the AfCFTA Secretariat is fully committed to continue to build Africa’s trade network, with a primary focus to empower African companies to fully capitalize on the opportunities that arise, and by doing so,generate quality job opportunities for Africans.
The secretariat is determined to collaborate closely with member states, Regional Economic Communities (RECs), and all stakeholders on this journey. It is crucial that we harness the unique strengths of each country through cooperation, fostering economic integration, enhancing competitiveness, and promoting prosperity across the continent, added Mene.
“Given the vast opportunities presented by the AfCFTA, we have every reason to keep pushing boundaries in order to expand intra-African trade, strengthen the resilience of our economies, and foster a sense of trust that cuts across national borders,” he stated.
President Cyril Ramaphosa said the shipment demonstrated that AfCFTA had become a reality.
“We are in the port city of eThekwini taking forward the dream of an ever larger and ever stronger Africa. African countries trade with the rest of the world but we have limited trade among ourselves,” Ramaphosa said.
