Accra, Ghana//-On June 10, 2025, the Kempinski Hotel in Accra hosted a significant event as His Excellency Wamkele Mene, Secretary-General of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat, delivered an inspiring address at the Ghana Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF) Business Roadshow.
This occasion represents a crucial milestone on the path toward IATF2025, which is scheduled to be held in Algiers, Algeria, from 4th to 10th September.
Expressing gratitude to the Government of Ghana and AfreximBank for organising the event, Mene emphasised the importance of raising awareness and engagement surrounding IATF2025, particularly in Ghana, which proudly hosts the AfCFTA Secretariat.
“Our presence here underscores a shared commitment to ensure that awareness and engagement around IATF2025 are elevated,” he said.
Mene highlighted the IATF as Africa’s premier trade and investment platform, designed to foster connections among businesses, investors, and governments.
“As we work to scale up intra-African trade, build regional value chains, and accelerate industrialisation, the IATF serves as a key platform for connecting African businesses, investors, governments, and innovators.” He added.
He further emphasised that the fair is crucial for transforming the promise of the AfCFTA into tangible outcomes, including trade deals, mobilised investments, and job creation.
The Secretary-General pointed out that Africa’s share of global trade has stagnated at around 3%, while other regions trade extensively within themselves, with Europe at 70%, Asia at 60%, and North America at 40%. He stressed that stronger trade performance is essential for lifting millions out of poverty across the continent.
“The AfCFTA is designed to transform the continent’s economic landscape by fostering regional and continental value chains,” he explained.
Mene underscored the AfCFTA’s role in changing the paradigm of African trade from an extractive model to one that emphasises value addition within the continent. By dismantling trade barriers and fostering production networks, the agreement encourages industries to specialise and process goods on African soil. This strategic shift aims to diversify economies and reduce dependence on volatile commodities.
The roadshow also aimed to equip Ghanaian businesses with vital information regarding Afreximbank’s comprehensive suite of products and facilities, enabling them to seize opportunities under the AfCFTA. Mr. Mene urged all Ghanaian businesses to actively participate in IATF2025.
“It is your gateway to forging new partnerships, securing lucrative deals, and playing your part in building a truly integrated and prosperous Africa.” He noted
As the event drew to a close, Mr Mene emphasised that the IATF2025 edition is currently being shaped and called for a collaborative effort to make it the most successful. Meanwhile, the roadshow remains a vital step toward realising the continent’s economic potential and ensuring that African nations thrive through increased trade and investment.
Business Roadshow
Instructively, the Ghana IATF2025 Business Roadshow is one of several events planned across the continent, ahead of the IATF2025 that will be held in Algiers, Algeria, from 4 – 10 September 2025.
The IATF2025 is the fourth edition of IATF, Africa’s premier trade and investment event that is held biennially by African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), in collaboration with the African Union Commission and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat.
The IATF2025 is expected to be a landmark event, bringing together over 2,000 exhibitors and more than 35,000 visitors from over 140 countries. The fair is projected to generate upwards of US$44 billion in trade and investment deals, highlighting its critical role in boosting intra-African commerce.
