AfCFTA scribe seeks PAP support to enhance implementation capacity to achieve integrated Africa

The Secretary General of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat, HE Wamkele Mene, has paid tribute to the Pan-African Parliament (PAP) as a continental platform and vehicle for the African people to realize their aspirations.

H. E. Mene stated this during his presentation at the Pan-African Parliament on Thursday titled Unpacking the African Union (AU) theme for 2023 and the role of the PAP in implementing AfCFTA at the seat of the Parliament in Midrand, South Africa.

In his first address to the PAP, H. E. Mene disclosed that the AfCFTA will draw from the PAP’s expertise in a wide range of spheres to achieve an integrated Africa. He recognized that PAP is a well-established organ of the AU noting that the AfCFTA mandate is broad and expansive and cannot be achieved without the PAP’s support.

He disclosed that the AfCFTA became operational on 01 March 2020 after ratification by 46 member states of the AU noting that although Mozambique has ratified the agreement, it has not deposited the instrument of ratification.

According to HE Wamkele Mene AfCFTA will increase intra-African trade 80% and lift 100 million Africans out of extreme poverty.

“Let me honour the important work of the Pan-African Parliament in providing a unique platform for African peoples and their grass-roots organizations to be more involved in discussions and decision-making on critical continental issues. This PAP Committees Sitting, convened under the African Union 2023 theme of the year “The Year of AfCFTA: Acceleration of the African Continental Free Trade Area Implementation,” portrays your determination to stay tuned to the times and resolve and commitment to work towards the realization of this momentous flagship project of the African Union,” said HE Wamkele Mene.

This historic engagement is taking place as the Permanent Committees of the PAP are sitting in Midrand, South Africa.

In his remark, PAP President HE Chief Fortune Charumbira restated the significance of the AfCFTA, and underscored the eagerness of the PAP to witness the successful execution of the AfCFTA.

“We are keen as a Parliament to see that the integration of Africa is achieved. How do we complement the AfCFTA? Each and every one of our Committees have to tune into the implementation of the AfCFTA as every one of us has a key role to play,” said HE Chief Charumbira.