The Secretary-General of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat, Wamkele Mene, has called for a bold and coordinated approach to investment across Africa, stressing that the continent stands at a critical juncture in redefining its role within the global economy.
Speaking at a high-level panel on “Investing in Africa’s Future: Strategy, Scale and Competitiveness” on the sidelines of the Antalya Diplomacy Forum, H.E. Wamkele Mene highlighted Africa’s growing strategic importance amid shifting global economic dynamics.
In his remarks, Mr. Mene pointed out that Africa is increasingly seen not only as a destination for investment but as a critical partner in global supply chains, particularly as economies seek diversification in the face of geopolitical uncertainty.
“Africa’s demographic and economic trajectory present immense opportunity,” he stated. “However, these advantages must be matched with deliberate strategies that address long-standing structural constraints if we are to fully unlock investment potential.”
Mr Mene underscored that scaling up investment will depend heavily on improving the overall business environment. He highlighted regulatory certainty as a critical factor in attracting long-term capital, noting that investors require stable and predictable policy frameworks to make informed decisions.
“Infrastructure development is equally essential,” he added. “From transport corridors to energy systems and digital networks, the foundations of competitiveness must be strengthened to lower transaction costs and improve efficiency across the continent.”
The Secretary-General also stressed the importance of partnerships, particularly between governments, the private sector, and development finance institutions. He called for innovative financing mechanisms and blended finance solutions to bridge the investment gap, especially in large-scale infrastructure and industrial projects.
Participants at the panel echoed similar sentiments, pointing to the need for greater collaboration and policy coherence across African economies. Discussions also highlighted the growing interest of global investors in sectors such as renewable energy, agribusiness, technology, and logistics, where Africa holds significant comparative advantages.
However, speakers cautioned that realizing these benefits will require sustained political commitment and effective implementation at the national and regional levels.
The AfCFTA Secretary General reaffirmed the AfCFTA Secretariat’s commitment to supporting member states in translating policy frameworks into tangible outcomes, emphasizing that while the opportunities are significant, progress will depend on the collective efforts of all stakeholders.
“The pathway to Africa’s economic transformation is clear,” he said. “What is required now is coordinated action, strategic investment, and unwavering commitment to building a competitive and resilient continental economy.”
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