The Secretary-General of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), Wamkele Mene, has sent a clear and resolute message to the United States of America that Africa will not condone any trade or investment framework that places African interests at the bottom of the ladder.
This firm and strong message follows the recent sweeping tariffs signed into law by President Donald Trump.
Many African trading partners have been hit by the move, with tariffs ranging from as low as 10% to as high as 50%, as in the case of Lesotho.
Speaking after AfCFTA signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the American National Bar Association, Mene stated that while Africa values its longstanding relationship with the United States, it will only pursue partnerships built on mutual respect and shared prosperity.
“We will continue to pursue that trade and investment partnership that is based on mutual respect and mutual benefits. We obviously will not be in a position to condone or support America first and everybody else last,” the Secretary-General of AfCFTA remarked.
He added, “We will pursue what is in Africa’s best interests, not last interests, but best interests as we seek a path forward in respect of AGOA. Combined with some of the trade instruments that we have introduced, as well as the overall liberalisation objective of the AFCFTA, I believe that we are well positioned as a continent to turn this crisis into an opportunity.”
The strongly worded declaration comes ahead of a crucial meeting of African Trade Ministers scheduled for April 14. The meeting will deliberate Africa’s coordinated response to the new U.S. tariffs, which threaten to erode the benefits African countries derive from preferential trade frameworks such as the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).
Wamkele Mene’s posture suggests that the continent is not as powerless as perceived. Instead, he believes Africa is well-positioned to respond strategically. He further stressed that, coupled with bold new trade instruments introduced under the AfCFTA framework and the broader liberalization goals of the continental trade pact, Africa has the tools to convert this challenge into a unique opportunity to boost intra-African trade and attract new investments on its own terms.
As global trade tensions rise and Africa faces shifting alliances, the AfCFTA Secretariat’s message is unambiguous. He says Africa’s sovereignty and development agenda will not be sacrificed at the altar of lopsided partnerships.
