Algiers, Algeria – The Secretary-General of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat, Wamkele Mene, has urged African countries to focus on people-centred outcomes as the continent deepens its trade agenda.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF 2025) in Algiers, Mene said that while intra-African trade grew to US$220 billion in 2024, representing a 12.5 percent rise from the previous year, success must be measured beyond figures.
He told delegates that the true impact lies in the number of jobs created, the empowerment of women entrepreneurs, the growth of small and medium enterprises, and opportunities for young people. 
This year’s trade fair runs under the theme “A Gateway to New Opportunities” and is focused on advancing digital trade, strengthening value chains, and accelerating industrial growth across Africa.
