South African diplomat elected as first Secretary General of AfCFTA Secretariate

A former head of Mission to the World Trade Organisation, Wamkele Mene has emerged first Secretary General of the African Continental Free Trade Secretariate (AfCFTA).

The 40-year-old has been elected from the three shortlisted candidates that were presented to the heads of states of the African Union prior to the 33rd ordinary session in Addis Ababa, Monday.

Mene was the chief negotiator for South Africa when the negotiations on the Continental Free Trade agreement began two years ago.

He is expected to begin work in Accra next month, prior to the full implementation of the program.

As part of his assignment, he will be expected to lead the administrative process of the Secretariat as well as leading the management of the secretariat with regards to the smooth implementation of the most ambitious trade agreement in Africa.

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