ACCRA, Ghana — African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretary General Wamkele Mene has issued a firm rebuke of the ongoing xenophobic attacks in South Africa, coupling his condemnation with a bold roadmap for the continent’s digital trade and industrial integration. Speaking on the urgent need for a unified continental market, Mene emphasized that fostering deeper economic ties and protecting the free movement of people are non-negotiable pillars for meaningful intra-African trade.
Addressing the root causes of the hostility, Mene categorically stated that South Africa’s challenges are domestic in nature, not the result of fellow Africans. He pointed to empirical evidence showing that the nation hosts only between 2 million and 2.5 million African non-citizens, a figure that directly contradicts narratives of the country being “overwhelmed.” Furthermore, he dismantled vigilante claims linking African migrants to local crime waves, highlighting that South Africa’s own government statistics confirm 89% of the country’s incarcerated population are native South Africans.
The Secretary General identified the recent unrest as a calculated form of ethnic mobilization, heavily influenced by underlying political dynamics surrounding upcoming local government elections. He reminded authorities that South Africa’s legal framework is explicitly designed to safeguard the dignity of all individuals, regardless of their documentation status. Consequently, he stressed the government’s inherent duty to enforce these protections alongside standard immigration laws.
To prove the economic viability of open borders, Mene cited a historical precedent: the period when South Africa lifted visa requirements for Ghanaian citizens. That policy decision triggered a massive 296% surge in Ghanaian arrivals, driven by short-term business, medical, and tourism activities that injected tangible, legitimate value into the local economy.
Pivoting to continental infrastructure, Mene celebrated a major legislative milestone: the adoption of the AfCFTA protocol on digital trade by heads of state, with Nigeria emerging as the first nation to officially ratify it. He described this framework as the cornerstone of Africa’s digital economy, providing the regulatory foundation necessary for interoperable payment systems, seamless cross-border data flows, and the localized commercialization of data.
Looking toward the future, Mene stressed the imperative for Africa to nurture emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence (AI). He advocated for a continent-wide digital identity platform underpinned by blockchain innovations. By managing and commercializing African data domestically rather than relying on foreign entities, the continent can secure its digital sovereignty and give governments the confidence to facilitate smoother, more secure movement of persons.
On the global stage, Mene referenced recent dialogues in Lomé concerning China’s offer of zero-tariff market access for African goods. However, he cautioned that tariff-free access is only half the equation. He championed a model of “investment trade,” urging partnerships that channel capital directly into Africa’s industrial development. The primary goal is to build local capacity for value addition, ensuring the continent exports processed, high-value goods rather than remaining a mere supplier of raw materials.
While the AfCFTA secretariat has not yet engaged in direct talks with Beijing to formalize this value-chain linkage, Mene confirmed that such diplomatic conversations are firmly on the agenda. He expressed strong optimism that Chinese leadership will readily grasp the mutual advantages of coupling market access with targeted industrial investments across the African continent.
