The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretary General, HE Wamkele Mene, paid tribute to the Pan-African Parliament (PAP) as a continental platform and vehicle for the African people to realise their aspirations.
He added that the AfCFTA will draw from the PAP’s expertise in a wide range of spheres to achieve an integrated Africa. Speaking in his first-ever address to the PAP, HE Wamkele Mene recognised the PAP as a much more seasoned and well-established organ of the African Union (AU) and also noted that the AfCFTA mandate is broad and expansive and cannot be achieved without the PAP’s support.This historic engagement was taking place as the Permanent Committees of the PAP are sitting in Midrand, South Africa.
Reiterating the significance of the AfCFTA, PAP President HE Chief Fortune Charumbira, underscored the eagerness of the PAP to witness the successful execution of the AfCFTA.
“Let me honour the important work of the Pan-African Parliament in providing a unique platform for African peoples and their grass-roots organisations to be more involved in discussions and decision-making on critical continental issues. This PAP Committees Sitting, convened under the African Union 2023 theme of the year “The Year of AfCFTA: Acceleration of the African Continental Free Trade Area Implementation,” portrays your determination to stay tuned to the times and resolve and commitment to work towards the realisation of this momentous flagship project of the African Union,” said HE Wamkele Nene.
