The recent spate of xenophobic attacks on foreign nationals and foreign-owned businesses could have put  SA in a defensive position in the ongoing  negotiations of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA), Wamkele Mene the country's former chief negotiator said on Thursday.

Mene was speaking at a panel discussion on  the AfCFTA hosted by law firm Herbert Smith Freehills and Business Unity SA (Busa). The AfCTA, which became operational in July, promises  to promote the free movement of goods and services across the continent and increase intra-Africa trade which currently sits at a very low 16%. ..

Subscribe now to unlock this article.

Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).

There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.

Cancel anytime.

Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.

Speech Bubbles

Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.