The man charged with implementing Africa’s historic free trade agreement has rallied against the World Trade Organisation (WTO), saying it needs to refine its rules to make it possible for Africa and the developing world to industrialise.

“We have a consistent demand. give us the policy space for industrial development, the policy space that we require for us to develop. Some of the rules need to be changed, they must be reformed,” said Wamkele Mene, the South African chosen as the inaugural secretary-general of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA)...

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.