Asmara, 01 November 2024 – President Isaias Afwerki received and held discussions with a delegation from the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), led by Secretary General Mr. Wamkele Mene, at Adi Halo earlier today.
During the meeting, President Isaias emphasized the critical need for African countries to harness their natural resources and human capital and pursue extensive industrialization. He stressed that industrial growth, supported by well-developed infrastructure, is essential for enabling Africa to export processed goods rather than raw materials, thereby fostering a conducive environment for free trade across the continent.
President Isaias also discussed the challenges African countries encounter when aiming to maintain independent policies while seeking financial support from international financial institutions. He underscored the importance of establishing coordinated and effective African financial institutions with new regulations and trade modalities. Such institutions, he noted, would empower African nations to achieve joint and synergistic growth through targeted projects that utilize specialized expertise and collaboration.
Secretary General Mr. Wamkele Mene outlined the main purpose of the delegation’s visit, which was to consult with the Eritrean Government on the current state and potential opportunities for industrialization in Africa, as well as on modalities for advancing free trade to drive and expedite collective progress.
The Secretary General highlighted the urgency of taking decisive steps to initiate these efforts, noting that although Africa may not be fully prepared, early actions are crucial to advancing the process.
The delegation also toured the irrigation farming project in Adi Halo.
