Press Release

SEOUL, REPUBLIC OF KOREA, 2 June 2026 — The Korea International Trade Association (KITA), led by Chairman H.E. Jin Sik Yoon, and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat, led by Secretary-General H.E. Wamkele Mene, co-hosted the first Korea-Africa Economic Committee (KAEC) Business Roundtable in Seoul. The first official engagement under this framework, it brought together leading companies and institutions from both regions to explore practical areas of cooperation in manufacturing, energy, infrastructure, digital trade, and industrial development.

2 June 2026 – During the opening of the 2026 Korea–Africa Business Forum, H.E. Wamkele Mene, Secretary-General of the AfCFTA Secretariat, highlighted the evolution of Africa–Korea relations from traditional development cooperation to a strategic partnership driven by trade, investment, industrialisation and innovation.

2 June 2026 – At the Korea–Africa Economic Committee Business Roundtable, H.E. Wamkele Mene, Secretary-General of the AfCFTA Secretariat, described the establishment of the Korea–Africa Business Committee as an important step towards advancing the outcomes of the 2024 Korea–Africa Summit.

1 June 2026 – On the margins of the 2026 Korea–Africa Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, H.E. Wamkele Mene, Secretary-General of the AfCFTA

1 June 2026 – Speaking at the 2026 Korea–Africa Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, H.E. Wamkele Mene, Secretary-General of the AfCFTA Secretariat, highlighted the growing strategic partnership between Africa and the Republic of Korea, anchored on trade, investment, industrialisation, digital transformation and sustainable development.

The AfCFTA Secretariat, in partnership with the Korea-Africa Foundation (KAF), is pleased to announce that applications are now open for the AfCFTA Startup Partnership Program 2026.

Seoul, Republic of Korea, 31 May 2026 – The AfCFTA Secretariat participated in the Preparatory Senior Officials Meeting for the 2026 Korea–Africa Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, scheduled to take place on 2 June 2026.

Discussions focused on strengthening Africa–Korea cooperation, advancing the implementation of the AfCFTA and expanding partnerships in trade, digital systems and industrial development.

Lusaka, Zambia, 26 May 2026 – Zambia is hosting an Expert Group Meeting under the AfCFTA Implementation Review Mechanism (AFIRM) from 26–29 May 2026 in Lusaka.

The meeting forms part of AFIRM, a continental process designed to support State Parties in assessing progress, identifying gaps and strengthening the implementation of their commitments under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Kigali, Rwanda, 24 May 2026 – In commemoration of African Liberation Day, H.E. Wamkele Mene, Secretary-General of the AfCFTA Secretariat, delivered