AfCFTA Strengthens Trade Cooperation with Vietnam to Expand Africa–Asia Economic Ties

Accra, Ghana — The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening economic partnerships with global partners following high-level discussions with a delegation from the Socialist Republic of Vietnam aimed at expanding trade, investment and economic cooperation between Africa and Southeast Asia.

Representing the Secretary-General of the AfCFTA Secretariat, H.E. Wamkele Mene, the Chief of Staff, Mr. Rui Livramento, welcomed a high-level Vietnamese delegation led by the country’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon. Nguyen Minh Hang, to the AfCFTA Secretariat headquarters in Accra on July 2, 2026.

The meeting highlighted growing efforts by both sides to deepen economic relations and explore new opportunities for collaboration in support of Africa’s continental integration agenda.

Focus on Trade, Investment and Knowledge Exchange

Discussions centred on practical areas of cooperation between Vietnam and the AfCFTA Secretariat, including trade promotion, investment facilitation, private sector engagement and knowledge-sharing initiatives that can accelerate the implementation of the AfCFTA.

The engagement comes at a critical stage in the implementation of the continental trade agreement, which has increasingly shifted its focus from negotiations to practical measures aimed at boosting production, enhancing market access and strengthening regional value chains across Africa.

Officials noted that strategic international partnerships will play a vital role in supporting the objectives of the AfCFTA and unlocking new opportunities for industrialisation, job creation and sustainable economic growth.

“The AfCFTA Secretariat remains committed to building partnerships that support Africa’s economic transformation and enhance opportunities for businesses across the continent,” the Secretariat said following the meeting.

Vietnam’s Development Experience Offers Valuable Lessons

Vietnam’s economic transformation over recent decades has positioned the country as one of Asia’s fastest-growing economies and a major manufacturing and export hub.

Its experience in industrial development, export promotion, digital transformation and support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) was identified as an area of significant interest for African countries seeking to maximise the benefits of the AfCFTA.

Officials indicated that greater cooperation could facilitate the exchange of technical expertise and best practices that support Africa’s industrialisation ambitions and competitiveness in global markets.

The discussions also explored ways to strengthen ties between African and Vietnamese businesses, creating opportunities for investment partnerships and increased trade flows between the two regions.

Supporting Africa’s Single Market Vision

The meeting reflects the AfCFTA Secretariat’s broader strategy of engaging international partners that can contribute investment, innovation, technology and technical expertise to support the implementation of the world’s largest free trade area by number of participating countries.

The AfCFTA aims to create a single African market of more than 1.4 billion people with a combined gross domestic product exceeding US$3.4 trillion, offering significant opportunities for businesses and investors both within and outside the continent.

As implementation gathers momentum, the Secretariat has intensified efforts to forge strategic relationships with governments, development institutions and private sector actors that share Africa’s vision of a more integrated and competitive economy.

Commitment to Deeper Engagement

The discussions concluded with both parties expressing a shared commitment to strengthening engagement and exploring mutually beneficial initiatives that can enhance economic cooperation between Africa and Vietnam.

Officials said continued dialogue and collaboration will be essential in identifying concrete areas of partnership capable of advancing trade, investment and sustainable development under the framework of the African Continental Free Trade Area.

The meeting signals growing interest from international partners in the opportunities emerging from Africa’s expanding single market and reinforces the AfCFTA’s role as a platform for fostering stronger economic links between Africa and the rest of the world.