On July 19, 2023, the World Customs Organization (WCO) in partnership with the COMESA Business Council (CBC) held an awareness webinar on AfCFTA rules of origin under the framework of the EU-WCO Rules of Origin (RoO) Africa Programme funded by the European Union. The webinar was attended by over 90 participants from the region and across the African continent and aimed to equip the CBC private sector with essential skills and knowledge on the technical and administrative aspects of the AfCFTA Rules of Origin.

During his opening remarks, Mr. Teddy Soobramanien, Chief Executive Officer of CBC, expressed gratitude to the EU-WCO RoO Africa Programme for engaging with the CBC. He highlighted the COMESA business community's welcome of the region's efforts and initiatives on international capacity building. Emphasizing the importance of harmonizing the region's rules of origin with the AfCFTA to facilitate smoother business transactions, Mr. Soobramanien encouraged active participation in discussions to grasp the significance of AfCFTA Rules of Origin.

Ms. Christiane Haziyo, Programme Manager at the EU Delegation to Zambia and COMESA, expressed appreciation for the work done by the WCO under the EU-WCO RoO Africa Programme. She emphasized the specific focus on rules of origin as a key enabler of international trade, granting goods their economic nationality. The European Union reaffirmed its commitment to supporting African economic integration and the COMESA region's capacity-building initiatives.

In her opening remarks, Ms. Balness Sumani, Senior Customs Affairs Officer from COMESA Secretariat, thanked the EU, WCO, and CBC for organizing the awareness webinar. She stressed the need for special attention to rules of origin within the continent, emphasizing the importance of understanding AfCFTA rules of origin for the business community and clearing agents to accrue the benefits of the AfCFTA and access larger markets outside the region. Ms. Sumani encouraged participants to make the most of the opportunity and gain valuable insights from the discussions.

The webinar featured detailed presentations by the WCO on AfCFTA rules of origin, including illustrations of AfCFTA Origin criteria and administrative arrangements and implementation procedures. Participants engaged actively in discussions during the event and expressed sincere appreciation to the WCO,EU,and CBC for organizing this informative virtual workshop.

The EU-WCO RoO Africa Programme will continue its engagement and partnership with CBC to ensure seamless implementation of rules of origin by private sector stakeholders.

For further information, please contact EU-WCORoOAfrica.Program@wcoomd.org.