Under the framework of the EU-WCO Rules of Origin Africa Programme, funded by the European Union, the World Customs Organization (WCO), in partnership with the Regional Training Center (RTC) Zimbabwe and the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA), held a national training workshop on rules of origin for Zimbabwe Customs. The workshop was held in Harare, Zimbabwe, from 5 to 9 August 2024 with the objective to assist Zimbabwe in enhancing its knowledge and application of preferential rules of origin. The training is part of a workplan established with the RTC for competency development in a vision to further equip the center and the administration with dedicated experts that could be supporting the region, the AfCFTA Secretariat and the continent.

In his opening remarks, Mr. Ali Mutandiro, representing the ZIMRA Commissioner General, expressed his appreciation to the EU and the WCO for their continued support, and stressed that correct understanding and application of rules of origin would help protect African trade while enhancing the exports of Zimbabwean and African products. Enhanced knowledge would indeed assist Customs perform in relation to facilitation, regulation and control.

During the workshop, participants worked on key concepts for proper origin determination, related operational and procedural issues, including origin certification and origin irregularities, as well as the establishment of efficient origin management. In addition, participants discussed specific areas of concern, including the low level of knowledge and use of the FTAs and challenges linked to verification of origin including trough administrative cooperation. They also discussed recommendations for better management and implementation of rules of origin on a national and regional level.

Participants engaged actively and greatly appreciated the opportunity given by the workshop to exchange knowledge and experiences and stressed that this training would contribute to trade facilitation as well as fair and efficient revenue collection.

The EU-WCO Rules of Origin Africa Programme will continue its work with the RTC and ZIMRA to equip Customs officials and relevant stakeholders with extended knowledge for efficient implementation and application of rules or origin. The next steps will cover an advanced training followed by a Training of Trainers on rules of origin.

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