Under the framework of the EU-WCO RoO Africa Programme, funded by the European Union, the World Customs Organization (WCO) held a Training of Trainers (ToT) workshop on Rules of Origin in Lusaka, Zambia, from 19 to 23 May 2025 with the aim of equipping participants with communication and presentation skills, international tools and technical know-how to ensure a sustainable ability to maintain and pass on international standards in the area of Rules of Origin. The workshop was conducted as the third step in a sustainable capacity building model which progressed the learners from basic level training to advanced training and then to ToT level. In this regard, the outcome of the workshop ensures that Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) can deliver origin trainings internally to its Customs officials as well as externally to Other Government agencies, private sector and other external stakeholders.

The opening ceremony was graced by Mr. Sibupiwa Mwangelwa, the Acting Deputy Commissioner Customs Business Policy & Support, Zambia Revenue Authority. In his opening remarks, he celebrated the mutual, long-standing cooperation between the World Customs Organization, the EU-WCO Origin for Africa Programme and ZRA. He specifically acknowledged that the capacity building initiatives on Rules of Origin (RoO) were very impactful to effective fulfillment of Zambia Customs’ mandate, taking into consideration that the Origin subject is both complex and critical in Customs Administration. He reiterated that thorough understanding of RoO ensures that Zambia Customs Officials are well equipped for proper implementation and application of rules of origin in preferential trade agreements, which has a direct influence on trade facilitation, revenue collection and enhancement of compliance. Finally, he challenged the ToT participants to remain eager and committed to transfer the knowledge gained from the workshop, for by so doing, a multiplier effect of the knowledge and skills gained will be experienced within the Administration.

The workshop provided participants with an opportunity to refine their knowledge of Rules of Origin, while also enhancing their skills in designing and delivering effective training sessions. The workshop’s design offered the participants several and unique opportunities to demonstrate their understanding of origin-related topics through group and individual presentations, incorporating communication and facilitation skills acquired from WCO experts. The participants were assessed on their technical knowledge, communication, presentation and facilitation skills, WCO Origin instruments and their team working capabilities.

Several plenary sessions were held to concretize knowledge and skills learnt and provide peer-to-peer feedback. At the conclusion of the workshops, the WCO experts offered constructive individual feedback to participants, encouraging the participants to leverage on their strengths and work on their areas of improvement, for purposes of effective facilitation of training sessions. Finally, it is worth noting that significant growth was evidenced by all the participants throughout the week, and we look forward to the multiplier effect that this capacity building initiative will bring to Zambia Customs.

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