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 West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU), held a national training workshop on rules of origin in Lomé, Togo, from 11 to 15 March 2024 with the participation of officials from Togo Customs, Ministry of Trade, Ministry of Industry, Chamber of Commerce and private sector. The objective of the workshop was to assist Togo in enhancing its knowledge and application of preferential rules of origin.
In his opening remarks, the Director General of the Investment Promotion Agency and Free Zones, Mr. Atsouvi Yawo SIKPA, representing the Minister of Investment Promotion in Togo, thanked the WCO and the EU for their support in building capacity on rules of origin. He stressed the importance of having an in-depth knowledge of the WAEMU, ECOWAS and AfCFTA rules of origin to avoid diversity in their application on regional and continental levels. He also reiterated the government’s engagement to promote peace, security and the consolidation of regional communities, which is a guarantee of industrial and economic development and regional integration.
The WAEMU representative in Togo, Ms. Aminata LO PAYE, thanked the WCO for its support to WAEMU through the EU-WCO Rules of Origin Africa Programme and stressed that rules of origin are a major priority for WAEMU. She added that the seminar is of strategic importance because it aims, through the strengthening of the capacities of economic actors and competent authorities in the field of rules of origin, to contribute effectively to the facilitation of trade and to strengthen the competitiveness of WAEMU’s economies on the international market. Ms. LO PAYE reiterated WAEMU's commitment to support efforts to strengthen economic integration in order to create an environment conducive to investment, encourage innovation and create sustainable jobs.
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 administrative cooperation. They also discussed recommendations for at better management and implementation of rules of origin on a national and regional level.
The EU-WCO Rules of Origin Africa Programme shall hold consultations with WAEMU to better address challenges and gaps in capacity building and implementation of rules of origin at regional and national levels and will continue its work with WAEMU and Togo Customs to equip Customs officials and relevant stakeholders with extended knowledge for efficient implementation and application of rules or origin.
For further information please contact EU-WCORoOAfrica.Program@wcoomd.org