Under the framework of the EU-WCO Rules of Origin Africa Programme, funded by the European Union, the World Customs Organization, in partnership with the RTC Kenya, held a sub-regional advanced training workshop on rules of origin for Angola, Mozambique and Seychelles Customs. The workshop, which also saw the participation of representatives from Kenya Customs and the AfCFTA Secretariat, was held in Mombasa, Kenya, from 26 to 30 August 2024 with the objective to assist Customs administrations  in enhancing their knowledge and application of preferential rules of origin and contribute to a seamless implementation of the AfCFTA and other relevant FTAs.

This workshop builds on the acquis from intermediate trainings conducted earlier in 2024 and forms part of a comprehensive technical assistance and capacity building partnership with the RTC Kenya.

In his opening remarks, Mr Swalleh Faraj, Chief Manager of Port Operations, on behalf of the KRA Southern Region Coordinator, thanked the WCO and the EU for their continued support in building capacity and stressed the importance of strengthening human resources. In light of the creation of a single continental market for Africa, the workshop would provide deeper insights for participants and, combined with a commendable hands-on experience through a field visit, assist participants in the application, or not, of preferential treatments.

During the workshop, participants gained a deeper understanding of key concepts for proper origin determination, including possible flexibilities such as cumulation, tolerance rules and the absorption principle, as well as related operational and procedural issues, such as origin certification and verification. Case studies made the concepts more tangible and relatable, and allowed the participants to detangle the spaghetti bowl of rules of origin in various free trade agreements applicable in Eastern and Southern Africa. Participants also had the opportunity to observe the practical application and management of rules of origin through field visits to a factory manufacturing edible oil and various soap products.

At the end of the visit, and in accordance with the sustainable and green approach of the company, the participants planted tree seedlings, thus contributing to Kenya’s Vision 2030 on Climate-Change Mitigation.  
The EU-WCO Rules of Origin Africa Programme will continue its work with the RTC Kenya and Member Customs administrations to equip Customs officials with extended knowledge for efficient implementation and application of rules of origin. As a next step, the Programme will conduct a training of trainers which will pave the way for Customs to further disseminate their knowledge to colleagues as well as to other relevant stakeholders.

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