Under the framework of the EU-WCO Rules of Origin Africa Programme, funded by the European Union, the World Customs Organization organised a regional advanced training on the AfCFTA rules of origin for Eastern and Southern Africa (ESA), in partnership with the AfCFTA Secretariat and the WCO-JICA Joint Project.

The training, which also saw the participation of representatives from 16 ESA countries, was held in Mombasa, Kenya, from 2 to 6 September 2024, with the objective to assist Customs administrations and AfCFTA Rules of origin negotiators 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 training builds on the previous intermediate trainings conducted in 2023 and forms part of a comprehensive technical assistance and capacity building partnership with the AfCFTA Secretariat.

In his opening remarks, Dr. Peter Magero, Assistant Manager of the RTC Kenya, commended collaborative effort between the AfCFTA Secretariat and the WCO in building capacity, thanks to the technical and financial support of the European Union and the Japanese International Cooperation Agency, and stressed the importance of strengthening human resources.

The representative of the AfCFTA Secretariat, Mr. Chawki Jaballi, Head of Customs Capacity Building and Training, stressed the significance of the training in light of fast-tracking the implementation of the AfCFTA, promoting the Guided Trade Initiative and fostering the preferential trade ties between the various regions of the continent. He added that the training would provide advanced policy and enforcement insights on the operational backbone of such agreement.

During the workshop, participants engaged in expert-level discussions on the best practices and challenges pertaining to the AfCFTA rules of origin implementation, including regarding flexibilities such as cumulation, as well as related operational and procedural issues, such as origin certification for sensitive goods. Case studies shed new lights on the concepts and practical implications for traders. These case studies were made possible thanks to the collaboration of domestic exporting companies, specialised in footwear and confectionary, and hopeful to soon make the most of the AfCFTA Agreement.

The EU-WCO Rules of Origin Africa Programme will continue its work with the AfCFTA Secretariat and Member Customs administrations to equip the State Parties with the extended knowledge for efficient implementation and application of AfCFTA rules of origin.

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