Under the framework of the EU-WCO Rules of Origin (RoO) Africa Programme, funded by the European Union, the World Customs Organization (WCO), in partnership with the European Technical Assistance Facility (EU-TAF) support to the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and the COMESA Business Council (CBC), held a training of trainers workshop on Rules of Origin for private sector representatives from Eastern and Southern Africa. The workshop was held at the WCO Headquarters in Brussels, Belgium, from 1 to 4 July 2025 with the objective to assist the private sector in enhancing its knowledge and application of preferential Rules of Origin.
The workshop was conducted as part of a comprehensive partnership with private sector stakeholders in Africa and marks the first full competency development cycle for private sector on a regional level. The support provided under the RoO Africa Programme allows for the deployment of wide-ranging capacity building activities to enhance the private sector knowledge on Rules of Origin and contribute to a seamless utilisation and implementation of the AfCFTA and other relevant FTAs.
In his opening remarks, CBC CEO Teddy Soobramanien emphasised that the joint collaboration with the Programme and the EU-TAF is designed to create a multiplier effect, ensuring the sustainability and expansion of the knowledge on Rules of Origin on a regional level within the private sector who will be the actual users of the AfCFTA. The cycle of workshops has demystified Rules of Origin which are an essential tool in the industrialisation of the region and the continent.
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 offered the participants a unique opportunity to demonstrate their understanding of origin-related topics through group and individual presentations, incorporating facilitation and communication skills acquired from WCO experts.
At the conclusion of the workshop, the WCO experts offered constructive feedback to participants, highlighting areas for improvement and praising their success in applying newly acquired skills to develop training materials and deliver a training session.
The EU-WCO RoO Africa Programme will continue its work with all African stakeholders to equip them with extended knowledge for efficient implementation and application of Rules of Origin.
For further information please contact EU-WCORoOAfrica.Program@wcoomd.org