The World Customs Organization (WCO) in partnership with the East Africa Business Council (EABC) under the framework of the EU-WCO Rules of Origin (RoO) Africa Programme funded by the European Union held an awareness webinar on AfCFTA rules of origin, on 11 May 2023. The webinar had a good number of participants from the region and around the African continent. The main objective of the webinar was to equip the EAC private sector with skills and knowledge on the technical and administrative aspects of the AfCFTA Rules of Origin. This webinar is organized following a consultation with EABC and as part of an established work plan for support and capacity building; it is therefore a build-up to the upcoming in-person workshop in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, in July 2023.
In his opening remarks, Mr. John Bosco Kalisa, Chief Executive Officer-EABC, emphasized the importance of understanding AfCFTA rules of origin by the business community and the benefits that come with effective and efficient implementation. He encouraged the business community to use this opportunity to learn more on AfCFTA rules of origin. He thanked the EU-WCO RoO Africa Programme for engaging with the EABC.
Mr. Sagoh Djete, Project Manager, Regional Cooperation -Infrastructure, EU Delegation to Tanzania and EAC opened the workshop; reiterating European Union’s commitment in supporting African economic integration and highlighted, that the enhancement of private sector understanding, implementation, and application of rules of origin and free trade agreements is of critical importance, and it will ultimately enhance intra-Africa trade.
During the webinar, detailed presentations on AfCFTA rules of origin were made by WCO; with illustrations on AfCFTA Origin criteria and the administrative arrangements and implementation procedures of AfCFTA rules of origin. Participants received presentations and discussed on AfCFTA rules of origin. In addition, participants submitted their sincere appreciations and thanked the WCO, EU and EABC for organizing the virtual workshop.
The Programme will continue to support EABC and its members.
For further information please contact EU-WCORoOAfrica.Program@wcoomd.org