WCO Supports the WCA Region for Effective and Integrated Implementation of AfCFTA Rules of Origin

The regional awareness workshop on Rules of Origin under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) took place from 24 to 26 September 2025 in Brazzaville, Republic of Congo. The event was organized by the Brazzaville Regional Training Centre (RTC) in partnership with the WCO West and Central Africa (WCA) Region and the Regional Office for Capacity Building (ROCB), with the WCO Secretariat invited to co-facilitate the sessions.

This workshop brought together representatives from 21 of the 24 Customs administrations in the WCA region, namely: Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Côte d'Ivoire, Gabon, Ghana, The Gambia, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Mauritania, Nigeria, Niger, Republic of Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Senegal, Chad, and Togo. The workshop also benefited from the participation of experts from the WCO Secretariat, a representative of the ROCB, and representatives from the three Regional Training Centres in the region.

During the opening ceremony, Mr. Guénolé Mbongo Koumou, Director General of Customs and Indirect Taxes of the Republic of Congo, highlighted the importance of the workshop, stating: "This workshop provides a crucial platform to share experiences, strengthen capacities, and prepare our administrations for the effective implementation of the AfCFTA. The conclusions and recommendations from your work will help accelerate the integration process and build a dynamic and economically united Africa."

Throughout the workshop, participants strengthened their understanding of AfCFTA rules of origin, which are vital for ensuring preferential market access, preventing origin-related irregularities and fraud, and promoting intra-African trade. Sessions covered the criteria for determining origin, certification mechanisms, cumulation, advance rulings, product-specific rules, verification procedures, as well as the technical and digital tools available to both Customs administrations and the private sector.

Using an interactive approach that combined technical presentations, sharing of good practices, case studies, and group work, the workshop facilitated a rich and constructive exchange of experiences. Participants identified key operational challenges and proposed practical solutions. Discussions emphasized the need to simplify Customs procedures, strengthen support for the private sector, and ensure the active engagement of all relevant government stakeholders, thereby fostering trust and enhancing the effective implementation of AfCFTA rules of origin.

The workshop highlighted the impact of the already established strong collaboration between the WCO Secretariat, the AfCFTA Secretariat, and the Regional Economic Communities in driving capacity-building, compliance, and trade facilitation across Africa. Building on this foundation, participants adopted a set of practical operational recommendations aimed at ensuring a smoother and more coherent implementation of AfCFTA rules of origin, paving the way for a more dynamic, inclusive, and sustainable African economic integration.