Global Alliance for Trade Facilitation’s Post

Kenya Seeks AfCFTA Approval for KEBS Certification to Enhance Continental Trade Kenya has initiated efforts to obtain approval from the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat for its Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) certification. This move aims to streamline trade processes and boost Kenya's exports within the African continent. The recognition of KEBS certification by AfCFTA would eliminate the need for Kenyan products to undergo additional quality checks when entering other African markets. This streamlined approach is expected to reduce trade barriers, lower costs for exporters, and accelerate the movement of goods across borders. Kenya's push for KEBS certification approval aligns with the broader objectives of AfCFTA to promote intra-African trade and economic integration. #AfCFTA #KenyaTrade #AfricanStandards #ContinentalTrade #EconomicIntegration

𝐊𝐞𝐧𝐲𝐚 𝐏𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐀𝐟𝐂𝐅𝐓𝐀 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐞 𝐖𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐌𝐚𝐣𝐨𝐫 𝐒𝐡𝐢𝐩𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 Kenya marked a key milestone in continental trade by launching its first major shipment under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), dispatching 35 containers of locally manufactured goods to South Sudan, Zambia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The initiative, led by Real Sources Africa, Kenya's official AfCFTA trading company, aims to facilitate 1,000 container shipments within the next year through its Trade Connect program. The landmark export launch, overseen by AfCFTA Secretary-General Wamkele Mene and Kenya's Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya, demonstrates the practical implementation of the continental trade agreement for both small and large-scale traders. This expansion follows Kenya's initial AfCFTA export to Ghana last month and builds on the country's participation as one of seven nations selected for the AfCFTA pilot program in 2022, signaling growing momentum in intra-African trade development. A consignment valued at USD 1.3 million was officially flagged off as part of the TradeConnect Initiative, founded by CEO Felix Chege. This initiative is set to empower African entrepreneurs by enhancing logistical and financial support across the continent.

The Republic of #Djibouti's geographic and strategic position makes regional integration and trade essential components of its economic growth and resilience. The African Continental #Free #Trade Area (#AfCFTA), with its stated benefits of market opening, economic diversification, improved competitiveness, promotion of regional value chains and attraction of African and international investment, can make a substantial contribution to this. However, to benefit from these opportunities, an optimal #implementation #strategy is crucial, as countries need to strengthen their ability to #trade in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Agreement. This also requires strong political determination, sustained improvement in institutional skills and infrastructure, full involvement of all stakeholders and constant enhancement of technical skills. The Republic of #Djibouti ratified the #ZLECAf agreement in May 2022. Moreover, in its efforts to implement the agreement, the country has already developed, with the support of the ECA, a National #Implementation #Strategy with clear and detailed action plans, including capacity building for stakeholders representing both the public and private sectors. Taking this into account, the Government of #Djibouti, in collaboration with the ECA, is planning to hold a national workshop in #Djibouti from July 9 to 11, 2024, to improve the understanding of the various stakeholders of the rules, instruments, procedures and opportunities for trade and investment in the context of the #AfCFTA. https://lnkd.in/duUSjDAa

AGOA remains the cornerstone of Africa-U.S. preferential market access, and the legislation accounts for virtually all of Sub-Saharan Africa’s non-MFN exports to the U.S.

Free trade in Africa is poised to be a game-changer, driving economic growth and fostering regional integration. The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) is one of the most ambitious initiatives aimed at creating a single market for goods and services across 54 countries. This historic agreement has the potential to transform the economic landscape of the continent. By reducing trade barriers and tariffs, AfCFTA will enhance intra-African trade, stimulate industrialization, and create millions of jobs. It will enable businesses to access larger markets, diversify their products, and compete on a global scale. This initiative is a vital step toward sustainable development and economic independence. However, to fully realize the benefits of free trade, we must address several challenges. Infrastructure development, harmonizing regulations, and ensuring equitable access to trade opportunities are critical. Governments and private sector stakeholders need to work collaboratively to create an environment conducive to trade and investment. The potential of free trade in Africa is immense. By fostering collaboration, innovation, and investment, we can unlock new opportunities and drive inclusive economic growth. Let’s support the vision of a unified and prosperous Africa where trade knows no borders. #FreeTrade #Africa #EconomicGrowth #AfCFTA #SustainableDevelopment

E🔴!!️ Latest developments in and challenges the AfCFTA🔥:.. ...! Nigeria 🇳🇬 Begins Shipment Under AfCFTA Initiative. Nigeria 🇳🇬 began its commercial activities yesterday, July 16, 2024 under the preferential regime of the #ZLECAf/#AfCFTA! To create a single African market! The speed of the success of this operation will depend on the dynamic role of the private sector, a real player in this reform. Africa’s largest economy and one of the continent’s main trading partners is now taking advantage of the 🔴!!️ Latest developments in and challenges the AfCFTA🔥:.. ...! Nigeria 🇳🇬 Begins Shipment Under AfCFTA InitiativeNigeria : 🇳🇬 began its commercial activities yesterday, July 16, 2024 under the preferential regime of the #ZLECAf/#AfCFTA! To create a single African market! The speed of the success of this operation will depend on the dynamic role of the private sector, a real player in this reform. to increase intra-African trade and contribute significantly to regional economic integration. Produce, export and benefit from the largest trade liberalization zone in the world 🌍! L’heure de l’Afrique est venue !Nigeria🇳🇬has opened its strategic path to join the preferential benefit of the AfCFTA, by opening up new perspectives for trade growth. This decision is particularly important because Nigerian exporters, stimulated by national economic challenges, consider the AfCFTA as a gateway to wider African markets. The National Action Committee for the Implementation of AfCFTA in Nigeria (NAC-AfCFTA), has actively engaged companies in key sectors to ensure their participation in the practice of reform. By this first export on July 16, the NAC-AfCFTA should provide comprehensive support to companies, including information on import regulations, origin requirements and the identification of potential trading partners in other African countries. This will require encouraging Nigerian exporting companies to integrate into continental value chains in order to improve their competitiveness. African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat EU-TAF support to the AfCFTA African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit GmbH GFA Consulting Group GmbH AFD - Agence Française de Développement GIZ Nigeria & ECOWAS GIZ Kenya MONDOMOBE Consulting And Partners Ltd EU Trade

The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) preferential rules are designed to promote #trade among African countries by reducing or eliminating tariffs on goods traded within the continent. This initiative aims to boost economic growth, create jobs, and foster regional integration. The AfCFTA preferential #rules provide a framework for African nations to engage in trade agreements that benefit their economies and promote sustainable development. Nigerians should be interested in the AfCFTA preferential rules as it presents an opportunity for the country to expand its market access within Africa. By participating in the AfCFTA, Nigerian #businesses can benefit from reduced trade barriers, increased #market opportunities, and enhanced competitiveness. This initiative aligns with the government's efforts to support the private sector and stimulate economic growth through intra-Africa trade. Overall, the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat preferential rules offer significant potential for #Nigeria to strengthen its economic ties with other #African nations, diversify its export markets, and attract foreign investment. By leveraging the opportunities presented by the #AfCFTA, Nigeria can play a more active role in regional trade and contribute to the economic development and integration of the African continent.

The Kenya Australia Chamber of Commerce (KACC) and the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KNCCI) have formalized a memorandum of understanding (MOU) aimed at enhancing bilateral trade relations between the two nations. This agreement, coinciding with the 59th anniversary of their diplomatic ties, signals a commitment to fostering mutual economic growth. Under the MOU, traders from Kenya and Australia will benefit from streamlined processes for marketing goods and facilitating trade tours. Stephen Kuria, Chairman of KACC, emphasized that this deal will not only solidify existing relationships but also pave the way for continued collaboration and expansion in various sectors. Established in 2013 in Perth, Australia, the KACC operates in tandem with other chambers to provide a robust network spanning both private and government sectors in both countries. Supported by entities such as AUSTRADE and industry federations, KACC aims to facilitate business connections, support bilateral trade, and serve as a conduit between Australia and Kenya. The partnership is poised to unlock new opportunities and drive economic growth by promoting exports and imports between Kenya and Australia. With a balanced trade volume of $500 million, commodities like wheat, minerals, coffee, and vegetables will see increased exchange, fostering economic resilience and prosperity for both nations. #trade #bilateral trade #economicgrowth #hakunamatatamedia

Namibia is set to dispatch its first consignment of goods through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat, marking an important milestone in the country's trade strategy. This effort aims to enhance regional trade and economic integration by facilitating the movement of goods across borders within Africa. The initial shipment is expected to include various products, showcasing Namibia's commitment to leveraging the opportunities presented by the AfCFTA framework. The launch of this consignment aligns with Namibia's broader goals of boosting exports and increasing market access for local producers. By participating in the AfCFTA, Namibia aims to strengthen its economic ties with other African nations, promote intra-African trade, and contribute to the continent's overall economic growth. This move is anticipated to not only benefit Namibia's economy but also support regional development and cooperation among member states. #AfCFTA #Namibia #Trade #EconomicIntegration #RegionalDevelopment

Last day of the advanced training on rules of origin for Malawi, the warm heart of Africa The workshop, organized by the World Customs Organization, Malawi Revenue Authority and GIZ Malawi, aimed to deepen participants' understanding of RoO, their significance in international trade agreements, and their implementation in Malawi's customs processes. Discussions emphasized how robust understanding and enforcement of RoO can enhance Malawi's competitiveness in the global market, reduce trade barriers, and increase access to preferential tariff rates. Furthermore, the workshop highlighted the importance of strengthening collaboration and communication among the Customs administration, the private sector and other stakeholders. Effective and efficient implementation of RoO can bolster Malawi's trading capabilities both regionally and globally and position the country as a significant player on the African trading stage, driving economic growth and development in the years to come. MRA can rely on a group of experts with a deep understanding of the rules of origin applicable in the #AfCFTA, SADC and COMESA. As a next step, some of them will be trained as trainers to develop the facilitation skills to cascade their knowledge to colleagues and external stakeholders. #EUWCORoOAfricaProgramme