How to Modernize Customs Procedures to Successfully Implement the African Continental Free Trade Area
April 11, 2025
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The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), initiated by the African Union in 2012, aims to create the world's largest free trade area by reducing tariffs and facilitating trade among 54 African countries. Officially entering into force on May 30, 2019, it has the potential to diversify exports, accelerate growth, and attract foreign investment, potentially boosting regional incomes by 9 percent by 2035 and helping 50 million people exit extreme poverty. The agreement includes provisions to facilitate trade and investment, address regulatory measures, and cover trade in both goods and services. Customs administration is crucial for its success, requiring modernization, government support, and business cooperation. Trading under the AfCFTA began on January 1, 2021, but significant changes are needed for full implementation. This note discusses recommendations for customs administration reforms to optimize AfCFTA implementation, suggesting a regional one-year deadline for most relevant measures.
Subject: Customs administration core functions, Exports, Imports, International trade, Revenue administration, Trade facilitation, Trade in goods
Keywords: AfCFTA Agreement, AfCFTA Customs portal, Africa, Competition Policy, Customs administration core functions, Customs aspect, data IMF Library, Digital Trade, Exports, Imports, Intellectual Property Rights, origin unit, Protocol on Trade in Goods, Protocol on Trade in Services, State party, tariff elimination, Trade facilitation, Trade in goods, Women and Youth in Trade
Pages:
30
Volume:
2025
DOI:
Issue:
002
Series:
How-To Note No 2025/002
Stock No:
HTNEA2025002
ISBN:
9798229007009
ISSN:
2522-7912
