World Customs Organization Hosts National Awareness Workshop on African Continental Free Trade Area Rules of Origin

Strategic Insights -

The World Customs Organization, in collaboration with the Japan International Cooperation Agency, hosted a national awareness workshop on the Rules of Origin (RoO) under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Agreement in Bujumbura, Burundi. The workshop aimed to equip Customs administrations and other relevant agencies with the necessary tools to effectively manage preferential regimes under the AfCFTA. Participants included officials from Burundi Customs, the Ministry of Trade, and the private sector.

Key Takeaways:

  • The workshop was organized by the World Customs Organization (WCO) with financial support from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) through the WCO/JICA Joint Project.
  • The objective of the initiative is to equip Customs administrations and other relevant agencies with the necessary tools to effectively manage preferential regimes under the AfCFTA.
  • The workshop brought together participants from Burundi Customs, the Ministry of Trade, and the private sector to promote more harmonized, transparent, and competitive intra-African trade.
  • The initiative aims to strengthen the implementation of the AfCFTA RoO and equip Customs administrations with the necessary tools to manage preferential regimes effectively.
  • The workshop served as a platform to share best practices and examine concrete cases relating to origin criteria, verification, certification, and progressive tariff dismantling.
  • Participants gained a deeper understanding of the RoO through case studies and practical exercises, supporting correct application and full ownership by all stakeholders.
  • The workshop enabled participants to identify specific challenges faced by their respective administrations and formulate clear needs for implementation.
  • The exchange framework fostered better ownership of preferential procedures while strengthening cooperation among Customs officers, national institutions, and economic operators.

Statistics:

  • The workshop was held from May 20 to 22, 2025, in Bujumbura, Burundi.
  • The initiative is backed by the WCO and JICA, with WCO/JICA working together to strengthen the implementation of the AfCFTA RoO.
  • Participants included officials from Burundi Customs, the Ministry of Trade, and the private sector.
  • The workshop focused on consolidating knowledge of RoO and their strategic role in facilitating continental trade.
  • The initiative aims to promote more harmonized, transparent, and competitive intra-African trade.

Sources:

  • World Customs Organization: Press Release, no date provided.
  • WCO/JICA Joint Project, no date provided.