UNCTAD, together with the AfCFTA Secretariat and the Government of Ethiopia, will host a national capacity‑building workshop on 30–31 March 2026 in Addis Ababa. The event focuses on strengthening Ethiopia’s ability to identify, report and address non‑tariff barriers (NTBs) along two key trade routes: the Ethiopia–Kenya Corridor and the Ethiopia–Djibouti Corridor.
Traders and operators along these corridors continue to face procedural, regulatory and operational challenges that increase the cost and time of cross‑border trade. The workshop supports national efforts to address these obstacles in line with the AfCFTA framework.
Objectives
The workshop will:
- Build the capacity of public and private stakeholders on NTB concepts and their impact on trade.
- Train participants to use the AfCFTA Online NTB Reporting Mechanism and Mobile Application.
- Identify NTBs at strategic border points through technical discussions and field engagement.
- Strengthen coordination among ministries, regulatory agencies, border authorities and private‑sector actors to support effective NTB resolution.
Approach
The programme includes capacity‑building sessions, hands‑on training with the AfCFTA reporting tools, and practical exercises based on real experiences from traders and border officials. Multi‑stakeholder discussions will reinforce the role of National Monitoring Committees in addressing NTBs.
A national consultant will also conduct on‑site NTB identification at key border points and support traders in reporting issues through AfCFTA mechanisms.
Participants
Expected participants include:
- Private‑sector representatives (exporters, importers, MSMEs, chambers of commerce, women and youth entrepreneurs)
- Freight forwarders, clearing agents and logistics operators
- The Ministry responsible for Trade and Regional Integration
- Relevant line ministries and public agencies
- Customs, border management, standards, technical regulatory, sanitary and phytosanitary authorities
Expected Results
The workshop aims to:
- Strengthen national capacity to report and eliminate NTBs through AfCFTA reporting tools
- Improve systematic identification of NTBs along the two corridors
