The importance of trade facilitation (TF) in fostering intra-African trade cannot be underscored. With the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) in place, fast-tracking TF measures is imperative. It has been re-affirmed several times that the expected benefits of full implementation of the TFA and AfCFTA for African countries are immense. This is evidenced by the pronouncements of the African ministers. However, it is clear that most African countries are still struggling to fulfill their commitments in terms of notified measures as per the TFA obligations with about 70 percent of the measures not notified[1]. What then explains the sluggish progress in the notification of measures? The answer mainly lies in the lack of requisite capacity by these countries to conceptualize, categorise and implement the measures. Requisite competences in terms of human capital are seriously lacking in these countries and relevant interventions hold the key to harnessing the expected opportunities ushered by the TFA and AfCFTA.
A number of programs ranging from customs modernization reforms to TF needs assessment initiatives all reveal the central role of capacity building when it comes to TF reforms. In the same vein, trapca’s TF assessment reports that include comprehensive needs assessments and post-training evaluation, revealed that capacity building needs of African countries on TF are multi-dimensional. These range from policy, institutional and implementation level capacity needs. A conceptualization of the relevance of these needs in the implementation of TF reforms is therefore extremely important, particularly because TF reforms extent to all sectors involved in cross border trade.
African countries have unilaterally, bilaterally and plurilaterally pursued the above imperatives at various degrees of reforms. The adoption of AfCFTA and entry into force of WTO’s TFA are added drivers for further regulatory reforms. This notwithstanding, the transition from adoption of international instruments to their implementation is usually not fully conceptualized hence a general underestimation of the role capacity building plays at implementation level of such instruments. More specifically, TF reforms call for multi-dimensional and cross-sectoral approach to the implementation of measures arising therefrom. Capacity building interventions are therefore critical to successful implementation of TF reforms within the context of AfCFTA.
In light of the above background, the session will explore the nature, scope and targeting of the capacity interventions with specific focus on training to enhance the competences of the TF measures implementing institutions.
Objectives of the session:
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Discuss the challenges that must be overcome and opportunities presented by TF-led institutional and organisational reforms through capacity interventions
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Interrogate the nature, scope and types of capacity building interventions required to implement TF reforms in view of the cross-sectoral nature of TF measures
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Consider the types and targeting of human resources capacity building interventions required for the implementation of TF reforms given the mutli-sectoral nature of TF measures
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Assess how to fully exploit the nexus between TF specific capacity building measures and their sustainability across sectors involved in the implementation of TF measures
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Discuss the dimensions in which capacity building interventions could fast-track the approximation and/or harmonization of proliferous TF standards of African countries arising from REC and bilateral arrangements.
Speakers:
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H.E. Erastus Mwencha, Former Deputy Chairperson of the African Union and Trapca and TMEA board member.
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Dr. Joy Kategekwa, Head of Africa Office, UNCTAD Addis and board Trapca member.
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Ms. Brenda Mundia, WCO Deputy Director for Capacity Building.
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Mr. Peter Kiuluku, Executive Director trapca.
[1] https://www.ictsd.org/bridges-news/bridges-africa/news/africa-and-the-i…
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