Intra-African trade remains a critical driver of economic integration and sustainable development across the continent. However, non-tariff barriers (NTBs) including complex customs procedures, import/export restrictions including those related to sanitary and phytosanitary measures and technical barriers to trade, continue to hinder smooth trade flows among African countries. To address these challenges, the AfCFTA NTB Online Mechanism (www.tradebarriers.africa) was established in 2019. This online mechanism enables businesses and governments to report, monitor, and resolve NTBs in real-time across participating AfCFTA State Parties. Despite its potential, many stakeholders, particularly traders, business associations, and trade officials still require technical capacity to use the platform effectively.
In 2025, the about twelve physical and virtual awareness raising and training initiatives on the AfCFTA NTB Online Mechanism were conducted in Burundi, Gabon, Cameroon, Rwanda, Malawi, Tanzania, Namibia, Ghana, Comoros, Mozambique, Zambia, and Algeria, where about 1000 private and public sector stakeholders were reached. The number of registered users on the AfCFTA NTB Online Mechanism increased from 1410 users at the end of 2024 to 1911 users at the end of January 2026, an increase of 501 users. In addition, there was an increase in the interaction with the Mechanism with site visits going from 10,039 to 15,476 hits in the last one year.
Objectives
The webinar seeks to:
- Introduce participants to the purpose, structure, and functions of the AfCFTA NTB Online Mechanism and the AfCFTA NTB Mobile Reporting Application (www.tradebarriers.africa).
- Demonstrate step-by-step procedures for registering, reporting, and following up on NTBs.
- Strengthen the capacity of private sector actors, trade support institutions, and government agencies to address NTBs effectively.
- Promote cooperation among regional stakeholders in resolving trade barriers.
Participants
The target audience will include the following, among others:
- African Chambers of Commerce and Industry and Business Associations
- African Business Support Organisations
- Private sector representatives (exporters, importers, traders, logistics and freight forwarders, etc.),
- National NTB focal Points,
- REC NTB Focal Points,
- State Party Representatives from government Departments and Agencies responsible for trade and industry, Agriculture, Customs, Standards, Logistics, Finance, etc.
- Members of AfCFTA National Implementation Committees, NTB National Monitoring Committees, National Trade Facilitation Committees etc.
Expected Outcomes
By the end of the session, participants will:
- Understand the AfCFTA Framework for identification, reporting and elimination of non-tariff barriers.
- Understand the functionality and benefits of the AfCFTA NTB Online Mechanism.
- Be able to report and follow up on NTBs autonomously.
- Contribute to a more transparent and efficient trade environment under the AfCFTA.
- Certificate issued for participants.
