Background
The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) represents a historic opportunity to deepen economic integration across the continent by reducing barriers to trade and investment. While tariff liberalization is a cornerstone of the agreement, non-tariff barriers (NTBs) remain a significant challenge to intra-African trade. These barriers—ranging from cumbersome customs procedures to technical regulations—can undermine the benefits of market access and hinder the competitiveness of African businesses.
To address these challenges, the AfCFTA Secretariat, in collaboration with the Government of the Union of the Comoros and the United Nations Trade and Development (UNCTAD), is convening a national workshop to strengthen institutional mechanisms for identifying, reporting, and resolving NTBs.
Objectives
The workshop aims to:
- Present the AfCFTA framework on NTBs, including Annex 5 and guidelines for establishing National Monitoring Committees (NMCs).
- Support the Union of the Comoros in the creation of its National Committee on NTBs (CNS) and designate National Focal Points (NFPs).
- Introduce stakeholders to the AfCFTA Online NTB Reporting Mechanism and Mobile Application.
- Build capacity on the use of UNCTAD’s TRAINS database for non-tariff measures (NTMs).
- Facilitate practical exercises for the private sector on NTB notification and resolution.
- Share experiences and challenges in addressing NTBs in intra-African trade.
Participants
The workshop will bring together:
- Officials from multiple Ministries and regulators of the Union of the Comoros.
- Representatives of the AfCFTA Secretariat and UNCTAD.
- Private sector stakeholders, including business associations and trade operators.
Expected Outcomes
- Adoption of draft Terms of Reference for the Comoros National Committee on NTBs.
- Strengthened capacity of national focal points and private sector actors to use the NTB mechanism.
- Enhanced collaboration between government, private sector, and regional partners in addressing NTBs.
Clear roadmap for next steps in operationalizing NTB monitoring and resolution in the Union of the Comoros.
