Africa seeks to make international trade cheaper, faster and easier at Addis Ababa Forum

Abstract

African countries seeking to reduce the cost, time and complexity of interregional and international trade in goods and services will gather for the First African Forum for National Trade Facilitation Committees in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on 27–29 November. The landmark event, organized by UNCTAD in collaboration with seven partner organizations, including the Economic Commission for Africa, comes as Africa scales up its trade easing efforts after the World Trade Organization’s Trade Facilitation Agreement entered into force in February 2017 and as they prepare to implement the Africa Continental Free Trade Agreement signed in March 2018. With well-functioning NTFCs, countries will be able to make trade, easier, faster and cheaper. For developing countries, and especially least developed countries – the majority of which are in sub-Saharan Africa – implementation of the Trade Facilitation Agreement could lead to a reduction in trade costs of up to 15%. Correctly implemented trade facilitation measures not only boost trade but also improve revenue collection, safety and security compliance controls (for example, improving food safety) and can help to streamline government agencies. By coming together to share experiences, learn lessons on common challenges, and meet with development partners and donors, participants at this event are expected to turbocharge their trade facilitation efforts.