Industry calls for urgent AfCFTA implementation plan

Manufacturers have urged government and relevant agencies to urgently address gaps in trade facilitation following the commencement of trade under the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

This was during a webinar on the status of implementation of AfCFTA, hosted by Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM) in partnership with National Trade Facilitation Agencies, including Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) and Kenya Trade Agency (KenTrade).

Speaking during the session, KAM Chair, Mr Mucai Kunyiha, recognized the challenges and opportunities in AfCFTA.

“AfCFTA shall open up borders, both in the continent and globally. However, the level of trade amongst African countries remains low. Whereas AfCFTA enables intra-Africa trade, we still source for raw materials, intermediate goods and finished products from more developed markets, including China, Europe and the United States. We need to look at the opportunities for trade amongst ourselves and take advantage of them in order to build our competitiveness and productivity,” said Mr Kunyiha.

He further stated that the government and relevant agencies need to urgently put in place measures to facilitate trade under AfCFTA, adding, “The reality remains that a lot of work needs to be done to make the trade pact operational. It is critical that government and relevant agencies sensitize customs officials on the agreement’s tariffs and procedures, harmonize standards to enable trade across the continent, conclude negotiations for key tariff lines and make information available to all stakeholders to enable them to make investment decisions.”

KEBS Director for Standards Development and Trade, Ms Esther Ngari noted that standards development is critical for facilitating local, regional and international trade.

“The changing global trade flows have enhanced the role of standards development by encouraging the integration of national economies, and trading systems into a fairer global trade regime. ,” remarked Ms Ngari.

KenTrade Director for Trade Facilitation, Ms Rose Ronoh observed that the Agency is developing initiatives aimed at enabling the efficient processing of imports and exports.

“The single window system seeks to eliminate challenges related to the processing of import and export cargo documentation. In addition, the implementation of Marine Cargo Insurance (MCI) module, integration of the new Customs Management, automation of the Duty Remission Scheme, among others, shall facilitate trade under the agreement,” stated Ms Ronoh.

KRA Assistant Manager for Trade Facilitation Division, Ms Maureen Wanginda, recognized the challenges facing regional trade and highlighted the Authority’s role in trade facilitation.

“Our role entails the submission of focal points as provided in the AfCFTA rules of origins, submission of authorized signatories to the AU signatories, printing and publishing the trade documents, adjustments of Customs Procedures Management Systems and training and capacity building for economic operators of the AfCFTA,” explained Ms Wanginda.

AfCFTA is a flagship project of the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and a blueprint for attaining inclusive and sustainable development across the continent over the next 50 years. To date, 54 out of 55 African Union (AU) Member States have signed the Agreement and 35 Member States have ratified and deposited their ratification instruments with AU.