The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has introduced a digital Certificate of Origin, aiming to enhance intra-regional trade and regional integration within West Africa. This initiative marks the first instance of such a launch by any regional bloc in Africa. The event took place in Lagos, Nigeria, with representatives from various organizations attending both in-person and online. These included the African Continental Free Trade Area Secretariat, the African Development Bank, the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), World Customs Organization, ECOWAS Member States, and other stakeholders.
A certificate of origin is a form that certifies goods as originating from a specific location according to established rules. It plays a crucial role in international trade by serving as proof of origin for goods eligible for tariff preferences under free trade agreements. In West Africa, the traditional manual process for obtaining these certificates has become burdensome and prone to fraud.
Customs administrations face challenges verifying paper certificates' authenticity, which undermines confidence and facilitates misuse to gain unfair tariff advantages. This issue has hindered the free movement of goods within the ECOWAS region. The new E-Certificate aims to resolve these problems by enhancing intra-regional trade among ECOWAS Member States.
In her keynote speech at the launch event, Mrs. Massandje TOURE-LITSE, represented by Mr. Salifou Tiemtore from ECOWAS's Directorate of Customs Union and Taxation, acknowledged support from various partners like the African Development Bank and World Customs Organization. She emphasized that "This end-to-end and origin-to-destination digitalization covers... application and delivery of certificates... aims to enhance intra-community trade... drastically reduces fraud."
Ms. Mette Werdelin AZZAM from the World Customs Organization praised ECOWAS for its pioneering effort in launching this digital certificate system in Africa. She highlighted its potential benefits for regional value chains and sustainable development in West Africa.
Additionally, Mr. Abou Fall from the African Development Bank Group commended ECOWAS's efforts towards promoting intra-regional trade through this initiative.
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