Trade Easier MSME Workshop

Learn how to report, monitor and eliminate Non-tariff barriers to trade

The African continent is set to become the world’s largest free trade area. However, if not addressed, non-tariff barriers (NTBs) may slow down this effort. NTBs slow down the movement of goods and costs importers and exporters billions of dollars annually. African countries could gain US$20 billion each year by tackling NTBs at the continental level – much more than the $3.6 billion they could gain by eliminating tariffs.

Every day many African traders and businesses face these barriers to trade. From quotas to excessive import documents or unjustified packaging requirements, these barriers are a big hindrance to trade between African countries and make it complicated and expensive to move goods across the continent.

Therefore, the Secretariat of the AfCFTA, the African Union Commission (Department of Trade and Industry), with the support of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) have come together to organise the Trade Easier MSME Workshop to learn how to report, monitor and eliminate Non-tariff barriers to trade.

On Thursday 18 February 2021 from 10:30-12:00 GMT trade experts will provide training to MSME’s on how to report, monitor and eliminate Non-tariff barriers to trade using the Continental Trade Barriers Platform. The tool, developed by the African Union in partnership with UNCTAD, supports efforts to make continental trade easier and less costly by helping African businesses report such barriers and supporting their elimination with the help of governments.

The training will be complemented by reflections from the private sector about the platform and insights from National Focal points who are tasked with resolving the NTBs reported on the platform.

Workshop
  • 18 February 2021 | Trade Easier MSME Workshop