Rules of origin regimes in intra Africa trade

Statement of need

Rules of origin have become one of the challenging components of preferential trading arrangements both in terms of negotiations and implementation. The main challenge arises from the nature of the rules in terms of design and structure. The more complicated and stringent the rules of origin are the more uncertain they become for the traders. Much as there has been an increasing conclusion of preferential trading regimes involving most sub-Saharan African countries, the intra-trade within these trading regimes has not.

The course is designed to equip the participants with conceptual skills on rules of origin and the implication of the different types, using a case study of the AfCFTA rules of origin. This will be important to enhance capacity in the implementation of both the AfCFTA and REC level rules of origin. The training Programme is designed for policymakers and trade and customs advisers, and trade negotiators. It will be useful to key persons in major business or trade organisations as well as persons within the academia who are or will be involved in issues of rules of origin. 

Course Objectives

• Articulate cross-sectoral relationships of intra-AfCFTA rules of origin provisions and its broader relationship with REC-level trading regimes’ liberalization mechanisms and provisions.

• Create capacity in the area of rules of origin, e.g., rules of origin in regional trade agreements, AfCFTA and multilateral trade agreements and their effect on trade and regional integration.
• Get conceptual skills on rules of origin and the implication of the different types, using a case study of the AfCFTA rules of origin.
• Facilitate the development and implementation of rules of origin in their countries.
• Contribute to the set-up of a regional network of experts and to facilitate networking between them and their organisations.
• Be able to effectively to utilize rules of origin privileges in inter and intra-African trade agreements and improve the competitiveness of their products. 

Content

• General aspects of rules of origin and their role in international trade today, including basic and technical elements of preferential and non- preferential rules of origin
• Preferential trade agreements and rules of origin
• Trade and customs procedures
• An appreciation of how the rules of origin have shaped the preference utilisation
• A deep understanding of the conceptual complexities of rules of origin,
• Cross-sectoral relationships of intra-AfCFTA rules of origin provisions

• Rules of origin in regional trade agreements, AfCFTA and multilateral trade agreements and their effect on trade and regional integration.
• Effective utilisation of rules of origin for product competitiveness.

Duration
2 Weeks

Venue and Date

Venue: Arusha, Tanzania
Date: 10 – 21 June 2024

Course Fees
$1,600