Are the best practices that African countries may consider, both from regional and experiences from other parts of the world in the implementation of AfCFTA? - 17th - 25th June 2020 https://trapca.org/atppn/forum/17th-25th-june-2020/are-the-best-practices-that-african-countries-may-consider-both-from-regional-and-experiences-from-other-parts-of-the-world-in-the-implementation-of-afcfta/ Africa Agricutlural Trade Policy Practitioners Network (ATPPN) Discussion Board en-US Sat, 11 Jul 2026 12:01:50 +0000 wpForo 60 RE: Are the best practices that African countries may consider, both from regional and experiences from other parts of the world in the implementation of AfCFTA? https://trapca.org/atppn/forum/17th-25th-june-2020/are-the-best-practices-that-african-countries-may-consider-both-from-regional-and-experiences-from-other-parts-of-the-world-in-the-implementation-of-afcfta/#post-5355 Wed, 01 Jul 2020 00:42:38 +0000 I totally agree with Kelvin and Ann on the value chain and comparative and competitive advantage respectively, I wish to consider trends in specialization by becoming more diversified with respect to evolution of specialization over time  and also the  intra - industrial trade  which depends on product differentiation in a country.

]]> 17th - 25th June 2020 Sinnah Patricia https://trapca.org/atppn/forum/17th-25th-june-2020/are-the-best-practices-that-african-countries-may-consider-both-from-regional-and-experiences-from-other-parts-of-the-world-in-the-implementation-of-afcfta/#post-5355 RE: Are the best practices that African countries may consider, both from regional and experiences from other parts of the world in the implementation of AfCFTA? https://trapca.org/atppn/forum/17th-25th-june-2020/are-the-best-practices-that-african-countries-may-consider-both-from-regional-and-experiences-from-other-parts-of-the-world-in-the-implementation-of-afcfta/#post-5354 Mon, 22 Jun 2020 17:39:18 +0000 I agree with Anne about getting organised in the value chains, Fortunately, Kenya is so organised in the Cooperatives and we in Uganda need to strengthen our Cooperatives especially for marketing. The few Cooperatives that are organised in marketing milk and matooke in Western Uganda are actually feeding the different regions of the country. WE need to emulate Kenya and the Netherlands which have used the Cooperatives to grow their revenues year after year. 

]]> 17th - 25th June 2020 Nsubuga Harriet https://trapca.org/atppn/forum/17th-25th-june-2020/are-the-best-practices-that-african-countries-may-consider-both-from-regional-and-experiences-from-other-parts-of-the-world-in-the-implementation-of-afcfta/#post-5354 RE: Are the best practices that African countries may consider, both from regional and experiences from other parts of the world in the implementation of AfCFTA? https://trapca.org/atppn/forum/17th-25th-june-2020/are-the-best-practices-that-african-countries-may-consider-both-from-regional-and-experiences-from-other-parts-of-the-world-in-the-implementation-of-afcfta/#post-5353 Mon, 22 Jun 2020 17:30:23 +0000 It was observed that trade within the RECs was on-going for example in the EAC there has been improved trade than before. Sometimes, there have been complaints between the private sector importing and the farmers producing when it comes to export/import of sugar, fresh milk. etc between Uganda and Kenya because they affect the local market. However, if we are to promote the trade in the EAC, there is need to agree to this. Maybe if our countries agree that Kenya is a better producer of sugar, let them export to other countries while Uganda has surplus pineapples and the traders export to the neighboring countries. I heard that there was maize traded recently from South Africa which is SADC selling to EAC which is an achievement for the AfCFTA. And South Africa actually has been strict on the SPS, hence a better supplier than Ugandan maize which needs to be improved to achieve even the EAC quality standards.

We can copy from EU like what others have suggested. We see the Netherlands re-exporting flowers, fruits and vegetables to other EU countries. So long as the standards are right they don't have to be affected by the NTBs among their traders. They all agreed on the same standards and each country is complying to it. With us in Africa, we need to harmonize the standards so that the exporters do not have to re-test or re-fumigate maize in the importing country (the complaint was raised about the Tanzanian government). 

 

 

 

 

 

 

]]> 17th - 25th June 2020 Nsubuga Harriet https://trapca.org/atppn/forum/17th-25th-june-2020/are-the-best-practices-that-african-countries-may-consider-both-from-regional-and-experiences-from-other-parts-of-the-world-in-the-implementation-of-afcfta/#post-5353 RE: Are the best practices that African countries may consider, both from regional and experiences from other parts of the world in the implementation of AfCFTA? https://trapca.org/atppn/forum/17th-25th-june-2020/are-the-best-practices-that-african-countries-may-consider-both-from-regional-and-experiences-from-other-parts-of-the-world-in-the-implementation-of-afcfta/#post-5352 Fri, 19 Jun 2020 12:22:08 +0000 Is the question pertains to general issues or specific to implementation of SPS? Anyway if it is pertaining to issues of implementation of SPS i agree with what has been raised by Raymonda Johnson. We can learn from the EU on how they managed to harmonize their standards through out the region. They even harmonized standards with EFTA countries like Norway, Switzerland, Iceland. On the specific steps to take it has been well highlighted by Raymonda. We need Political will, good regulatory framework, technical as well as financial resources 

]]> 17th - 25th June 2020 Shakira Phiri https://trapca.org/atppn/forum/17th-25th-june-2020/are-the-best-practices-that-african-countries-may-consider-both-from-regional-and-experiences-from-other-parts-of-the-world-in-the-implementation-of-afcfta/#post-5352 RE: Are the best practices that African countries may consider, both from regional and experiences from other parts of the world in the implementation of AfCFTA? https://trapca.org/atppn/forum/17th-25th-june-2020/are-the-best-practices-that-african-countries-may-consider-both-from-regional-and-experiences-from-other-parts-of-the-world-in-the-implementation-of-afcfta/#post-5351 Fri, 19 Jun 2020 11:04:11 +0000 In my opinion the challenges Africa faces are similar to all it countries ranging political, willingness and change of attitude, technical, data availability and resources. Let me briefly highlight some of them below:

A. Political

  • Policies, regulation – this is very key without government prioritizing and including the development and enactment of policies and regulations relating to SPS it will always be challenging in implementing SPS standards and strengthening of relevant regulating institutions

 

  • Enforcement of laws, protocols and standards – Only the political wing of government can ensure fully enforcement of all SPS laws, bye- laws, protocols and standards by working closing with and effectively monitoring regulating institutions and authorities concern be held accountable for compromising.
  • Public and private partnership- this a key aspect in governance both private and public institutions should be involved in all stages of the SPS value chain and ensure swift implementation of all related SPS standards and protocols
  •  
  • Political support and will – The strong and continuous support from the political wing of government is important in prioritizing SPS issues in the Africa Continent.

  

B. Willingness and change of attitude

 

  • As we seek the willingness from our political leaders it is also vital that the administrative, technical and judiciary wing are also willing to support this goal. Change of attitude of us all especially the exporters, importers and regulating authorities is of essence to effectively upgrade our SPS system in the continent.
  •  
  • Our regional blocs and we the technical personnel must have the same vision and level of willingness and determination towards SPS related issues. We should put away our pride and self-benefits and think of Africa as a whole.
  • awareness raising- we should all be involve in sensitizing the public, exporters, importers, policy makers and our colleagues on the value of SPS related issues and what as individual, country, sub-region and continent stand to lose when the aspect of SPS is neglected; what would be gained when it is priorities.

 

C. Technical

  1. Internet facility- this is a must and the internet system in Africa need to be upgraded and improved upon on. It has been so weak and unstable, often not available in some major entering points and farms location and is a major barrier to trade facilitation. The world is now fully being digitized and we can’t afford as a continent be left out to operate within the manual system.
  2. Technology- ICT system- There is need to develop and established new and upragded ICT systems to enable digital implementation of some of the SPS activities were it is necessarily required. Lack of ICT tools and equipment in public regulating institutions and entering point will affect the implementation of the AFTA.
  3. Laboratories and testing facilities – No country can effective implement SPS standards and protocol with scientific justification, then it will be barrier to trade which is against WTO SPS principle. Thus government should ensure that their countries have the adequate fully equipped and functional testing facilities and laboratories. This will not only protect the countries exported products to meet international requirements and standards but also prevent the introduction of invasive pest and diseases into the country.
  4. SOP and other technical documents – It very vital to harmonise SPS Standard of operating procedure or protocol within the various blocs and ensure that there are available standardize SPS SOPs and technical documents this will also guarantee and safeguard all countries as our borders are very porous, so I normally say there are no borders in Africa.

D. Good Agriculture Practice -is paramount and should be promoted by all countries and all players along the agricultural value chain should be encouraged to implement GAP. There should be a harmonized GAP framework and system for all key export crops and livestock’s in Africa so that is gives uniformity between countries and also confirm that the same quality of agricultural products are being traded. It will also contribute greatly towards trade facilitation in term of money, time and resources utilize. SPS inspection starts from the procurement of the seeds or planting materials down to marketing until it reaches to the consumer.

E. Resources

. Financial resources – is a key tool to be able to implement SPS standards and protocols. Our governments need to allocate funds to the relevant regulating institutions and not depending solely on funding support from our development partners. Regulating institutions should ensure that their fees being charged are not cumbersome but relative low in order not to make trade costly.

 

. human capacity, technical expertise – This is area has a serious challenge as mostly sine the institutions concerned salaries are low most experts are moving to the private sectors or project. In some countries government are yet to recruit officers within the relevant institutions. A deliberate effort need to be taken to build the capacity of all technical officers both in the private and public sectors. Technical experts need to be encouraged and recognize within our countries and the Africa Continent as a whole.

F. Data availability – Data is an essential part of SPS and valid requirement when trading with other countries. It is a must for all countries to have an effective and functional updated database system for the purpose of efficient traceability, transparency and trade facilitation. This as aspect is missing if not all but part of it in all Africa Countries. Most International markets are requesting for a traceability and database system.

 

 G. Collaboration and cooperation between regulatory authorities/ institutions- In Africa Countries one major challenge is when regulating institutions see themselves as rivals, expert having the self-mind perception. This has contributed negatively towards slowing down trade facilitation. There is an essential need for all regulation institutions and regulators to see each other as one entity with a common goal and strengthening collaboration and coordination between them. This is also relevant in building an effective public and private partnership.

 

H. Regional blocs -need to coordinate and collaborate among themselves. SPS standards, protocols, action plan and activities need to be harmonized. Issues like MRL, certification, inspection guideline and tool, auditing tool, traceability and database system need to be harmonise among all Africa sub- regional blocs.

 

 

I. Research and information sharing- This is a major gap within the Africa region. There less priority and attention given to research. Most expert and scientist don’t like to share information. Countries often don’t share trade related data, information on stocks, quality and research skill to other country. This aspect if not address appropriately will definitely affects the AFTA implementation. It essential to strengthen centers of excellence within the region. This will enable us to carry out our own research and test what comes into our region.

 

J. Harmonise SPS tool, price control- It key to harmonise all SPS tools and ensure price control along the SPS various processes and stages within the countries.

]]> 17th - 25th June 2020 Raymonda Johnson https://trapca.org/atppn/forum/17th-25th-june-2020/are-the-best-practices-that-african-countries-may-consider-both-from-regional-and-experiences-from-other-parts-of-the-world-in-the-implementation-of-afcfta/#post-5351 RE: Are the best practices that African countries may consider, both from regional and experiences from other parts of the world in the implementation of AfCFTA? https://trapca.org/atppn/forum/17th-25th-june-2020/are-the-best-practices-that-african-countries-may-consider-both-from-regional-and-experiences-from-other-parts-of-the-world-in-the-implementation-of-afcfta/#post-5345 Thu, 18 Jun 2020 14:08:18 +0000 So far AfCFTA, is the biggest market in the world after WTO, I suppose.

The purpose of its establishment is evident, but as the process continues, I have one, two, three things to advise and which if they are heeded,may improve its development!!

1. African Countries politics need to be harmonised. Why? They need to harmonise their politics to have commonalities in issues of AfCFTA because politics decides everything, eg. The issue of COVID 19, has taught us a lesson. Every country took her own initiative, but one would expect joint efforts regarding the pandemic. Absence of unity in many issues due to political differencies will continue to cost our continent.

2. Harmonization of legal framework. I know, there is a treaty establishing the FTA and accompanying protocols are clear on what should be done by member States. You will all agree with me that following each member country to have her own legal frameworks, it has been difficult to implement what is agreed under AfCFTA legal framework in favour of member's own laws.

3. There is no enforcement machinery. No African Police to  enforce what is being agreed. I suppose there would be penalties which may result into sanctions and similar exemplary penalties. But what is being agreed should be followed by all members. That will bring about discipline in implementing the AfCFTA.

Let me end up here for now.

]]> 17th - 25th June 2020 Fikiri Mboya https://trapca.org/atppn/forum/17th-25th-june-2020/are-the-best-practices-that-african-countries-may-consider-both-from-regional-and-experiences-from-other-parts-of-the-world-in-the-implementation-of-afcfta/#post-5345 RE: Are the best practices that African countries may consider, both from regional and experiences from other parts of the world in the implementation of AfCFTA? https://trapca.org/atppn/forum/17th-25th-june-2020/are-the-best-practices-that-african-countries-may-consider-both-from-regional-and-experiences-from-other-parts-of-the-world-in-the-implementation-of-afcfta/#post-5344 Thu, 18 Jun 2020 10:04:45 +0000 @knkai that is very correct, there is a dire need for Africa to develop its SMEs sector.

]]> 17th - 25th June 2020 Grace Kulaba https://trapca.org/atppn/forum/17th-25th-june-2020/are-the-best-practices-that-african-countries-may-consider-both-from-regional-and-experiences-from-other-parts-of-the-world-in-the-implementation-of-afcfta/#post-5344 RE: Are the best practices that African countries may consider, both from regional and experiences from other parts of the world in the implementation of AfCFTA? https://trapca.org/atppn/forum/17th-25th-june-2020/are-the-best-practices-that-african-countries-may-consider-both-from-regional-and-experiences-from-other-parts-of-the-world-in-the-implementation-of-afcfta/#post-5343 Thu, 18 Jun 2020 10:01:06 +0000 @margaretnagujja that is very true,  I would add that mutual recognition of testing standards is highly recommended,  whereby each country retains the full liberty to set its own product and production standards. However, each country is entrusted with testing products intended for export in its own territory and prior to shipment. The importing country will accept the products from the partner without any additional testing or administrative procedures.

]]> 17th - 25th June 2020 Grace Kulaba https://trapca.org/atppn/forum/17th-25th-june-2020/are-the-best-practices-that-african-countries-may-consider-both-from-regional-and-experiences-from-other-parts-of-the-world-in-the-implementation-of-afcfta/#post-5343 RE: Are the best practices that African countries may consider, both from regional and experiences from other parts of the world in the implementation of AfCFTA? https://trapca.org/atppn/forum/17th-25th-june-2020/are-the-best-practices-that-african-countries-may-consider-both-from-regional-and-experiences-from-other-parts-of-the-world-in-the-implementation-of-afcfta/#post-5342 Thu, 18 Jun 2020 09:59:31 +0000 @annemukunyam I totally agree with you.

 

]]> 17th - 25th June 2020 Grace Kulaba https://trapca.org/atppn/forum/17th-25th-june-2020/are-the-best-practices-that-african-countries-may-consider-both-from-regional-and-experiences-from-other-parts-of-the-world-in-the-implementation-of-afcfta/#post-5342 RE: Are the best practices that African countries may consider, both from regional and experiences from other parts of the world in the implementation of AfCFTA? https://trapca.org/atppn/forum/17th-25th-june-2020/are-the-best-practices-that-african-countries-may-consider-both-from-regional-and-experiences-from-other-parts-of-the-world-in-the-implementation-of-afcfta/#post-5341 Wed, 17 Jun 2020 19:04:08 +0000 @gracek very true

]]> 17th - 25th June 2020 Kelvin Nkai https://trapca.org/atppn/forum/17th-25th-june-2020/are-the-best-practices-that-african-countries-may-consider-both-from-regional-and-experiences-from-other-parts-of-the-world-in-the-implementation-of-afcfta/#post-5341