Accra, Ghana – August 9, 2024 – The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat is pleased to announce the successful conclusion of the 8th Meeting of the Subcommittee on Trade Facilitation, Customs Cooperation, and Transit (SCTFCCT) and the 8th Meeting of AfCFTA Director Generals and Heads of Customs, held from August 6 to 9, 2024, in Accra, Ghana. These meetings marked a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to strengthen customs cooperation and trade facilitation across Africa under the AfCFTA framework.

Over the past four days, customs experts, and Director Generals from across the continent gathered in Accra to engage in intensive discussions aimed at advancing the AfCFTA’s goals of enhancing intra-African trade. The meetings provided a platform for the participants to share insights, address challenges, and develop actionable strategies to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of customs operations and trade facilitation across the continent.

Key outcomes of the meetings included the finalization of several strategic documents, including the AfCFTA Transit Document and the Draft Trade Facilitation Strategy. These documents are pivotal in ensuring the smooth flow of goods across African borders, reducing trade barriers, and enhancing the overall trade environment within the continent.

The participants also developed a set of recommendations that will be submitted for consideration by the Council of Ministers. These recommendations are expected to significantly influence the future direction of customs operations and trade facilitation under the AfCFTA, contributing to the broader objective of creating a more integrated and economically resilient Africa.