Lomé, Togo, 21 March 2025 – The AfCFTA Secretariat successfully concluded the 4th Meeting of the Sub-Committee on Non-Tariff Barriers (NTBs), held from 19 to 21 March 2025 in Lomé, Togo.

The meeting focused on reviewing the implementation of Annex 5 on NTBs, including the status of reported NTBs, the draft operational guidelines for their timely resolution, and updates on National Focal Points (NFPs) and National Monitoring Committees (NMCs).

Discussions also covered the AfCFTA NTB Online Mechanism and its newly launched mobile application, aimed at enhancing accessibility and improving user engagement. Additional sessions addressed the AfCFTA Implementation Review Mechanism (AFIRM), integration of REC reporting mechanisms, and deep regulatory integration across the continent.

The meeting reaffirmed the importance of harmonised processes, digital tools, and institutional coordination to effectively eliminate non-tariff barriers. A strong call was made to ensure updated nominations for NFPs, operational NMCs, and improved support for public-private sector engagement in NTB resolution.

The successful conclusion of this meeting demonstrates the continued commitment of State Parties and stakeholders to accelerating AfCFTA implementation by addressing obstacles to intra-African trade.