Lomé, Togo, 18 March 2025 – The AfCFTA Secretariat successfully hosted the 1st Non-Tariff Barriers (NTBs) Regional Economic Communities (RECs) Coordination Meeting to enhance collaboration on the elimination of NTBs across the continent.

Delegations engaged in discussions focused on strengthening the role of National Monitoring Committees (NMCs) and National Focal Points (NFPs), integrating REC reporting mechanisms with the AfCFTA NTB Online Mechanism, and leveraging digital tools such as the newly launched NTB Reporting Mobile App to improve the speed and efficiency of NTB resolution.

They also shared regional updates, best practices, and outlined challenges, including resource constraints and the need for improved responsiveness from designated focal points. The meeting concluded with strong recommendations to strengthen institutional coordination, enhance communication between RECs and the Secretariat, and support the full operationalisation of NTB frameworks across all State Parties.

This inaugural coordination meeting marks an important milestone in accelerating the implementation of the AfCFTA by addressing trade barriers that hinder intra-African trade.