Gambiaj.com – (Lagos, Nigeria) – The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission has unveiled a groundbreaking digital Certificate of Origin, marking a significant milestone in regional trade and integration. The ECOWAS E-Certificate of Origin, launched on Monday in Lagos, Nigeria, is the first of its kind by any regional bloc in Africa, setting a precedent for digital transformation in trade facilitation.

The event was attended by representatives from the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat, African Development Bank (AfDB), Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), World Customs Organization (WCO), ECOWAS Member States, private sector stakeholders, and ECOWAS officials.

Both in-person and virtual participants lauded the initiative’s potential to revolutionize intra-regional trade in West Africa.

What is the Certificate of Origin?

A certificate of origin is a crucial document in international trade, certifying that goods originate from a specific country or region as per established rules. Traditionally issued in paper format, these certificates serve as proof for goods eligible for tariff preferences under free trade agreements.

However, the manual processes involved have been criticized for inefficiencies and vulnerability to fraud, undermining the confidence in the certification system.

The manual application and approval of certificates of origin, coupled with their presentation to customs authorities at borders, have often been cumbersome and time-consuming. Fraudulent certificates have eroded trust, and customs administrations face delays in verifying the authenticity of these documents.

These challenges have hindered the free movement of goods, reducing the effectiveness of trade liberalization efforts in the ECOWAS region.

Digital Transformation to Enhance Trade

The ECOWAS E-Certificate of Origin aims to eliminate these obstacles through an end-to-end digital system. This platform facilitates the application, issuance, and validation of certificates via secure electronic processes, drastically reducing fraud and improving transparency.

Customs authorities in both exporting and importing countries will have real-time access to digitally signed certificates, streamlining trade and ensuring confidence in the certification process.

In her keynote address, delivered by Mr. Salifou Tiemtore, Director of Customs Union and Taxation, ECOWAS Commissioner for Economic Affairs and Agriculture Mrs. Massandje Toure-Litse highlighted the initiative’s transformative potential.

“This end-to-end digitalization covers the application and delivery of certificates of origin, digital signature of the certificates, and their transmission to customs authorities through a secure system,” she stated. “This system drastically reduces fraud, enhances transparency, and facilitates cross-border trade.”

Boosting Regional Integration

The initiative is expected to significantly enhance the economic competitiveness of ECOWAS Member States, fostering regional value chains and promoting sustainable development. Speaking at the launch, Ms. Mette Werdelin Azzam, Lead Origin Expert at the World Customs Organization, commended ECOWAS for becoming the first African regional bloc to digitize its certificate of origin process.

She emphasized that the initiative would improve regional trade and strengthen economic ties across West Africa.

Similarly, Mr. Abou Fall, Trade Policy Officer at the African Development Bank, applauded ECOWAS for its commitment to regional integration through innovative trade facilitation measures. “This launch is a testament to ECOWAS’ dedication to implementing transformative initiatives that promote intra-regional trade and economic development,” he remarked.

The ECOWAS E-Certificate of Origin sets a new standard for trade facilitation on the continent. By addressing longstanding challenges in the certification process and embracing digital solutions, ECOWAS is paving the way for more seamless, secure, and efficient intra-regional trade.