Following the successful first session held in San Pedro, Côte d'Ivoire's National AfCFTA Committee (CN-AfCFTA) continued its nationwide series of workshops in Korhogo on 3 and 4 June 2026. The workshops focused on presenting the findings of the regional market study and providing training on the AfCFTA Rules of Origin. The initiative is financially supported by the African Development Bank (AfDB) through the Business Climate Improvement Support Programme in Côte d'Ivoire (PACA-CI).
These workshops form part of the implementation of the National AfCFTA Committee's Offensive Trade Sector Strategy, which aims to strengthen the capacity of Ivorian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to access African markets and fully benefit from the opportunities created by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Mobilizing Economic Stakeholders in the Poro Region
The opening ceremony was chaired by Mr. DAHIE, First Secretary-General of the Prefecture, representing the Prefect of the Poro Region. In his opening remarks, he welcomed the initiative, emphasizing its importance in preparing local businesses to seize the opportunities offered by the continental market.
The workshop sought to raise awareness among economic operators about the export potential of their products in regional markets while equipping them with a sound understanding of the AfCFTA Rules of Origin, a key requirement for benefiting from the Agreement's preferential tariff regime.
The event brought together a broad range of private sector stakeholders and business support organizations, including Inter-Mangue, Intercoton, the Cotton-Cashew-Shea Council, the Korhogo Chamber of Trades, and the Waraniéné Weavers' Market, reflecting the strong interest of local value chains in the opportunities created by the AfCFTA.
Promising Market Opportunities for Ivorian Businesses
The first day was dedicated to presenting the findings of the regional market study, which identified high-potential product-market combinations across Africa's major Regional Economic Communities (RECs), including ECOWAS, ECCAS, COMESA, SADC, and the Arab Maghreb Union (AMU).
The discussions highlighted existing commercial opportunities, priority markets, and growth prospects for Ivorian businesses seeking to expand their exports across the African continent.
Practical Training on the AfCFTA Rules of Origin
The second day focused on capacity-building on the AfCFTA Rules of Origin, a fundamental component of the Agreement that enables businesses to qualify for preferential tariff treatment when trading within the continental market.
Through practical exercises and case studies, participants strengthened their understanding of the origin criteria applicable under the AfCFTA and enhanced their ability to apply these rules in their export activities.
The workshop concluded with a certificate award ceremony recognizing the successful participation of attendees after two days of intensive learning and knowledge sharing.
Next Stop: Aboisso
Following the successful sessions in San Pedro and Korhogo, the National AfCFTA Committee will continue its outreach programme in Aboisso on 15 and 16 July 2026.
Through this nationwide initiative, the Committee remains committed to raising awareness and strengthening the capacities of economic operators across Côte d'Ivoire, ensuring that businesses are fully prepared to take advantage of the opportunities arising from the progressive opening of the continental market under the AfCFTA.