Ouangolodougou, 31 August 2022 (AIP) – Border post actors in Ouangolodougou received training on the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) on Tuesday, 30 August 2022, during an awareness and training tour held at the local multipurpose center.
The roadshow covered six border posts in Côte d’Ivoire, including Ouangolodougou, targeting law enforcement agencies such as Customs, Gendarmerie, Police, Water and Forestry Services, as well as private entities like freight forwarders and customs brokers. It forms part of ongoing efforts to familiarize stakeholders with the Agreement and ensure its effective implementation.
The initiative was led by the National AfCFTA Committee (AfCFTA-NC) in collaboration with the National Border Commission of Côte d’Ivoire (CNFCI). Its goal is to raise awareness about the AfCFTA Agreement as outlined in the national implementation strategy, while fostering a framework for exchange and collaboration with border post stakeholders.
Participants were briefed on the history of the AfCFTA, the government’s commitment, the mission of the AfCFTA-NC, its general and specific objectives, the content of the Agreement, its implementation instruments, and progress made since its ratification.
Representing the Executive Secretary of AfCFTA-NC, Bamba Mantieni urged border post stakeholders in Ouangolodougou to take ownership of the AfCFTA Agreement by adhering to its provisions and applying the associated regulations.
According to the Deputy Prefect of Ouangolodougou, Sylla Ibrahim, this mission is a welcome initiative as it will help update the various stakeholders who interact daily with travelers and the diverse activities in his area.
Participants expressed appreciation for the briefing and pledged to apply the provisions of the Agreement.
"This is a welcome tool, as it will enable African products to be protected. We are going to get down to applying the texts that will be ordered so that African products can really be protected. On the other hand, products that are not covered by the AfCFTA will continue to be treated as they are," said Ouattara Souleymane, Head of the Pogo Customs Office.
(Credit: AIP)