Today, the World Customs Organization – East and Southern Africa (WCO-ESA), in collaboration with the International Trade Centre (ITC), hosted a webinar on the African Trade Observatory (ATO). The ATO, led by the African Union and supported by the EU’s financial support, is key for providing trade intelligence that promotes regional integration and effective AfCFTA implementation.
The webinar was opened by Mr. Mondher Mimouni, Director, Division of Market Development, International Trade Centre and Mr. Larry Liza, Director, World Customs Organization, East & Southern Africa, Regional Office for Capacity Building. With participation from over 104 customs officials representing 21 Members, the session highlighted the essential role of customs in managing and analyzing data to boost trade across Africa.
The ATO, one of the AfCFTA’s five operational instruments, enhances trade information to support evidence-based decision-making across the continent. It equips policymakers and government officials, including Customs Authorities, to oversee regional trade integration and assess AfCFTA’s impact. Thirty-four AU members have joined this initiative, with ESA members actively supporting AfCFTA and regional integration.
