In a major step forward for deepening trade in West Africa, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has officially launched a cutting-edge digital certificate of origin system designed to streamline cross-border trade and boost economic integration across the region.
The launch event on Monday in Lagos, which saw participation from key stakeholders, was highlighted by a speech from Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, President of the ECOWAS Commission, who emphasised the significance of the initiative in enhancing trade efficiency.
Dr. Touray noted the global rise of free trade agreements (FTAs) as critical mechanisms for economic growth, market creation and the improved movement of goods. However, he acknowledged the unique challenges faced by developing and least-developed countries, particularly in Africa, which often rely on border taxes for revenue but struggle with weak industrial capacities. As trade liberalization accelerates, these countries are vulnerable to the erosion of customs revenues, non-compliance with trade rules, and increased economic hardship.
The ECOWAS Commission President emphasised the importance of ensuring that goods benefiting from tariff preferences under FTAs meet the required origin standards. Unfortunately, the manual and often inefficient process of applying for and verifying certificates of origin has contributed to fraud, undermining confidence in trade systems and delaying the movement of goods.
In response to these challenges, ECOWAS has launched the e-CO Hub, a digital platform aimed at transforming the certificate of origin process. The initiative automates the application, issuance, and approval of certificates, providing a more efficient and secure method for managing the movement of goods across borders. The e-CO Hub connects the customs authorities of both exporting and importing countries, ensuring smooth and real-time communication and document exchange.
This end-to-end digital system eliminates human intervention, significantly reducing fraud and increasing transparency. The use of digital signatures and secure transmission of certificates makes the process more reliable, faster, and cost-effective, ultimately facilitating the seamless movement of goods within the ECOWAS region.
Dr. Touray expressed gratitude to the African Development Bank, GIZ, and the World Customs Organization for their vital support in the development of the system. He also pointed out that the project aligns with the objectives of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and serves as a model for other regional economic communities seeking to modernise their trade processes.
Also speaking at the event, the ECOWAS Commissioner for Economic Affairs and Agriculture, Mrs Massandje Toure-Litse, represented by the Director of Customs Union and Taxation, Mr. Salifou Tiemtore, stated that the digitalisation of the certificate of origin process marks a major milestone for ECOWAS, positioning the region for improved trade facilitation, enhanced economic growth and a stronger presence in the global marketplace.
He added that the new system not only strengthens regional cooperation but also helps to unlock the full potential of West Africa’s economic integration.
Source: thesun
