Nigeria Cuts AfCFTA Certificate of Origin Processing Time to 24 Hours

Abuja, Nigeria — Nigeria has reduced the processing time for the AfCFTA Certificate of Origin from more than five days to just 24 hours, following the digitalisation of the registration, verification and certification processes.

Nigeria’s Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwole, announced the development at the third-quarter meeting of the AfCFTA Central Coordination Committee in Abuja.

The move is being seen as a practical step towards translating the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Agreement from continental commitments into trade procedures that businesses can use to access markets across Africa.

Faster certification for exporters

The Certificate of Origin is critical to preferential trade under the AfCFTA. It enables exporters to demonstrate that their products meet the applicable Rules of Origin and qualify for preferential treatment under the agreement.

For businesses operating under tight delivery schedules, delays in obtaining the certificate can affect their ability to fulfil orders.

The reduction in processing time from more than five days to 24 hours could therefore help narrow the gap between administrative requirements and the commercial realities facing exporters.

Dr Oduwole highlighted the importance of efficient trade procedures by citing the example of a Nigerian fashion business that secured an order for 6,000 T-shirts during a trade mission to Botswana.

The example, she said, underscores the importance of ensuring that trade documentation and certification processes are able to support businesses as they pursue opportunities across African markets.

Digitalisation drives implementation

Nigeria’s experience also highlights the growing role of digitalisation in the implementation of the AfCFTA.

By moving the registration, verification and certification processes online, Nigeria has shortened the time exporters need to obtain a key document required for preferential trade.

The development reflects a broader shift in the implementation of the AfCFTA—from establishing continental trade rules to ensuring that those rules translate into practical opportunities for businesses.

For exporters, the success of the continental agreement is ultimately measured by how easily they can navigate procedures, move products across borders, fulfil orders and access new markets.

Turning AfCFTA commitments into action

The Nigerian development provides an example of how an AfCFTA State Party can translate provisions of the agreement into practical systems that businesses can use.

Rules of Origin, Certificates of Origin and the administrative procedures surrounding them therefore remain central to the effective implementation of preferential trade under the agreement.

As African countries continue efforts to deepen intra-African trade, efficient and digital trade procedures could play an important role in reducing administrative barriers and helping businesses take greater advantage of the opportunities created by the AfCFTA.

The experience from Nigeria reinforces a broader message: continental trade commitments become meaningful when businesses can use them efficiently to access markets, fulfil orders and trade across borders.

story by : Mark Acheampong