The EU-WCO Rules of Origin Africa Programme aims to facilitate and increase intra-African trade, trade between Africa and Europe, and between Africa and the rest of the world. Its establishment is a concrete step taken by the European Union and the World Customs Organization in consultation with key stakeholders to support African partners in implementing the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

In brief

Rules of Origin Expert

Role:

    • Origin and development nexus research and advocacy

    • AfCFTA RoO negotiations advisory

    • Capacity-building

  • Scientific output

    • 0 in 2023, 3 in 2024, 5 in 2025*

    • +376% spending increase in knowledge generation and dissemination over 2023-2024

    Visibility & outreach

    • 2024: 26 press releases (reach: 1,550 unique visitors)

    • 2024: 67 LinkedIn posts (reach: 29,000 unique visitors; 160,000 impressions; 3,700 reactions)

    * Forecast

  • Profile raising of the WCO-EU Rules of origin Africa Programme as a thought leader and go-to reference

    • Secured an 8M€ programme renewal)

    • Extension of portfolio to customs valuation

    • New collaborations with: AUC Made in Africa Initiative, ITC One Trade Africa Programme

Contact

Knowledge management

Insight

The demand from the Programme’s partners for new knowledge products has led to a 376% increase in spending and dissemination over the 2023-2024 period.

Visibility & outreach

The 2023-2024 number of Programme's press releases has increased by 11%, while the number of citations of the Programme by other media oulets has increased by 215% of the same period. As of 15 July 2025

The Programme and its team members' online presence have generated high-growth citations by other online media and demand for media partnerships in key specialised outlets such as CustomsClear, Eyes on Customs, and the COMESA Business Council Newsletter.

Insight

More information