The World Customs Organization (WCO), with financial support from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), held a national workshop on Rules of Origin, from 18 to 20 June 2025 in Banjul, Gambia. This workshop was a result of the collaborative efforts of the WCO/JICA Joint Project, the Gambia Revenue Authority (GRA) and the Gambia Ministry of Trade, Industry, Regional Integration, and Employment (MOTIE). It formed part of a series of national workshops designed to strengthen the capacity of African Customs administrations to administer preferential Rules of Origin, particularly for the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

The workshop brought together Customs officials from various units and border posts of the GRA, representatives from the MOTIE as well as private sector stakeholders. In addition to enhancing technical knowledge on preferential Rules of Origin, the workshop fostered a collaborative platform for participants to identify and address common challenges, discuss potential policy enhancements, and built a network of professionals committed to derive benefits from the implementation of AfCFTA.

During the opening ceremony, Mr. Alhagie K. Mbye, the Commissioner of Customs and Excise of the GRA, highlighted the importance of mastering Rules of Origin for facilitating intra-African trade. He expressed his appreciation for the continued support provided by the WCO and JICA.

Mr. Mamadi Dampha, the Deputy Permanent Secretary of MOTIE, emphasized the importance of collaboration with stakeholders to ensure effective implementation of AfCFTA Rules of Origin, enabling them to fully benefit from the AfCFTA.

A total of thirty-four participants from GRA, MOTIE and the private sector took part in the three-day workshop. It was facilitated by WCO Expert Trainers on Rules of Origin from Japan and Botswana, as well as a Master Trainer on Rules of Origin from Botswana. The workshop covered key elements of Rules of Origin under the AfCFTA, including correct origin determination and procedural requirements. The experts provided in-depth presentations on core provisions, such as verification of proofs of origin to ensure accurate application of preferential tariff treatment. Practical exercises and case studies were also conducted to equip participants with the skills needed to apply Rules of Origin within regional preferential agreements, including the AfCFTA.

The workshop marked a tangible step towards realizing the benefits of the AfCFTA and served as an excellent example of the benefits of utilizing the WCO’s pool of Accredited Experts, as envisaged under the WCO’s capacity-building strategy.