AfCFTA: Electronic platform to digitize issuance of certificates of origin
AfricanManager, 29 October 2025
AfCFTA: Electronic platform to digitize issuance of certificates of origin
The Ministry of Trade and Export Development is working to launch an electronic platform to digitize the issuance of certificates of origin for exporting local products to several African countries, under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement, announced Minister Samir Abid.
Speaking at the AfCFTA Tunisian Exporters’ Day, Abid noted that 350 certified trade operations have already been carried out within the AfCFTA framework, recalling that the first AfCFTA certificate of origin was issued on May 17, 2023.
The minister added that reflection committees will be created within the ministry, with the participation of the Chambers of Commerce and Industry, to leverage regional potential, initiatives and proposals in order to strengthen the process of African complementarity and integration.
He emphasized that all stakeholders must act as a driving force for African cooperation, ensuring that partnerships become a true engine of shared development.
A “strategic orientation” for the State
Abid underlined that Africa represents a strategic priority for Tunisia, given the continent’s key role in the country’s economic policies and national export strategy.
He added that Africa is also a promising market contributing to economic prosperity and offering major opportunities for Tunisian companies.
The event was attended by the Director General of CEPEX (Export Promotion Center), heads of Chambers of Commerce and Industry, representatives from public structures and relevant ministries, the private sector, the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ) and Tunisian exporting companies operating within the AfCFTA framework.
This gathering aimed to provide an opportunity for exporters under the AfCFTA to voice their concerns and challenges, in order to identify solutions through dialogue and exchange among public and private stakeholders, Abid explained.
The objective, he said, is to help these companies establish themselves effectively in Africa, expand trade between Tunisia and the continent, access new markets and strengthen the presence of Tunisian products and services in this promising market.
The meeting also served as an opportunity to share the experiences of exporting companies and assess how well they benefit from the agreement’s advantages, as well as from the mechanisms and programs developed by the ministry, he added.
AfCFTA rules of origin consist of measurable criteria determining whether a product qualifies for reduced customs duties (preferential tariff), enabling its free circulation across African markets.
Stakeholders, particularly economic operators and SMEs, need capacity-building support adapted to their profile and regional context.
The overall framework aims to simplify and reduce the cost of administrative procedures for AfCFTA certificates of origin, establish a specific support mechanism for SMEs to verify compliance with AfCFTA rules of origin, enhance the role of Chambers of Commerce and professional organizations in assisting SMEs with certification procedures, Involve media outlets in raising awareness and promoting information on AfCFTA implementation and capacity-building activities.
