The Ad hoc Sub-Committee charged with facilitating the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area's (AfCFTA) Guided Trade Initiative was convened today, 11 June 2024, at the head office of the Cameroon National Shippers' Council (CNSC).

The meeting, chaired by Mr. Auguste Mbappe Penda - CNSC's General Manager and Chairman of the sub-committee - provided an opportunity for a mid-term assessment of the activities carried out since the start of the year 2024.

It was revealed that a host of companies present at the Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF) in November 2023 are planning to export to various countries on the African continent. Mention was made of companies like Alucam, which has received a letter of credit for 4 containers of aluminium destined for Algeria, and Roger Ducos Laboratories, whose products will soon be dispatched for Gabon and Mali.

Though these trade deals are in the pipeline, the Ad-hoc Sub-Committee tasked with facilitating the implementation of the AfCFTA Guided Trade Initiative has identified administrative delays as one key stumbling block. The Directorate General of Customs, represented by Mrs. Mahabo Touye, was congratulated for setting-up a task force to examine and monitor the tariff dismantling program under the AfCFTA.

For now, the action plan adopted for 2024 remains on course. Focus is still being placed on supporting businesses and organising awareness-raising and training sessions for officials at border crossings.