The first import shipment under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) regime consisting of resins from Tunisia arrived at the Kribi deep-sea port on 3 July 2023. The operation of the abovementioned shipment is of utmost importance as it falls under the framework of the test phase for the implementation of AfCFTA, where Cameroon is a pilot country along with seven other states. 

The objective of AfCFTA is to ensure the free circulation of goods and services produced in Africa or with African raw materials. This pilot phase is the first milestone towards the African Common Market, presented as a formidable lever to boost the continent's growth and economic development. It should be noted that the unloading of this shipment will mark the beginning of customs tariff reductions for products shipped under AfCFTA in Cameroon.  Measures have been taken to guarantee the successful implementation of tariff reductions for concerned cargo. 

The gradual reduction plan has been determined by African countries and is broken down as follows:  90% of tariff lines will be reduced in 10 years in Least Developed Countries, LCDs and five years in developing countries.  7% of products (products considered as sensitive products) will be reduced in 13 years in LCDs and in 10 years for other countries.  The remaining 3% of products will be exempted from tariffs and will therefore not be subject to liberalization.

It should also be noted that since October 2022, Cameroon has been committed to this process, which aims to boost intra-African trade.  Although intra-African trade in goods only accounts for 17% of global trade volumes, Cameroon's exports to the rest of the world are still on the increase. Cameroon has already exported dried fruit and tea to Ghana under the AfCFTA regime.

Source: Summary - Cameroon Tribune No. 12886/9085 of 4 July 2023