The Southern African Development Community (SADC) Secretariat, in partnership with the GIZ AfCFTA Support Programme, hosted a regional training workshop for freight forwarders on the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Rules of Origin. The workshop took place from 8–10 September 2025 in Johannesburg, South Africa, in collaboration with the World Customs Organisation and the AfCFTA Secretariat.
The event brought together freight forwarder associations from 14 SADC Member States. It aimed to strengthen operational capacity to implement AfCFTA by equipping participants with technical knowledge and practical skills to interpret and apply Rules of Origin, a key requirement for accessing preferential trade benefits.
Freight forwarders serve as vital intermediaries between exporters, importers, customs authorities, and transport providers. With AfCFTA eliminating tariffs on 90% of goods, their role in facilitating seamless cross-border trade has become increasingly important.
The workshop focused on common challenges, including misapplication of origin rules, which can result in delays, penalties, and loss of preferential treatment. Participants engaged in practical exercises and real-world scenarios to ensure accurate determination of product origin and compliance with AfCFTA regulations.
By strengthening the capacity of freight forwarders, the initiative supports a harmonised and efficient trade environment across SADC. It aligns with broader goals of trade facilitation, economic diversification, and enhanced competitiveness for the private sector under AfCFTA.
Participants requested further targeted trainings on advanced origin-related concepts. In response, the SADC Secretariat reaffirmed its commitment to ongoing capacity building and announced plans for continued engagement with Member States and private sector stakeholders to ensure sustained support for AfCFTA implementation.
This workshop marks a key step in empowering freight forwarders to drive regional trade integration and maximise the economic benefits of AfCFTA across Southern Africa.