On 14 January 2025, the World Customs Organization (WCO) advised that its Rules of Origin (RoO) and the Harmonized System (HS) for Africa Programmes with the European Union (EU) had released their annual reports for 2024, highlighting significant achievements in supporting African trade integration and customs modernisation.
The reports were approved following the meeting of the programmes’ steering committees. The committee members praised the achievements of both programmes and emphasised the need for their continued operations. They mainly recognised the programmes’ role in promoting intra-African trade through targeted support, substantial capacity-building and digitalisation efforts.
The RoO Africa Programme made significant strides in 2024, conducting 64 activities – well above its original target of 44. The Programme achieved an impressive 96% engagement rate, reaching 52 of 54 African countries. Key accomplishments included providing comprehensive support to 16 national Customs administrations, collaborating with six (6) Regional Economic Communities (RECs), and engaging extensively with the private sector across all three WCO Africa regions.
The HS Africa Programme also recorded substantial progress, with 36 activities benefiting 21 countries and eight (8) RECs. A significant milestone was reached with the near-complete migration to HS 2022 across Africa, with only one country remaining in transition. The Programme successfully developed and implemented three electronic tariff platforms and launched another advanced ruling tool, marking significant steps toward customs modernisation.
The complementarity between the two programmes has proven instrumental in strengthening their impact. While the RoO Programme enhanced origin certification and verification procedures, the HS Programme ensured accurate and uniform tariff classification – both essential elements for effective trade facilitation under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Looking ahead to 2025, both programmes have delineated ambitious work plans. The RoO Programme has outlined a total of 21 activities, consisting of two continental initiatives, five (5) regional activities, 12 national initiatives, and two (2) engagements with the private sector. In parallel, as the HS Africa Programme approaches its closure, plans have been made to ensure effective and seamless wrap-up processes in all relevant areas. The programme will continue to address the ongoing technical assistance needs of African customs administrations while advancing initiatives aimed at furthering digital transformation.
The programmes remain open to all customs administrations and RECs across Africa. They maintain their demand-driven and tailored approach to technical assistance and capacity building.
To learn more about “2024 RoO and HS developments in Africa with the 2024 RoO Africa Programme Annual Report,” go to:
and for the “2024 HS Africa Programme Annual Report” go to
Want to know more about the programmes?
The WCO-EU Rules of Origin Africa Programme, funded by the European Union, aims to facilitate and increase intra-African trade, trade between Africa and Europe, and trade between Africa and the rest of the world. The programme is a concrete step taken by the EU and the World Customs Organization in consultation with key stakeholders to support African partners in implementing the AfCFTA.
For more information, consult the “WCO-EU Rules of Origin Africa Programme’s” webpage at: