During a fact-finding visit in Tanzania from October 19th to 25th 2024, Hon. Wavel Woodcock formed part of a Pan-African Parliament (PAP) team that evaluated Tanzania's progress in executing the Guided Trade Initiative (GTI) of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). The PAP Committee on Trade, Customs, and Immigration Matters led the visit which aimed to comprehend Tanzania's trade policy reforms and achievements under the AfCFTA.
Tanzania's Minister of Commerce and Industry Dr. Selemani Jafo met with the PAP team during the visit and gave an overview of Tanzania's efforts to adapt its National Trade Policy in order to improve the nation's capacity for both regional and global commerce. Tanzania, a leader in the GTI alongside seven other nations, aims to pioneer smoother trade environments across Africa. During their visit to the Namanga One Stop Border Post between Tanzania and Kenya, the delegation was apprised firsthand on the customs procedures that facilitate the flow of both individuals and goods, while drastically cutting down on clearance times.
The Chamber of Commerce in Arusha stated that it is vital to educate local businesses on the AfCFTA's mechanisms. Representatives emphasised that a large number of companies are still not familiar with the steps and advantages of conducting cross-border commerce under the AfCFTA, which limits their capacity to take advantage of new market prospects. Trade integration and strengthening were two additional important takeaways from the visit. Tanzania's updated policies have strengthened its trade with the East African Community (EAC), SADC, AfCFTA, and international markets such as China, India, and the EU, which supports broader economic integration across the African continent.
