Kenya Backs AfCFTA Framework to Boost Livestock Trade Across Africa
The implementation of the AfCFTA framework will enhance food security while creating rural job opportunities and increasing livestock export revenue throughout Africa.
By Ruth Sang
The Kenyan Government continues to demonstrate its unwavering support for the African Continental Free Trade Area AfCFTA framework which will create the largest free trade area worldwide through its participation of multiple nations.
Christopher Wanga who serves as the Director of Livestock Policy and Regulations at the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development reported that Kenya has achieved important progress toward AfCFTA compliance. The country has ratified various AfCFTA protocols while conducting legislative reviews to enhance and protect livestock trade throughout Africa.
Wanga reported that the continental trade agreement will enable African products to reach broader markets which will benefit livestock and livestock-related commodities. The framework will enable producers and traders to access an extensive African market once all operational elements have been implemented according to the assessment.
Wanga stated that the African free trade area grants access to the largest market which includes all African commodities especially livestock and livestock products.
He disclosed that East African Community EAC member states have started testing safety standards manuals which will guarantee the quality and safety of livestock products that are exchanged throughout the region. The standards will create a uniform set of regulations which all member countries must follow to ensure that their livestock products reach acceptable safety and quality standards required for regional market entry.
The AfCFTA Secretariat has identified trade protocol enforcement as a necessary measure to enhance livestock cross-border trade and related product exchanges throughout Africa.
The AfCFTA Secretariat Principal Officer for Trade in Goods and Competition Diana Akullo explained that AfCFTA protocol implementation will decrease restrictions which will lead to African livestock trade liberalization throughout the continent.
She identified existing systems and tools designed to enhance the efficiency of intra-African trade operations. The systems include an online reporting mechanism which enables traders and governments to document non-tariff barriers that disrupt cross-border goods movement operations.
Akullo emphasized that rules-of-origin manuals function as guides which establish the criteria for determining whether products satisfy the requirements for local production status in Africa. The manuals assist traders in understanding the AfCFTA framework requirements which their goods must meet to obtain preferential trade terms.
The African Union Inter-African Bureau for Animal Resources AU-IBAR estimates that Africa owns approximately one-third of the global livestock population. The extensive livestock population provides essential support for the economic activities of millions of pastoralists and small-scale farmers throughout Africa.
Experts anticipate that the livestock sector will drive substantial economic development in Africa through enhanced regional market connectivity and the elimination of trade restrictions.
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