The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has officially launched an electronic certificate of origin, aimed at facilitating trade among member countries and increasing intra-regional commerce.

The initiative, unveiled in Lagos on Monday, marks a significant step towards modernizing trade documentation and improving economic integration in the region.

The e-certificate of origin, a project initiated in 2019, is being piloted in Nigeria, Ghana, Senegal, and Côte d’Ivoire before expanding to other ECOWAS member states. The digital platform allows exporters to transmit a certified electronic document directly to customs authorities in destination countries, expediting the movement of goods and reducing the risk of fraud.

Massandje Toure-Litse, ECOWAS Commissioner for Economic Affairs and Agriculture, highlighted the innovation’s potential to eliminate delays, increase transparency, and enhance connectivity between customs administrations. Speaking through Salifou Tiemtore, ECOWAS Director of Customs Union and Taxation, she emphasized the region’s leadership in Africa as the first to automate certificates of origin.

“The adoption of this digital platform will set an example for other regions across the continent,” said Toure-Litse. However, she acknowledged challenges posed by free trade agreements, particularly for least developed countries with limited industrial capacity and reliance on border taxes. “Ensuring goods meet origin requirements is crucial for countries to fully benefit from trade liberalization.”

Bernard Tayoh, Head of the Programme at GIZ ECOWAS-AfCFTA, underscored the significance of the launch, describing it as a milestone for regional integration. GIZ, a German development agency, has supported the project from its inception, assisting with its design, development, and implementation.

“The e-certificate will streamline trade processes, enhance compliance with origin requirements, and improve the economic competitiveness of ECOWAS member states,” said Tayoh, adding that it also aligns with sustainability goals by reducing reliance on paper-based systems.

The electronic certificate initiative is expected to bolster the ECOWAS Trade Liberalization Scheme (ETLS), which promotes duty-free trade of goods within the bloc. A dedicated ETLS Task Force will oversee the implementation and monitoring of the new system, ensuring its effectiveness.

By addressing key barriers to trade, the e-certificate of origin is poised to accelerate economic integration, strengthen regional markets, and advance the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) objectives.