In a bid to eliminate delays and facilitate the movement of locally made goods within member states, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the commission yesterday in Lagos, launched an electronic certificate of origin.
Following the launch, an electronic certificate of origin will be used in the four pilot countries, including Nigeria, Ghana, Senegal, and Cote Ivories and will be extended to the 15 member countries.
Speaking at the launch of the E-certificate, Commissioner for Economic Affairs and Agriculture at ECOWAS, Massandje Toure-Litse, said the use of an electronic certificate of origin will eliminate delays and fraud and facilitate trade through the exchange of documents as Customs administration will be interconnected.
Represented by the Director of Customs Union and Taxation at ECOWAS, Salifou Tiemtore, she said ECOWAS is the first region in Africa to automate its certificate of origin and the move will set an example for other areas of the continent.
