AfCFTA and Digitalisation: The Role of Trade Facilitation Measures through the Electronic Single Window (ESW) in improving Intra-Africa Trade

International trade has increased significantly over the years and to enable this trend of increased volume of trade, there is a core focus on trade facilitation. Furthermore, customs play a key role in the movement of goods and have come to the spotlight as key role players in trade facilitation efforts. However, the problem that exists in modern international trends, specifically in Africa, is that the present customs administrations are inefficient to combat the increase in trade volumes and ensuring trade facilitation efforts are sufficiently implemented. With the current development of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) there is a potential for increased inter and intra-Africa trade and to strengthen regional integration. With such developments, African states must create an appropriate environment to advance and realise the trade objectives of AfCFTA. This thesis therefore aims to argue for an improved trading environment in Africa through a digitalised customs reformative tool, such as the Electronic Single Window (ESW), to ensure some beneficiation under the AfCFTA. The ESW is a trade facilitation tool aimed at easing and improving trade, and as this thesis argues, it can be a significant tool to realise the objectives of the AfCFTA. This thesis carried out desktop research based on literature to assess and provide the usefulness of the ESW in improving inter and intra-Africa trade. This was done by providing for key regional theories and approaches to integration efforts, assessing international trade facilitation regulatory frameworks, providing for the conditions of customs in Africa, the analysis of the ESW, and the implementation of the ESW in two African countries. Conclusively, this paper found that African states have several international and regional commitments to reform their customs and facilitate trade, and importantly, with the current era of digitalisation and a sound trade regulatory environment, the implementation of the ESW is achievable. Highlighting that digitalisation and a sound legal environment maximise the benefits of the ESW, which help improve inter and intra-Africa trade.

Grantor

Department of Commercial Law

Year dc:date.issued

2022

Author dc:creator

• Omari, Marilyn Yoha

Advisors dc:contributor.advisor

• Ordor, Ada
• Amadi, Victor

• Commercial Law

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/11427/37725

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:open.uct.ac.za:11427/37725