Introduction

Non-Tariff Barriers (NTBs) are restrictions that result from prohibitions, conditions, or specific market requirements that make importation or exportation of products difficult and/or costly. NTBs also include unjustified and/or improper application of Non-Tariff Measures (NTMs) such as sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) measures and other Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT). NTBs arise from different measures taken by governments and authorities in the form of government laws, regulations, policies, conditions, restrictions or specific requirements, and private sector business practices, or prohibitions that protect the domestic industries from foreign competition. For instance, there has been a trade impasse between Kenya and Uganda on milk and poultry products. The planned regional event contributes to improved performance of AfCFTA and other initiatives within the IGAD region and with the rest of African continent.

Welcoming statement was made by Dr. Ameha Sebsibe on behalf of the ICPALD Director, and opening speech was made by Mr. Michael Wairoma from State Department for Trade, Kenya.

Objectives of the Workshop

• Assess the status of elimination of non-trade barriers (NTBs) in the IGAD region and document
• Discuss on the identification; reporting and monitoring mechanisms and interventions in place; identify key bottlenecks and devise solutions to complement the ongoing efforts
• Share good experiences and lessons on elimination of non-trade barriers

Key Presentations

• Overview of IGAD support to Livestock private sector
• Regional interventions to eliminate NTB, key challenges and recommendations (EAC)
• Overview of interventions to support the elimination of non-tariff barriers (NTBs) in IGAD region and potential areas of collaboration (AFCFTA Secretariat)
• Outstanding NTBs, the status of national monitoring committee, key bottlenecks for elimination of NTBs and recommendations (member states)

Key Recommendations

1. Strengthening of National Monitoring Committees (NMC)

• Support National Monitoring Committees to operationalize their activities.
• AfCFTA, IGAD, COMESA, and AU-IBAR need to assist Somalia and Djibouti in setting up NTBs Committees
• NMCs in member states to develop a concept notes so as to mobilize resources from different sources
• Capacity building and Training for the NMCs and national focal points /NFPs /to facilitate the resolution of NTBs

2. Policy and advocacy support

• Create awareness to the cross border traders and the private sectors on NTMs and NTBs.
• Member States to consider budget allocation for elimination of NTB activities from government by engaging Private sector and soliciting support from Development Partners.
• Harmonization of laws, procedures, systems and requirements.
• Recommend that IGAD adopts Mutual Recognition agreements to Facilitate Trade.
• Encourage Public Private Dialogue for exchange of relevant information and hold public agencies accountable.
• Undertake studies to appreciate the impact of NTBs (Livestock, Poultry, e.t.c)
• AU to facilitate inter-REC collaboration.

3. Strengthening reporting and information sharing

• Online Regional Reporting system should interface with the Continental system.
• Establish Trade portals for countries that do not have and enhance for those that already have.
• Encourage member states to establish and operationalize the Trade Information Desks.