Title page
Contents
Acknowledgements 3
Acronyms 6
Executive summary 7
1. Introduction 10
2. Methodology 12
2.1. Research objectives 12
2.2. Research design and methodology 12
2.3. Methods of data collection 13
2.4. Method of data analysis and presentation 13
2.5. Ethical considerations 14
3. The AfCFTA registration and certification process in Ghana 15
3.1. General export requirements and procedures 15
3.2. AfCFTA registration and certification in Ghana: approach 17
3.3. Stages of the AfCFTA RoO certification process in Ghana 18
3.3.1. Registration to trade under the AfCFTA 18
3.3.2. Factory visits for inspection 18
3.3.3. Determination of origin 19
3.3.4. Issuance of Certificate of Origin 19
3.4. Comparative assessment of the AfCFTA certification process 20
3.4.1. The AfCFTA RoO Manual 21
3.4.2. Comparative analysis of Ghana's AfCFTA registration and certification process with the AfCFTA RoO Manual 22
3.4.3. Brief review of Kenya's AfCFTA registration and certification process 24
4. Private sector experience 25
4.1. Profile of respondents 25
4.2. Level of awareness and understanding of RoO in private sector 26
4.2.1. Ability to streamline production to be AfCFTA-compliant 27
4.2.2. Requirement for AfCFTA registration 28
4.3. Accessibility of information on AfCFTA certification process and application forms 29
4.4. Experience with the online application process for the AfCFTA 30
4.5. Cost of registration and certification 31
4.6. Capacity of RoO 31
4.7. Predictability and timeliness of the process 32
4.8. Acceptance in export destination country 34
4.9. Case study: experience from the Guided Trade Initiative 34
5. Social and climate interactions 37
5.1. Gender and youth dimension 37
5.2. Climate change 38
6. Conclusions and recommendations 39
6.1. Conclusions 39
6.1.1. Assessment of Ghana's AfCFTA registration and certification process 39
6.1.2. User experiences with the AfCFTA registration and certification process 42
6.1.3. Different approaches and outcomes for two different firms 42
6.2. Recommendations 43
References 46
Appendix 1. Exporter registration form 47
Table 1. Research objectives 12
Table 2. Data collection procedures 13
Table 3. Export items and corresponding permits 16
Table 4. Ghana's rules of origin acquisition process in the context of the provisions of the AfCFTA manual 23
Figure 1. Certificate of Origin acquisition process 20
Figure 2. Kenya's AfCFTA rules of origin acquisition process 24
Figure 3. Export experience 26
Figure 4. Participation in AfCFTA RoO sensitisation workshop 27
Figure 5. Rating of level of understanding of RoO 27
Figure 6. Understanding of RoO criteria for AfCFTA production compliance 28
Figure 7. Knowledge on the classification of export under HS code 28
Figure 8. AfCFTA registration knowledge 29
Figure 9. AfCFTA information sources 29
Figure 10. Effectiveness of AfCFTA sources 30
Figure 11. Online AfCFTA application experience 30
Figure 12. Cost considered a constraint 31
Figure 13. Knowledge of AfCFTA certification institutions 32
Figure 14. Engagement with institutions in the process of applying for AfCFTA CoO 32
Figure 15. Rating of AfCFTA RoO certification process (predictability and reliability) 33
Figure 16. Rating of stages of AfCFTA RoO certification process 33
Figure 17. Rating of updates and feedback on the AfCFTA application process (satisfaction) 34
Figure 18. Rating by buyers clearing goods under the AfCFTA 34
Figure 19. Ownership of business 37
Boxes
Box 1. Article 4, Annex 2 of the AfCFTA Agreement, on Rules of Origin 19
Box 2. Experience of RoO acquisition process to trade under the GTI 35