A digital platform has been launched to upskill women traders in Africa so they can take advantage of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

The eTradeHubs portal was launched by Women Traders in the African Continental Free Trade Area, a partnership comprising the International Chamber of Commerce, the Trade Law Centre (Tralac), the US’ United Parcel Service and business consulting and technology firm West Blue Consulting. Its aim is to simplify trade processes and reduce the time and cost of doing business for women-led SMEs operating across the region.

Trudi Hartzenberg, Tralac executive director, says the AfCFTA offers several opportunities for women-led business to participate in cross-border value chains, adding that the eTradeHub is a ‘one-stop portal with all the information required to ensure trade regulatory compliance’.

The hub’s classification tool offers detailed information about trade requirements and helps traders find the correct AfCFTA tariff code. Also available are a duty estimator and a trade management module, which allows users to manage their import-export supply chain from a central platform. Other vital AfCFTA documents such as licences, permits, certificates are also accessible.

8 June 2021
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