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Over 100 local businesses in Benin participated in the “How to Export with the AfCFTA” workshop, a key initiative led by the International Trade Centre (ITC) to equip small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with the tools needed to navigate intra-African trade. The workshop in Cotonou also saw 20 local trainers being trained to continue providing guidance to businesses on export readiness under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
ITC expert Ilyas Choubaili, who led the training of trainers, emphasized that exporting is a complex process. He highlighted the importance of being prepared, optimizing cross-border logistics, market penetration, and carrying out risk studies, along with understanding how to finance exports within Africa.
In the second phase of the workshop, new trainers took charge, guiding local business leaders through the technical aspects of exporting with AfCFTA. This included assessing export readiness, navigating logistics, identifying high-potential markets, and understanding export documentation and trade regulations within Africa.
Ludmila Azo, ITC’s country manager, pointed out the strong demand for Beninese products and services within the AfCFTA framework. “It’s about making them more competitive and equipping our SMEs to export better,” she stated.
The workshop was organized in collaboration with the Benin Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Investment and Export Promotion Agency (APIEx Benin). It featured an interactive format, combining presentations, exercises, and conferences. Partners included Beninese Customs, the Ministry of Industry and Trade, and the Autonomous Port of Cotonou. The African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) also presented its export support products and solutions designed to help SMEs.
Benin, one of 54 African Union member states that have signed the AfCFTA agreement, has yet to ratify it. Nevertheless, the workshop marks a significant step in preparing Beninese SMEs to leverage the opportunities AfCFTA presents.
The event was supported by the International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation, and ITC has further expanded training opportunities through an online platform, which has already trained over 10,000 small businesses across the continent.
