Development of Seychelles Step-by-Step Guides to trade Goods under the AfCFTA – Seychelles

Methodology The development of the guide will follow a triangulated approach involving: 1. Documentary research: Review of the AfCFTA Agreement, national trade laws, customs and border procedures, institutional frameworks, and the national AfCFTA implementation strategy; 2. Primary data collection: Gathering information from key ministries, agencies, and selected businesses through interviews, surveys, and focus group discussions; 3. Case studies: Documentation of real-life trade experiences by Seychellois businesses—particularly in key sectors such as fisheries, agriculture, tourism-linked products, and handicrafts. The consultant shall follow the “Methodology for Developing National Step-by-Step Guide for Trade in Goods under the African Continental Free Trade Area,” produced by the ECA, and apply it as appropriate in the development of the national guide.

Background The United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) plays a critical role in supporting African countries throughout the negotiation and implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). The AfCFTA is a major milestone in Africa’s regional integration agenda and a key driver of economic growth, industrialization, and sustainable development, in line with the United Nations 2030 Agenda and the African Union’s Agenda 2063.

To fully leverage the potential of the AfCFTA, ratification by all African Union Member States and the development of robust national implementation strategies are essential. ECA continues to support Member States in this regard, including in the completion of outstanding negotiations under Phase I (trade in goods and services) and Phase II (investment, intellectual property rights, competition policy, digital trade, and women and youth in trade). The private sector—particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and businesses led by women and youth—has a central role in AfCFTA implementation. However, limited access to trade-related information remains a key barrier to their effective participation.

To help overcome this challenge, ECA, through its African Trade Policy Centre (ATPC), has developed a methodology to prepare national step-by-step guides for exporting goods under the AfCFTA. These guides provide practical information on regulatory and procedural requirements for imports and exports and are designed to serve as key content for national trade information portals. Following an official request from the Government of the Republic of Seychelles, ECA under the Danish International Development Agency (DANIDA) fund will recruit a national consultant to develop a Seychelles-specific step-by-step guide and contribute to enhancing the content of the country’s national trade information portal.

This initiative will be conducted in close coordination with the Ministry of Finance, National Planning and Trade; the Ministry of Investment, Entrepreneurship and Industry; the Seychelles Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI); and other relevant national institutions inclusive of Ministries, Departments and Agencies. This activity is funded by the Government of Japan under the project titled “Boosting Intra-African Trade through Digitalization for Effective and Inclusive AfCFTA Implementation.” The project supports the inclusive implementation of the AfCFTA by promoting digital tools and knowledge products that empower businesses—especially women-led SMEs—to trade more effectively under the Agreement.

The consultant will work under the overall supervision of the RITD and Sub-Regional Office for Eastern Africa (SRO-EA) directors and focal points from ECA and the Sub-Regional Office for Eastern Africa (SRO-EA), in collaboration with a representative from the Ministry of Finance, National Planning & Trade.

• Engaging national stakeholders to assess Seychelles’ trade framework and AfCFTA readiness;

• Documenting customs and border procedures at key points of entry and exit;

• Assessing the readiness of the private sector, with a focus on women- and youth-led SMEs;

• Analyzing trade-related legislation, policies, and AfCFTA implementation measures;

• Mapping the step-by-step export procedures for targeted goods;

• Documenting the process for obtaining Certificates of Origin;

• Drafting the guide based on the approved methodology;

• Presenting the draft at a national validation workshop;

• Revising the guide based on feedback;

• Submitting the final validated version to the Ministry of Finance, National Planning & Trade and the ECA

• Supporting a selected group of SMEs in applying the guide’s steps;

• Contributing content for the update of Seychelles’ national trade information portal.

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.