1. Date/TimeBottom-Line Report of rapporteur of Africa Ibrahima Nour Eddine DIAGNE

2. Recommandations 2007 Build a regional alliance of SW operators to promote TF, share experiences, build a local solid expertise and contribute significantly to standard elaboration. (to be approved during Nov 2008 SW Conference) Encourage donors and specialized organizations involved in trade facilitation to support pilot projects among members of the alliance.(pilot project already ongoing – To be completed in 2009)

3. Activities 2008 UNECA: Study on how SW could be implement within Africa (June 2008). Whole Africa. UNECA: Workshop in Addis (June 2007) on ICT and Trade for SMEs and inter regional Workshop in Jordan (Nov 2007) on Trade facilitation. UEMOA: Study to set a regional SW in west Africa region. (Sept to Dec 2008). ILEAP: West Africa regional study on trade facilitation with a specific emphasis on single window (July 2006). West Africa. OEDC: Organization of a regional workshop on Trade Facilitation (June 2008).Southern Africa. GFP Meetings WCO IT Conferences

4. Main challenges for Africa participation CEFACT work High complexity of works (new coming perception). Poor level of information toward government of what CEFACT is about. Absence of perception of the link between CEFACT work and ground activitives related to Trade Facilitation (more infrastructure oriented) Funding Travel for delegates participation is an issue as well

5. Next steps 13 th CEFACT forum in Saly (Nov 10 to 14) International Single Window conference Dakar (Nov 6 to 7). African Alliance for E Commerce launching meeting (Dakar Nov 5) Interoperability pilot project (Senegal- France – UK – Malaysia – 2009).