Chad Steps Up Livestock Trade Reforms Under AfCFTA

Chad is increasing efforts to integrate its livestock sector into the African Continental Free Trade Area. The country is advancing regulatory reforms, digital trade systems, and regional harmonization. Officials say this is aimed at strengthening its position in intra-African markets. Livestock remains central to Chad’s economy.

The country has signed and ratified the AfCFTA agreement and is aligning national laws with trade and customs policies. Livestock contributes 18 percent to GDP and 53 percent of agricultural output. It is Chad’s leading non-oil export. Existing frameworks are managed by ministries in charge of livestock, trade, and customs.

Officials say overlapping regional mandates and uneven domestication of AfCFTA instruments remain key constraints. Corridor-specific barriers continue to affect trade between Chad, Nigeria, and Cameroon. Structural issues such as informality and weak infrastructure also limit export competitiveness. Limited traceability and processing capacity add to the challenge.

Authorities are pursuing solutions including digitizing trade documents and strengthening veterinary services. Plans also include modernizing livestock markets and promoting local processing. Consultations aim to move from policy dialogue to implementation. This includes enforceable instruments for permits, vaccination records, and sanitary certification.

Participants highlighted the need for harmonized standards and improved logistics. Non-tariff barriers such as informal levies and multiple checkpoints continue to slow trade. Regional coordination remains necessary for effective integration. Discussions focused on improving corridor-based trade facilitation.

The consultation was held in Naivasha, Kenya, with about 75 participants from government and the private sector. It was organized under the African Pastoral Markets Development Platform. The forum reviewed progress on AfCFTA ratification and tariff offers. It also identified priority trade corridors across the region.