Readiness of AU Member States to address SPS requirements for trading under the AfCFTA: Lessons on Capacity Building, Sensitisation and Public Policy Initiatives in Uganda

Abstract

Uganda’s ability to trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area depends on its
ability to meet sanitary and phytosanitary requirements. These measures define how food, plant,
and animal products are produced, processed, tested, and certified. If Uganda fails to meet international
standards, its exports risk rejection and its market access will remain limited. A national workshop
assessed Uganda’s readiness to implement SPS obligations under AfCFTA. The focus was on aligning policies, strengthening coordination, addressing enforcement gaps, building capacity, and increasing stakeholder awareness. Enforcement is fragmented. Institutions often work in isolation. Compliance costs are high, especially for small producers and businesses. Testing infrastructure remains weak. Coordination across agencies is limited. These gaps reduce Uganda’s ability to meet trade requirements. The workshop identified practical steps. Train on compliance. Expand access to certification.
Strengthen coordination between agencies. Improve testing and inspection systems. Share timely data
across institutions. Use digital platforms to track changes in regulations. Uganda has started using
the ePing platform to share trade-related alerts. It can support transparency and early action. But its
reach is still limited. Wider participation is needed. More institutions and private sector actors must
engage with the system. The AfCFTA Annex 7 outlines clear requirements. Uganda must align national
systems, reduce duplication, and adopt mutual recognition arrangements to lower costs. Enacting a
unified food safety law and setting up a national food authority are key next steps. Is Uganda prepared
to meet these expectations? Are our institutions ready to support trade under one African market?