A two-day workshop on foreign trade procedures was launched on September 21, 2026, at the Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Agriculture, Mines, and Artisanal (CCIAMA) in Chad. The event, themed "mastering costs and deadlines," brings together key stakeholders to address obstacles hindering the transit of goods. For a landlocked country like Chad, every day of container immobilization at ports or borders incurs direct costs borne by households. The workshop aims to equip local economic operators with practical tools to navigate complex procedures.
The Council of Chargers of Chad (COC-TCHAD) and CCIAMA, led by Saleh Moussa Mikerbi, organized the workshop to tackle structural constraints in national foreign trade. Importers, exporters, transporters, and customs authorities are in attendance. The goal is to streamline procedures, reduce costs, and accelerate the passage of goods to boost competitiveness. COC-TCHAD's Director-General emphasized that complex procedures and immobilized goods lead to accumulated surcharges, ultimately affecting Chadian consumers.
The workshop's timing coincides with Chad's growing participation in the Continental Free Trade Area (ZLECAF). Mastering logistics is no longer a technical option but an economic necessity. CCIAMA aims to provide local economic operators with practical tools, including handling electronic cargo tracking (BESC Tchad) and analyzing real costs incurred by containers bound for N'Djamena. A recent agreement with the National Council of Chargers of Cameroon paves the way for joint electronic tracking and simplified formalities.
Organizers presented a positive assessment of recent developments, including reduced GPS tracking fees for cargo from 35,000 FCFA to 25,000 FCFA per operation, yielding an immediate saving of 10,000 FCFA per trip. Following a 2024 protocol with Cameroonian customs and a 2025 agreement with Douala's Autonomous Port, the May 14, 2026 accord with the National Council of Chargers of Cameroon enhances cooperation.
Chad received a continental distinction in 2026 for its progress in Central African transportation. COC-TCHAD and CCIAMA officials stressed the need for tangible results. The workshop seeks to produce an action plan with clear responsibilities, deadlines, and performance indicators. Stakeholders will work together to identify bottlenecks and develop strategies to alleviate them.
The next step, according to CCIAMA's leadership, is to extend these training sessions and awareness campaigns to Chad's provinces, engaging the entire national economic fabric. By doing so, the initiative aims to have a broader impact on the country's economic landscape. The collaboration between COC-TCHAD and CCIAMA reflects a concerted effort to address long-standing logistics challenges.
The joint initiative by COC-TCHAD and CCIAMA has the potential to transform Chad's foreign trade landscape. By simplifying procedures, reducing costs, and enhancing cooperation with regional partners, Chad can improve its competitiveness and ultimately alleviate the burden on households. The success of this workshop will depend on the effective implementation of the proposed actions and the continued collaboration between stakeholders.
Key points
- COC-TCHAD and CCIAMA launch workshop to simplify foreign trade procedures and reduce costs.
- The initiative aims to enhance Chad's competitiveness in the Continental Free Trade Area (ZLECAF).
- Recent agreements with Cameroonian authorities have led to reduced fees and enhanced cooperation.
