Officials from MEFMI Region Trained On International Trade Statistics

International trade statistics play a vital role in the analysis of macroeconomic developments in economies. However, challenges remain in the production of these statistics within the region, owing to deficiencies in data collection systems, weaknesses in compilation and dissemination and poor institutional coordination, among others. The challenges are especially pronounced for trade in services, which are inherently more difficult to measure due to their intangibility. Furthermore, the increasing globalisation of production processes and new developments in information and communication technologies also pose new methodological challenges. Moreover, the growing importance of e-commerce, which has become evident during the COVID-19 pandemic, requires compilers to be proficient with new approaches to collect the related data. This calls for continuous capacity building in the region on the compilation of international trade statistics.

Against this background, MEFMI offered an e-learning course on international trade in goods and services statistics. The course was delivered in both English and Portuguese, from 7 September to 30 October 2020. A total of 96 officials (51 males and 45 females) from 12 MEFMI member countries participated in the course.

The course enhanced participants’ understanding of the following: the conceptual and methodological framework governing the compilation of international trade statistics; various data sources; data integration; and analysis and dissemination of trade statistics. The course also provided a platform to discuss innovative data collection strategies and estimation techniques to support continuity of compilation of trade statistics amidst disruptions induced by the COVID -19 pandemic.

MEFMI expects that participants will apply the knowledge and skills gained from the course to improve the quality of trade data in their countries, and also explore various data sources to close existing data gaps. The availability of timely and reliable trade statistics will subsequently support the formulation of favourable trade and investment policies within MEFMI member countries. This will be critical for supporting the implementation of the Continental Free Trade Area, which is anticipated to be a crucial driver of economic growth, industrialisation and sustainable development in Africa.

Prepared by Vivian Namugambe