Market Access and Trade Committee

 

Strengthening continental seed trade frameworks, promoting regulatory harmonization, and enabling smooth market access across Africa.

Chairman Details

 
Name Here
Chair

Mission

  • Exchange insights on market access and trade to strengthen expertise.
  • Collaborate with government and regional bodies to address regulatory obstacles.
  • Develop an Africa-focused seed policy and trade knowledge center.

Areas of Competence

  • Seed trade across Africa and global markets.
  • Regulatory matters: certification, packaging, labeling, variety release.
  • Statistical insights into the continent’s seed industry.
  • Phytosanitary issues (managed by a dedicated subcommittee).
  • IP & PVP topics (handled by a specialized working group).

Objectives

  • Serve as a trusted information resource for members.
  • Resolve non-competitive barriers in the seed sector.
  • Evaluate impact of international trade agreements.
  • Address institutional constraints within African seed systems.
  • Promote harmonized seed regulations across Africa.
  • Guide AFSTA’s market access and trade activities.

Quick Links

IPR / PVP

Harmonization Policy

Phytosanitary

Sub-Committee

IPR / PVP Working Group

The IPR / PVP Working Group is responsible for guiding AFSTA and its members on matters related to intellectual property rights, plant variety protection systems, and the strengthening of legal frameworks that support innovation in Africa’s seed sector. The group collaborates closely with national authorities, regional institutions, and international partners to advance PVP adoption and compliance across the continent.

Core Responsibilities

  • Support AFSTA’s initiatives to strengthen intellectual property systems in Africa’s seed sector.
  • Promote the adoption and enforcement of Plant Variety Protection (PVP) frameworks aligned with international best practices.
  • Engage with national regulators, policymakers, and regional bodies to advance effective IPR policies.
  • Provide technical expertise to AFSTA members on PVP application, compliance, and implementation processes.

Key Functions

  • Analyze legal and regulatory developments affecting plant breeders’ rights.
  • Raise awareness among seed companies about PVP systems and benefits of compliance.
  • Offer guidance on UPOV-aligned frameworks and regional harmonization initiatives.
  • Facilitate dialogue between private-sector stakeholders and government authorities.

Expected Outcomes

  • Strengthened PVP systems supporting innovation and investment in Africa’s seed industry.
  • Greater awareness and uptake of IPR/PVP frameworks by seed companies.
  • Improved collaboration between industry and policymakers on PVP legislation.
  • Development of resource materials and guidance documents for AFSTA members.

Harmonization Policy & Regulation Sub-Committee

The Harmonization Policy & Regulation Sub-Committee leads AFSTA’s efforts to align seed policies and regulatory frameworks across African countries and regions. By promoting consistent and predictable regulatory environments, the committee enhances seed movement, supports fair market systems, and strengthens the overall competitiveness of Africa’s seed industry.

Core Responsibilities

  • Advance continental and regional harmonization of seed laws and regulatory systems.
  • Identify gaps and inconsistencies in seed regulations across African countries.
  • Support alignment with internationally recognized standards and best practices.
  • Engage with policymakers, regional economic communities, and industry partners to promote unified frameworks.

Key Functions

  • Analyze regulatory frameworks affecting seed movement and commerce.
  • Provide technical recommendations to improve regulatory efficiency and consistency.
  • Support implementation of harmonized seed policies at national and regional levels.
  • Promote stakeholder collaboration to accelerate adoption of harmonized systems.

Expected Outcomes

  • Reduced trade barriers resulting from regulatory divergence.
  • Improved predictability and transparency in seed regulations across Africa.
  • Enhanced competitiveness of Africa’s seed industry in regional and international markets.
  • Publishing guidance documents, policy briefs, and tools for AFSTA members.

Phytosanitary Sub-Committee

The Phytosanitary Sub-Committee is dedicated to strengthening Africa’s plant health systems and supporting safe, science-based seed movement across borders. The committee collaborates with NPPOs, regional bodies, and international partners to address phytosanitary challenges that impact seed trade.

Core Responsibilities

  • Resolve phytosanitary bottlenecks affecting movement of seed across African borders.
  • Engage with national plant protection organizations to align practices with global standards.
  • Support the harmonization of phytosanitary procedures regionally and continent-wide.
  • Offer technical guidance on plant health, seed testing, and certification topics.

Key Functions

  • Monitor emerging plant health issues impacting seed trade.
  • Facilitate dialogue between seed companies and regulatory authorities.
  • Promote adoption of ISTA, IPPC, and internationally recognized phytosanitary frameworks.
  • Provide recommendations to AFSTA’s Executive Committee on phytosanitary matters.

Expected Outcomes

  • Better coordination between authorities and seed sector stakeholders.
  • Harmonized phytosanitary measures that reduce trade delays.
  • Improved transparency and efficiency in seed movement across borders.
  • Technical documents and guidelines published for AFSTA members.