Ref.
2024/TCTDATOATCRIFIT/11954
Job offer type
Experts
Type of contract
Service contract
Activity sectors
Business facilitation and regional integration ; Technological Innovation
Deadline date
2024/12/15 11:12
Duration of the assignment
Beaded expertise
Contract
Freelancer
Duration
NA
Two Consultants to develop a Tool on Air Transport Cargo Routes in facilitating Intra-African Trade (M/W)
Departement Economie Durable et Inclusive - EDIN > Pôle - Politiques Economiques et Commerciales
Published on : 2024/11/08
NORTH AFRICA / MIDDLE EAST
GHANA
Mission description
The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Protocol on Trade in Services which entered into force in May 2019, takes a hybrid approach to liberalisation, with State Parties obliged to make commitments in all 12 service sectors through Schedules of Specific Commitments on the one hand, and broad sectoral Regulatory Frameworks on the other.
The 17th Extraordinary Session of the African Union (AU) Assembly of Heads of State and Government, held in Niamey Niger in November 2022 adopted the Schedules of Specific Commitments in the five priority sectors (Business Services; Communication Services; Financial Services; Transport Services, and Tourism and Travel-related Services) of 22 AfCFTA State Parties. The adoption of the schedules of specific commitments formed the legal basis for the start of trading under the AfCFTA Trade in Services Regime.
The 10th meeting of the Council of Ministers responsible for Trade (COM) on 7th October 2022 directed the AfCFTA Secretariat to establish a parallel Initiative on the Guided Trade Initiative (GTI) on Services that would support and fast-track the implementation of the Protocol on Trade in Services.
The GTI on Services operates on two tracks, focusing on the vital role of services both as a direct contributor to the economy and as an enabler of trade in goods. The first track examines the direct economic contribution of services, highlighting that services have recently become the primary driver of economic activity, accounting for approximately 75% of GDP and employment in most developed countries. The second track emphasizes the crucial importance of services such as transport, in particularly Air Transport, communication, and financial services in supporting industries like manufacturing and agriculture, and in facilitating the movement of goods across the continent.
Transport services are a key infrastructure for the movement of goods and services across Africa, playing a critical role in facilitating trade and enhancing regional integration. In particular, air cargo transport provides essential links between various economic hubs in different countries, making it easier to move goods from one nation to another.
As an enabler of trade, air transport services are potentially cost-effective in terms of time and transaction costs, allowing MSMEs to trade across African borders. Air transport services also offer efficiency in moving businesspersons across the continent, enabling the provision of professional and other services quickly and safely. In 2019, nearly 61 million tonnes of cargo were transported by air, with the total value of goods transported by air amounting to $6.5 trillion, representing 1% of all international trade. Improved air cargo connectivity is associated with increased trade; a 1% improvement in air cargo connectivity correlates with a 6% increase in trade. Despite this, Africa remains marginalized in the development of this sector.
A significant number of African nations have an urgent need for air cargo services due to their production of high-value resources like diamonds and gold, as well as agricultural goods, particularly perishable items.
Effective organization and liberalization of air cargo services under the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) and the AfCFTA could generate significant economic activity. By optimizing air cargo routes, AfCFTA Member States can boost trade efficiency, reduce transit times, and lower the costs of goods movement. This, in turn, promotes economic integration, supports the growth of local businesses, and strengthens the overall trade network under the AfCFTA framework. This would provide substantial revenue for thousands of farmers, youth, and women, numerous economic operators, and airlines.
The potential to utilize air transport is significant, offering numerous opportunities to enhance trade and economic integration across the continent. With the support from the EU Technical Assistance Facility to support AfCFTA and continental economic integration (EU-TAF) through Expertise France, the Division on Trade in Services within the Directorate of Trade in Services, Investment, Intellectual Property, and Digital Trade of the AfCFTA Secretariat is therefore seeking the services of two experts to assist in developing a tool for mapping potential goods from each State Party that can be connected by existing air transport/cargo routes in the Continent. This tool will identify and analyze air cargo routes and their connections with the movement of goods, providing a strategic framework for optimizing air transport routes and services and showing the important role of trade in services as key enabler for the movement of goods under the AfCFTA.
Objectives and description of the Mission
The primary objective of the Tool is to harness the potential of air transport services to enhance trade and economic integration in facilitating intra-African trade by developing a tool that will identify and analyze air cargo routes and their connections with the movement of goods, providing a strategic framework for optimizing air transport routes and services and showing the important role of trade in services as a key enabler for the movement of goods under the AfCFTA.
Specifically, the tool aims to:
i. Develop a Mapping analysis: The tool will include a mapping analysis that identifies and maps potential goods from each State Party that can be linked to existing air transport/cargo routes across Africa.
ii. Highlight the importance of air transport services: The tool will showcase the critical role of trade in services in facilitating the movement of goods under the AfCFTA, supporting overall economic integration.
iii. Identify and analyze Air Cargo Routes in Africa: Identify and analyze current air cargo routes and their connections with the movement of goods across the continent.
iv. Assess and identify potential goods: Evaluate and identify the potential goods from each State Party that could benefit from improved air transport services.
v. Provide a strategic framework: Develop a strategic framework for optimizing air transport routes and services to enhance trade efficiency.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
The consultants will develop a tool in close collaboration with the AfCFTA Secretariat, attend focus group discussions organized to receive inputs towards the development of the tool and perform any other related duties as may be assigned by the AfCFTA Secretariat.
The consultant will develop a Tool that will:
i. Highlight the importance of Air Transport Services: Prepare detailed analysis showcasing the critical role of trade in services in facilitating the movement of goods under the AfCFTA.
ii. Carry out a Mapping Analysis: Conduct comprehensive research to identify and map potential goods from each State Party that can be linked to existing air transport/cargo routes across Africa. Utilize mapping tools to create detailed visual representations of these routes and goods.
iii. Develop case studies and success stories that demonstrate the impact of air transport services on economic integration and trade facilitation.
iv. Identify and analyze Air Cargo Routes in Africa: Collect and analyze data on current air cargo routes across Africa, including frequency, capacity, and connectivity. Evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of these routes in supporting the movement of goods across the continent. This should build on the extensive work done under the African Union Commission programs on Air transport, SAATM and Regional Economic Communities (RECs). Engagement with key stakeholders such as airlines is also crucial.
v. Assess and identify potential goods: Conduct market analysis to evaluate and identify potential goods from each State Party that could benefit from improved air transport services. This should go beyond potential export goods and also include potential goods for importation. Engagement with stakeholders, including local businesses and trade associations, to gather insights on high-potential goods and market needs is essential.
vi. Provide a strategic framework: Develop a strategic framework for optimizing air transport routes and services, including recommendations for new cargo routes and potential goods that can be supported through this, infrastructure improvements, policy adjustments, and collaborative initiatives. This should build on the extensive work done under the African Union Commission programs on Air transport, SAATM and Regional Economic Communities (RECs).
Proposed structure
The technical bid should include a proposed structure of the Tool, capturing the objectives of the assignment as well as the key tasks identified under Chapter III on the Main duties and responsibilities of the consultant. New inputs and changes will be made in consultation with the AfCFTA Secretariat.
Length and format
The tool will be no more than 100 pages. A brochure will be developed based on the publication to provide an overview of the key messages of the guide.
Location of the assignment
This assignment is home-based, with the possibility of travel to attend the launch event where appropriate.
Reporting
The Consultant will report to the AfCFTA Secretariat, Directorate of Trade in Services, Investment, Intellectual Property Rights and Digital Trade, which will work in close coordination with EU-TAF.
Project or context description
The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Protocol on Trade in Services which entered into force in May 2019, takes a hybrid approach to liberalisation, with State Parties obliged to make commitments in all 12 service sectors through Schedules of Specific Commitments on the one hand, and broad sectoral Regulatory Frameworks on the other.
The 17th Extraordinary Session of the African Union (AU) Assembly of Heads of State and Government, held in Niamey Niger in November 2022 adopted the Schedules of Specific Commitments in the five priority sectors (Business Services; Communication Services; Financial Services; Transport Services, and Tourism and Travel-related Services) of 22 AfCFTA State Parties. The adoption of the schedules of specific commitments formed the legal basis for the start of trading under the AfCFTA Trade in Services Regime.
The 10th meeting of the Council of Ministers responsible for Trade (COM) on 7th October 2022 directed the AfCFTA Secretariat to establish a parallel Initiative on the Guided Trade Initiative (GTI) on Services that would support and fast-track the implementation of the Protocol on Trade in Services.
The GTI on Services operates on two tracks, focusing on the vital role of services both as a direct contributor to the economy and as an enabler of trade in goods. The first track examines the direct economic contribution of services, highlighting that services have recently become the primary driver of economic activity, accounting for approximately 75% of GDP and employment in most developed countries. The second track emphasizes the crucial importance of services such as transport, in particularly Air Transport, communication, and financial services in supporting industries like manufacturing and agriculture, and in facilitating the movement of goods across the continent.
Transport services are a key infrastructure for the movement of goods and services across Africa, playing a critical role in facilitating trade and enhancing regional integration. In particular, air cargo transport provides essential links between various economic hubs in different countries, making it easier to move goods from one nation to another.
As an enabler of trade, air transport services are potentially cost-effective in terms of time and transaction costs, allowing MSMEs to trade across African borders. Air transport services also offer efficiency in moving businesspersons across the continent, enabling the provision of professional and other services quickly and safely. In 2019, nearly 61 million tonnes of cargo were transported by air, with the total value of goods transported by air amounting to $6.5 trillion, representing 1% of all international trade. Improved air cargo connectivity is associated with increased trade; a 1% improvement in air cargo connectivity correlates with a 6% increase in trade. Despite this, Africa remains marginalized in the development of this sector.
A significant number of African nations have an urgent need for air cargo services due to their production of high-value resources like diamonds and gold, as well as agricultural goods, particularly perishable items.
Effective organization and liberalization of air cargo services under the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) and the AfCFTA could generate significant economic activity. By optimizing air cargo routes, AfCFTA Member States can boost trade efficiency, reduce transit times, and lower the costs of goods movement. This, in turn, promotes economic integration, supports the growth of local businesses, and strengthens the overall trade network under the AfCFTA framework. This would provide substantial revenue for thousands of farmers, youth, and women, numerous economic operators, and airlines.
The potential to utilize air transport is significant, offering numerous opportunities to enhance trade and economic integration across the continent. With the support from the EU Technical Assistance Facility to support AfCFTA and continental economic integration (EU-TAF) through Expertise France, the Division on Trade in Services within the Directorate of Trade in Services, Investment, Intellectual Property, and Digital Trade of the AfCFTA Secretariat is therefore seeking the services of two experts to assist in developing a tool for mapping potential goods from each State Party that can be connected by existing air transport/cargo routes in the Continent. This tool will identify and analyze air cargo routes and their connections with the movement of goods, providing a strategic framework for optimizing air transport routes and services and showing the important role of trade in services as key enabler for the movement of goods under the AfCFTA.
Required profile
Profile of Expert 1
General Qualifications:
· At least a Master’s degree in International Trade Law, economics, or any other relevant discipline; and
· At least seven (7) years of demonstrated experience in international trade law and trade in services issues and more specifically on air transport, particularly in the context of Africa.
Specific Professional Qualifications
· Experience and in-depth knowledge of trade in services issues globally and in the context of Africa;
· Proven knowledge of researching regional trade issues with specific reference to how air transport services is currently organised;
· Proven knowledge of air transport routes as well as familiarity with the African Union and AfCFTA negotiations and initiatives on air transport; and
· Excellent drafting and writing skills.
Language
· Fluency in English (both oral and written) is required and working knowledge of French is an asset.
Profile of the Expert 2
General Qualifications:
· At least a Master’s degree in International Trade Law, economics, or any other relevant discipline; and
· At least seven (7) years of demonstrated experience in international trade law and trade in goods issues in the context of Africa.
Specific Professional Qualifications
· Experience and in-depth knowledge of trade in goods issues globally and in the context of Africa;
· Proven knowledge of researching regional trade issues with specific reference to how trade in goods is liberalized and negotiated;
· Proven knowledge of the potential goods of interest of African Countries and main comparative advantage and import interests the different countries have in trade in goods, communities as well as familiarity with the African Union and AfCFTA negotiations; and
· Excellent drafting and writing skills.
Language
· Fluency in English (both oral and written) is required and working knowledge of French is an asset.
Confidentiality
The consultants are expected to abide by the strict confidentiality rules in relation to third parties in relation to any information concerning the assignment or collected as part of the implementation of this assignment. No project report shall be reproduced or disseminated in whole or in part without the written authorization of the AfCFTA Secretariat. Failure to comply with these rules will lead to an immediate interruption of the assignment. The strict confidentiality rules shall prevail, without limit, after completion of the assignment.
Ownership and rights
All documents and information collected as part of the execution of the assignment will be the property of the AfCFTA Secretariat.
Assessment of bids
The bid comprises of the technical bid and the financial bid.
The technical bid accounts for 70% of the overall evaluation of the bid while the financial bid for 30%. The technical bid should include a proposed structure of the Tool, capturing the objectives of the assignment as well as the key tasks identified under Chapter III on the Main duties and responsibilities of the consultant.
The technical bid will be assessed over 100% as follows:
1. Appropriateness of the technical offer (55%)
1.1. Detailed description of approach and method of delivery;
1.2. Understanding of objectives and scope of the assignment;
1.3. Strategy (technical concept/alternative concepts);
1.4. Work schedule and times schedule.
2. Technical backstopping/Knowledge Management (10%)
3. Consideration of local resources (10%)
3.1. Very good knowledge of, and experience in the African region
4. Qualification of proposed staff (25%)
4.1. Advanced university degree (i.e. Master’s degree) in Trade, Law, Economics, Development Studies or related fields
4.2. Language skills – English is required. French or any other AU language is an added asset.
Selection criteria for applications
The selection process for candidates will be based on the following criteria :
- Candidate’s training/diplomas related to the expert assignment
- Candidate’s skills linked with the expert mission
- Candidate’s experiences linked with the expert mission
- Assessment of the candidate's skills in the sought-after domain
Deadline for application : 2024/12/15 11:12
Expertise France is the public agency for designing and implementing international technical cooperation projects. The agency operates around four key priorities :
- democratic, economic, and financial governance ;
- peace, stability, and security ;
- climate, agriculture, and sustainable development ;
- health and human development ;
In these areas, Expertise France conducts capacity-building initiatives and manages project implementation, leveraging technical expertise and acting as a project coordinator. This involves combining public sector expertise with private sector skills to drive impactful results.