EFSA Quizzed about SA Government’s ICT Strategy

The government is considering revising its ICT Strategy and EFSA was asked for views on issues such as ease of business. EFSA had to admit that the CIPC has become also dysfunctional during COVID. While other non-tariff barriers exist that need to be addressed before the African Free Trade Area is introduced fully. As an example, of how to turn things around, Benin introduced business online, and now the West African country is the world’s fastest place to start a business, according to a U.N. agency.

The new site was launched in February 2020 by the country’s Investment and Export Promotion Agency, which did not want people to come into their offices during the pandemic. Applicants fill out the required information, download the required documents and make a payment online. The documents arrive at the agency’s headquarters, where staff verifies the information and mail business certificates to those who are approved. The Investment and Export Promotion Agency said it will continue to review the procedures and work with the private sector to further improve the process.