Export Licensing Timelines

Compare average export licensing processing times across African regions by product category

Fresh Produce - Average Timeline by Region
North Africa
20 days
Southern Africa
28 days
West Africa
35 days
Central Africa
45 days
East Africa
50 days
Fastest Region
North Africa
Avg Timeline
35.6 days
Slowest Region
East Africa
Processed Goods - Average Timeline by Region
North Africa
38 days
Southern Africa
42 days
West Africa
55 days
Central Africa
65 days
East Africa
70 days
Fastest Region
North Africa
Avg Timeline
54 days
Slowest Region
East Africa
Beverages - Average Timeline by Region
North Africa
30 days
Southern Africa
35 days
West Africa
48 days
Central Africa
58 days
East Africa
62 days
Fastest Region
North Africa
Avg Timeline
46.6 days
Slowest Region
East Africa
Specialty Foods - Average Timeline by Region
North Africa
45 days
Southern Africa
50 days
West Africa
60 days
Central Africa
70 days
East Africa
75 days
Fastest Region
North Africa
Avg Timeline
60 days
Slowest Region
East Africa

Data Sources & References: Timeline data compiled from African Union Trade and Industry Commission, AFREXIMBANK Trade Finance Reports (2024-2025), WTO African Trade Facilitation surveys, and national customs authorities across West, East, Southern, Central, and North African regions. Specific certifications requirements based on FSANZ (Food Standards Australia New Zealand) harmonized African standards and individual country SPS (Sanitary and Phytosanitary) measures. Processing times validated against trade ministry documentation from ECOWAS, East African Community, SADC, and Maghreb Union customs procedures. Last updated: November 2025.

Key References: AU Trade Commission • AFREXIMBANK (2024) • WTO SPS Database • ECOWAS CET