1. The picture across Africa
Africa is the continent where the Convention has spread least evenly.
A few countries are parties. Most of China’s larger export markets are not.
2. Legalization required
North Africa
Egypt and Algeria require legalization. Morocco and Tunisia have separate arrangements; Libya requires the full chain.
West Africa
Nigeria requires legalization. Ghana requires legalization.
East Africa
Sudan, Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania require legalization.
Southern Africa
Angola and Mozambique require legalization.
Parties
South Africa is a party. Several smaller markets are parties.
3. What the chain involves
Notarisation, foreign ministry authentication, embassy legalization.
Timing
Three to four weeks, plus translation.
Language
French for much of West and Central Africa.
Portuguese for Angola and Mozambique.
Arabic for North Africa.
4. The requirements that catch exporters
Egypt
Contracts must have the “notify embassy on amendment” clause removed before legalization. Documents are accepted in Arabic or English.
Nigeria
The certificate of origin and invoice are typically both required, and the standards authority may require a conformity certificate for regulated products.
Algeria and Sudan
Arabic translation is usually required.
Kenya and Tanzania
Both the commercial invoice and the certificate of origin are typically required.
5. The pattern worth remembering
In these markets, the requirement is usually for more documents, not fewer.
An exporter who sends only the invoice often discovers that the certificate of origin, packing list or a conformity certificate was also expected.
6. A working check
For each African destination, confirm: whether legalization applies, which documents are required, the language, and any additional certification (conformity, health, GMP for pharmaceuticals).
7. Closing view
Africa rewards preparation more than any other region.
The authentication chain is fixed. The variable is knowing which documents the destination will ask for.
*This article is based on the consular authentication guidance published by China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, updated October 2026, and embassy practice in the region.*