TradeMark Africa (TMA) will participate at the AmCham Business Summit, the highest profile U.S. – East Africa forum to be held in Nairobi from 24-15 April 2024 at Windsor Golf Hotel, Nairobi, as a knowledge partner. The Summit is designed to appeal to forward-thinking companies looking to expand into Kenya and the East and Horn of African regions and provide a platform for industry to converge and forge lucrative deals and connections. As a knowledge partner at AmCham summit 2024, TMA will convene the Ministerial Panel on April 25, 2024, from 08:30-09:30 am. Led by TradeMark Africa CEO, David Beer, the session will feature a high-profile panel including trade ministers from Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda. The panel will explore trade and investment opportunities in Eastern Africa, unpack the priorities, opportunities for a region poised for rapid economic expansion and a future of shared prosperity. Learn more

Le Secrétariat de la Communauté de l'Afrique de l'Est (CAE) et le Programme Burundi de TradeMark Africa ont organisé une formation de deux jours sur les barrières non tarifaires (BNT) pour les participants au commerce transfrontalier du Burundi. Organisée les 15 et 16 avril 2024, la formation a permis aux participants d'apprendre à identifier, surveiller et signaler les obstacles au commerce en utilisant l'application mobile EAC-NTBs récemment lancée, qui est conçue pour rationaliser le signalement et la résolution des obstacles au commerce. Les participants étaient composés de parties prenantes opérant à l'OSBP de Kobero, telles que les fonctionnaires des douanes, la police des frontières, les transitaires, les agents de dédouanement et les représentants d'associations commerciales, notamment les chauffeurs routiers et les femmes commerçantes. De nombreux stagiaires ont exploré les fonctionnalités de l'application pour la première fois, et étaient désireux de comprendre ce qui constitue les BNT et la manière dont ils pourraient être équipés pour les documenter avec précision ou les signaler dans le système mobile EAC-NTBs pour une résolution rapide. "Ces formations de sensibilisation font partie des efforts de collaboration visant à accélérer l'opérationnalisation, l'adoption par les utilisateurs et les engagements sur l'application mobile EAC-NTB Barriers, qui est conçue pour faciliter le signalement et l'élimination des BNT dans la région, en supprimant les entraves inutiles au commerce. L'objectif est d'améliorer le commerce intra-CEA", a déclaré Christian Nibasumba, représentant national de TMA Burundi. Un rapport de 2023 du Comité de rencontre régional de la CAE a mis en évidence l'impact...

The East African Community (EAC) Secretariat and TradeMark Africa’s Burundi Programme conducted a two-day training on Non-Tarriff Barriers (NTBs) for Burundi’s cross border trade participants. Held on April 15-16, 2024, the training enlightened attendees on identifying, monitoring, and reporting obstacles to trade using the newly launched EAC-NTBs mobile app, which is designed to streamline the reporting and resolution of trade barriers. A cross-border trader trying out the NTBs monitoring and reporting mobile app Participants included stakeholders operating at the Kobero OSBP such as customs officials, border police, freight forwarders, clearing agents, and representatives from trade associations including truck drivers and women traders. Many of the trainees explored the app’s features for the first time, and were keen to understand what constitutes NTBs and how they could be equipped to accurately document or report them in EAC-NTBs mobile system for quick resolution. “These awareness trainings are part of the collaborative efforts to accelerate the operationalisation, user uptake and engagements on the EAC-NTB Barriers mobile app, which is designed to ease the reporting and elimination of NTBs in region, removing pointless encumbrances to trade. The goal is to enhance intra-EAC trade,” said Christian Nibasumba, TMA Burundi Country Representative. A 2023 report by the EAC Regional Meeting Committee highlighted the economic impact of NTBs estimated at around$16.7 million. The report also detailed the status of unresolved NTBs in member countries, noting several pending cases in Tanzania and Uganda. NTBs are obstacles to international trade that are not related to export or import duties...

TradeMark Africa a lancé récemment son programme en Côte d'Ivoire pour soutenir le développement de la stratégie nationale de facilitation du commerce, un effort qui bénéficie du soutien du Ministère britannique des affaires étrangères, du Commonwealth et du développement. Il s'agit d'une étape cruciale pour le pays, qui cherche à renforcer son infrastructure commerciale et à développer le commerce avec ses voisins et ailleurs. Cette initiative marque non seulement le premier pas de TMA dans le domaine de la facilitation des échanges en Côte d'Ivoire, mais elle ouvre également la voie à de futurs partenariats. La réunion sur la stratégie nationale de facilitation des échanges était dirigée par le ministère du commerce, avec la participation de diverses agences gouvernementales et de représentants du secteur privé. La délégation de TMA était guidée par la directrice de la stratégie et du partenariat, Anthe Vrijlandt. Dans le cadre de son engagement à renforcer le commerce régional, TMA développe des programmes tout au long du corridor Abidjan-Lagos avec des organisations régionales clés, à savoir la Communauté économique des États de l'Afrique de l'Ouest (CEDEAO) et le secrétariat de la Zone de libre-échange continentale africaine (ZLECA). En outre, TMA diversifie ses sources de financement, et lance de nouvelles initiatives financées par l'Agence française de développement (AFD), tout en engageant des pourparlers avec plusieurs partenaires de développement afin de soutenir les vastes opportunités qu'offre la région de l'Afrique de l'Ouest.

TradeMark Africa recently had the honour of hosting Ms. Suomela-Chowdhury, Finland's Deputy Director General for the Africa Department, who was accompanied by Otto Kivinen, from Finland's Embassy in Nairobi and also TMA’s Council Chair. Finland has been an integral supporter of TMA for the past decade, contributing over EUR 26 million in core funding. This support has enabled innovation, sustainability, and cross-border collaboration, thus empowering businesses within TMA's areas of operation. Thanks to funders like Finland, TMA has partnered with Governments on projects aimed at reducing trading costs and times across borders, as well as enhancing the overall business environment. Such interventions include digitisation of port systems, one-stop border posts, automation of trade processes, support women in trade, among others.   Ms. Suomela-Chowdhury expressed her appreciation for TMA's Strategy 3 agenda, which focuses on fostering an inclusive, digital, and green trade environment across Africa. Allen Sophia Asiimwe, TMA’s Deputy CEO and Chief of Programmes acknowledged Finland's continued commitment to strengthening partnerships with Africa. This is particularly relevant as TMA embarks on designing new programming intended to generate even greater impacts under the ambitions of African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

TradeMark Africa recently kicked off its programming in Côte d'Ivoire by supporting the development of the National Trade Facilitation Strategy, an effort backed by the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. This marks a pivotal step for the country as it aims to bolster its trade infrastructure and expand commerce with its neighbours and beyond. The initiative not only signals TMA's first step into the Trade Facilitation space in Côte d'Ivoire but also sets the stage for future partnerships. The National Trade Facilitation Strategy meeting was spearheaded by Ministry of Trade, with participation from various government agencies and private sector representatives. The TMA delegation was guided by Director of Strategy and Partnership Anthe Vrijlandt. As part of its commitment to enhance regional trade, TMA is developing programmes along the Abidjan-Lagos Corridor with key regional organisations, namely, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat. Additionally, TMA is diversifying its funding avenues, launching new initiatives financed by France's Agence Française de Développement and engaging in talks with several development partners to support the vast opportunities the West African region presents.

Une délégation irlandaise de haut niveau, conduite par le ministre de l'agriculture, de l'alimentation et de la mer Charlie McConalogue et l'ambassadrice Caitríona Ingoldsby, a rendu visite à la société Jade Fresh Limited, une entreprise agricole de premier plan située à Nairobi, au Kenya. Cette visite, organisée en partenariat avec TradeMark Africa (TMA), visait à explorer les possibilités de collaboration économique et à renforcer les liens entre l'Irlande et le Kenya en encourageant des pratiques commerciales durables et inclusives. Evelyn Munyeti, PDG de Jade Fresh, et Anataria Uwamariya, directrice de la compétitivité des entreprises à TMA, ont conduit la délégation. Mme Munyeti a guidé la délégation tout au long du processus de réception des produits frais provenant des agriculteurs sous contrat, en soulignant les normes de qualité rigoureuses de l'entreprise. La délégation s'est également entretenue avec des femmes bénéficiaires du programme "Women in Trade" (WiT) de la TMA, afin d'acquérir des connaissances sur les défis et les opportunités auxquels les femmes sont confrontées dans le secteur agricole. La table ronde a facilité le dialogue entre le ministre et les bénéficiaires de l'aide irlandaise dans le cadre du programme WiT de TMA, en abordant des questions telles que les défis commerciaux, l'adaptation au changement climatique et les possibilités de collaboration. Le ministre McConalogue a réitéré l'engagement de l'Irlande à soutenir les femmes dans le commerce, notant les résultats positifs du programme WiT au Kenya. Lien

Last week, the Tanzania Private Sector Foundation (TPSF), supported by TMA, held a significant forum to discuss the development of Tanzania Vision 2050. The event was attended by more than 100 stakeholders from the private sector, providing valuable insights to the committee responsible for gathering stakeholder input.     The discussions highlighted the necessity for Tanzania Vision 2050 to prioritise the development of a strong digital economy to support business growth and ensure inclusive development. TMA’s Country Director, Elibariki Shammy reflected on TMA and its donors' contributions to the current Vision 2025, noting improvements in the trade environment thanks to better border facilities, such as One Stop Border Posts (OSBPs), and efforts in supporting the private sector and government policy reforms. These actions have led to reduced time and costs of doing business, aided by digital platforms like Agricultural Trade Management Information Systems (ATMIS,) the Tanzania Mercantile Exchange (TMX) a commodity trading system, and the electronic Certificate of Origin. Looking towards Vision 2050, the Country Director emphasised the need to adapt to global trends, including sustainable growth and the adoption of new technologies and skills relevant to key sectors, to stimulate economic growth. He also pointed out the necessity of an improved trade and investment environment as essential for achieving the envisioned growth in the next 25 years. As a result of supporting this forum, private sector stakeholders had the opportunity to contribute their insights to Tanzania Vision 2050. With the incorporation of these ideas into the vision, it is...

For decades, the narrative around African trade has focused on resources and infrastructure. But a quiet revolution is happening, one driven by the indomitable spirit of women entrepreneurs. TradeMark Africa's (TMA) women in trade program is a prime example, proving that investing in women's economic empowerment is not just the right thing to do – it is a sound business decision. The programme has so far reached over 180,000 women across 14 border locations in East Africa, with over 30 % of them reporting an increase in income. But the impact goes beyond the bottom line. The program tackles the unique challenges women face, like unpaid caregiving duties that steal 30% of their trading time or navigating around complex trade rules. By addressing these issues, TMA empowers women, leading to a remarkable 34% reduction in incidents of harassment and exploitation. Recognising the interconnectedness of economic empowerment, our focus is expanding to the West Africa and the Horn of Africa. Our next strategy will also address the needs of marginalised groups like youth and persons with disabilities, aligning with national government priorities and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) protocol. TMA's approach is data-driven, and with this in mind, we have developed a Women in Trade Empowerment Index (WITEI) that will allow stakeholders to measure progress, on access, agency, and achievements, ensuring resources are directed where they can make the most significant impact. Investing in gender and inclusion programs is not just about social good, it is about unlocking Africa's...

From Left: Ireland Ambassador to Kenya Caitríona Ingoldsby, TradeMark Africa Business Competitiveness Director Anataria Uwamariya, Ireland Minister for Agriculture, Food and Marine Charlie Mcconalogue, Jade Fresh Managing Director Evelyn Munyeti and Ireland Secretary General, Department of Agriculture Brendan Gleeson. A high-level delegation from Ireland, led by the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Marine Charlie Mcconalogue and Ambassador Caitríona Ingoldsby, paid a visit to Jade Fresh Limited, a leading agricultural enterprise in Nairobi, Kenya. The visit, organised in partnership with TradeMark Africa (TMA), aimed to explore opportunities for economic collaboration and strengthen ties between Ireland and Kenya in driving sustainable and inclusive trade practices. Evelyn Munyeti, CEO of Jade Fresh, and Anataria Uwamariya, Director of Business Competitiveness at TMA, led the delegation. Munyeti, guided the delegation through the process of receiving fresh produce from contracted farmers, highlighting the company’s stringent quality standards. The delegation also engaged with women beneficiaries of TMA's Women in Trade (WiT) programme, gaining knowledge about the challenges and opportunities women face in the agricultural sector. The roundtable discussion facilitated a dialogue, between the Minister and beneficiaries of Irish support through TMA's #WomeninTradeprogramme. of the WiT programme, addressing issues such as business challenges, climate change adaptation, and opportunities for collaboration. Minister Mcconalogue reiterated Ireland's commitment to supporting women in trade, noting the positive outcomes of the WiT programme in Kenya. The implementation of TradeMark Africa’s Women in Trade Programme in Kenya has resulted in significant achievements, representing a transformative milestone in enhancing trading capacities and financial accessibility for...