Zanzibar, Tanzania, 30 April 2025: Tanzania inaugurated the International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations Region Africa and Middle East (FIATA RAME) Field Meeting, reaffirming its commitment to building a resilient and sustainable logistics sector as a cornerstone of Blue Economy growth. The two-day forum aimed to deliver practical reforms, foster global partnerships, and catalyse investment in climate-smart logistics infrastructure. The event was jointly organised by the Tanzania Freight Forwarders Association (TAFFA), the Zanzibar Freight Forwarders Bureau (ZFB), and the Ministry of Transport, with support from TradeMark Africa through funding from UK International Development, the Government of Ireland, and Norway. Held under the theme “Collaborating in the Blue Economy; Transforming Logistics for Sustainability,” the forum brought together over 500 leaders in logistics, trade facilitation, policy, and academia. It focused on addressing critical inefficiencies in regional logistics systems, including fragmented multimodal networks, sluggish cargo movement, and customs bottlenecks. Given that maritime trade underpinned more than 80% of global commerce (UNCTAD, 2024), and Africa’s logistics costs remained 40–60% above the global average (World Bank, 2023), the urgency for structural reform was evident. Opening the forum, Zanzibar’s Second Vice President Hemed Suleiman Abdulla stated: “Tanzania embraces the Blue Economy not as a distant ambition but as a current, actionable strategy. We must build a logistics sector that is agile, digitalised, resilient and sustainable. Our ports, roads, railways, and border posts must work as one integrated system, reducing costs and increasing trade flows. In doing so, we safeguard our marine ecosystems while creating new...

Nakonde, Zambia, 07 May 2025 – Zambia has taken a major step to safeguard its food security and regional agricultural trade following the commissioning of a refurbished and fully equipped Plant Quarantine and Phytosanitary Service (PQPS) laboratory at Nakonde One Stop Border Post (OSBP). The newly rehabilitated plant health lab on the border with Tanzania will accelerate the screening of maize imports and safeguard national food supplies following what is touted as the country’s worst drought in four decades (in 2023/2024). The drought severely impacted maize production and left nearly half the population at risk of food insecurity, adversely affecting 84 of its 116 districts across several provinces, according to FAO. The lab was rehabilitated and equipped by the Government of Zambia in partnership with TradeMark Africa (TMA) and funded by the UK Government to the tune of Zambian Kwacha 3.8 million (US$136,000). It is fitted with state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment—including a Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) machine, microscopes, centrifuges, and ELISA testing kits. These kits are designed to rapidly test and detect diseases such as the Maize Lethal Necrosis Disease (MLND). The lab has also been equipped with solar backup power, an improved water system, and air conditioning, which ensures that operations continue uninterrupted, even during power outages or extreme weather conditions. The Permanent Secretary responsible for technical services in the Ministry of Agriculture of Zambia, John Anthony Mulongoti, who commissioned the laboratory, acknowledged that enhancements to the lab could not have come at a better time, with Zambia prioritising maize...

Makueni County, Kenya, 05 May 2025 – The County Government of Makueni and TradeMark Africa (TMA) have today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish an Export Supply Hub (ESH) set to transform horticultural exports originating from the county as well as the neighbouring counties of Machakos, Kajiado, and Taita-Taveta. The Hub is expected to unlock new global market opportunities, particularly within the European Union (EU). The partnership, under the EU-funded Business Environment and Export Enhancing Programme (EU-BEEEP) implemented by TMA, will resolve bottlenecks related to post-harvest losses that producers and exporters face. The ESH will serve as a centralised facility for aggregation, processing, and provide a sustainable export ecosystem that complies with international sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) standards and sustainability requirements. The ESH will also offer on-site inspection and certification services to meet export standards. Makueni County is one of Kenya’s leading producers of mangoes, producing an estimated 245,000 Metric Tonnes annually. However, over 40% of the mangoes go to waste due to lack of markets. In addition, the county is also emerging as one of the leading producers of avocado and French beans. However, while the region faces a substantial loss of the target products due to the lack of a market, the EU presents a huge market opportunity. Speaking at the signing ceremony, H.E. Mutula Kilonzo Junior, CBS, Governor of Makueni County, said: “Agriculture remains the backbone of our county’s economy, and this MoU is a major step towards unlocking its full potential. By investing in...

  From left to right: H.E. Omar Said Shaaban, Minister for Trade and Industrial Development, Zanzibar; H.E. Dr. Hussein Ali Mwinyi, President of Zanzibar and Chairman of the Revolutionary Council, and H.E. Dr. Selemani Saidi Jafo, Minister of Industry and Trade, United Republic of Tanzania, during the launch of the Zanzibar Trade Policy, Regulatory Reform Blueprint, and NTBs Committee- marking a significant milestone in strengthening Zanzibar’s business environment and enhancing regional trade integration. Zanzibar, 30 April 2025: The Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar, through the Ministry of Trade and Industrial Development, today unveiled the Zanzibar Trade Policy 2024, the Blueprint for Regulatory Framework Reform, and officially launched the Non-Tariff Barriers (NTBs) Committee. These reforms, supported by TradeMark Africa (TMA) with funding from the UK International Development, the Government of Ireland, and Norway, seeks to accelerate economic transformation by creating a more efficient, predictable, and competitive business environment. The new Trade Policy positions Zanzibar as an emerging hub for trade in services and manufacturing within Eastern and Southern Africa, aligning with regional, continental, and global trade frameworks such as AfCFTA, EAC Vision 2050, and the SDGs. The Blueprint sets out 18 targeted reforms to remove regulatory bottlenecks, harmonise business procedures, streamline licensing, and foster investment, while the NTBs Committee will proactively identify and resolve barriers to trade across sectors. Speaking at the launch, Hon. Omar Said Shaaban, Minister of Trade and Industrial Development, said: "Today marks a historic turning point for Zanzibar’s economy. Through the Zanzibar Trade Policy and the Blueprint for...

5th Annual Tanzania Women Industrial Awards spotlight enterprise growth, economic inclusion, and policy impact Dar es Salaam, Tanzania 27 March 2025: The Tanzania Women Chamber of Commerce (TWCC), in partnership with TradeMark Africa (TMA), hosted the 5th Annual Tanzania Women Industrial Awards (TWIA) that brought together women entrepreneurs, policymakers, and trade stakeholders to mark two milestones: 20 years of TWCC’s efforts in supporting women entrepreneurs and five (5) years of recognising women’s leadership and achievements in driving Tanzania’s industrial transformation. TWIA reflects a growing shift in Tanzania’s economic landscape. According to World Bank data (2023), women own 54% of the country’s micro and small enterprises yet continue to face structural barriers to scaling their businesses. In response, TWCC working in partnership with TMA and with funding from UK International Development, Norway, and Ireland, is addressing these constraints. The initiative supports women-led enterprises to expand production, access new markets, and influence policy, contributing to TradeMark Africa’s Strategy 3, which places inclusive and sustainable trade at the heart of economic development. Since its inception in 2021, TWIA has recognised 200 women-led enterprises across agriculture, manufacturing, technology, mining, construction, logistics, and other sectors. In 2024, several of these businesses reported increased revenues, enhanced export readiness, and the creation of new jobs. Notably, a number of awardees entered export markets for the first time- demonstrating how targeted support can shift outcomes for women-led firms. Speaking at the event as Guest of Honour, Hon. Selemani Said Jafo, Minister for Industry and Trade, called for industrial...

Accra, Ghana, 19 March 2025. H.E. Hailemariam Desalegn Boshe, TradeMark Africa (TMA) Board Chair and former Prime Minister of Ethiopia, sat down with H.E. John Mahama, President of Ghana, at the Flagstaff House. They discussed how TMA’s work on trade facilitation and regional integration aligns with Ghana’s priorities and the broader African Continental Free Trade Area ambitions. Earlier in the week, H.E Hailemariam had delivered a rousing lecture at the AfCFTA Secretariat (read speech here or watch it here) calling on leaders to turn political will into concrete action, because that's the only way to turn Agenda 2063 ambitions to impact.  So, this meet-and-greet was about getting things moving. TMA shared updates on some interventions that are making a difference on the ground: Coordinated Border Management (CBM) Assessment at Noe-Elubo Upgrades at the Elubo border to ease trade flow Customs-to-Customs Information Exchange to streamline cross-border procedures Operationalising the Akanu-Noepe Joint Border Post (JBP) Keeping the Ghana Programme Oversight Committee running smoothly The conversation naturally turned to Ghana’s role as a regional trade hub and the need to boost trade infrastructure, digital systems, and collaboration between agencies. President Mahama made it clear he’s on board with trade facilitation reforms and voiced strong support for TMA’s work in Ghana. TMA, in turn, asked for his high-level backing to speed up the Ghana Country Programme—particularly by strengthening ties with key government players like the Ministry of Trade and Industry, Ministry of Roads and Highways, Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) Customs, and other regulatory bodies....

Accra, 19 March 2025. Ghana’s Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry Hon. Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare joined senior representatives from Global Affairs Canada (GAC), Centre d'étude et de coopération internationale (CECI) and TradeMark Africa for the launch of a project that targets Women Traders across 6 countries in West Africa. The colourful event marked the official kick-off of activities for the CAD$ 19.7 million Making Trade Work for Women in West Africa (MTW) project that will be implemented in Benin, Burkina Faso, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Togo and Nigeria. The project’s strategy, to be implemented by CECI and TMA through 2030, includes use of digital tools, financial literacy programmes, and advocacy for gender-responsive trade policies. Additionally, it intends to institutionalise impactful innovations within regional economic plans and strategies, ultimately contributing to inclusive, environmentally sustainable growth. These efforts will address identified economic and social disparities by promoting sustainable trade practices that uplift marginalised groups, with a particular focus on women. Presently, women continue to earn lower incomes, run smaller-scale businesses compared to their male counterparts, face harassment, gender-based violence (GBV), and systemic barriers at border crossings. These issues are exacerbated by women’s additional burdens of productive and reproductive roles. The project aims to strengthen the capacity of women traders, enhance their access to markets, and promote sustainable business practices. Making Trade Work for Women in West Africa will directly impact an estimated 80,000 beneficiaries, 70% being women traders. It will also indirectly benefit around 20,000 additional traders and sensitise more than 50,000 individuals through...

Accra 18 March 2025. The Africa Continental Free Trade Area AfCFTA Secretariat and TradeMark Africa TMA announced strategic cooperation formalised through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding MOU marking a significant step towards advancing action on AfCFTA plans and commitment to promote intraAfrican trade. The MOU signing took place at the AfCFTA Secretariat headquarters in Accra Ghana and was headlined by HE Wamkele Mene AfCFTA SecretaryGeneral of the AfCFTA Secretariat and Dave Beer TMA CEO. The partnership is built on the shared commitment of the AfCFTA Secretariat and TMA to accelerate Africas economic integration and trade expansion ensuring that trade facilitation efforts translate into real economic impact across the continent. By addressing barriers to trade thus improving border efficiency and enhancing digital trade infrastructure, this collaboration will support businesses especially MSMEs in accessing new markets and strengthening regional value chains. The AfCFTA which aims to create a single market of 13 billion people with a combined annual GDP of US34 trillion is designed to both eliminate tariff and nontariff barriers to Intra Africa trade thereby improving market access and increasing productivity leading to the socioeconomic development of Africa. On the other hand TMA works to increase sustainable and inclusive intra African trade and exports to the rest of the world through improved trade facilitation leading to trade growth and prosperity of the African Continent. The Secretariat and TMA will cooperate towards the implementation of this MoU in ten 10 areas customs transit and trade Facilitation trade and transport corridors...

Naivasha, Kenya, 19 March 2025 – TradeMark Africa had the honour of welcoming Their Majesties King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima of the Netherlands to the Naivasha Inland Container Depot (ICD) today, celebrating more than 14 years of transformative trade facilitation along East Africa’s Northern Corridor. The visit reaffirmed the strong trade partnership between Kenya and the Netherlands and the support by the Netherlands through TradeMark Africa to implement initiatives for reducing trade barriers and lowering the time and cost of doing business. During the visit, TMA’s Deputy CEO, Allen Sophia Asiimwe, highlighted the organization’s transformative trade initiatives along the Northern Corridor, showcasing efforts to reduce cross-border trade times, lower business costs, and create a more efficient and sustainable trading environment. The Netherlands has been a key supporter of these programs, reinforcing Kenya’s position as a major export hub in the region. “The state visit by Their Majesties underscores our shared commitment to deepening bilateral cooperation—not just between Kenya and The Netherlands, but across Eastern Africa in partnership with organisations such as TradeMark Africa,” said Asiimwe. “With the Netherlands’ support, we continue to implement programmes that have significant impact on the ease of doing business and facilitating access to export markets, from reducing non-tariff barriers to scaling innovative programmes in Africa.” The Netherlands, a major partner in these programs, has demonstrated its long-standing commitment to supporting Kenya’s trade development. Dutch companies are among the largest investors in Kenya and East Africa, with significant contributions in major sectors such as horticulture, logistics,...

Accra, 18 March 2025. As Africa marks five years since the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Agreement came into force, H.E. Hailemariam Desalegn Boshe, TradeMark Africa’s Board Chair and former Prime Minister for Ethiopia, delivered a thought-provoking public lecture on ‘AfCFTA as a Catalyst for Agenda 2063: Seizing Opportunities in a Changing World’. During the hybrid session broadcast live from AfCFTA Secretariat offices in Accra, Ghana, H.E. Desalegn explored successes and delivered provocative arguments on why Africa struggles to trade with itself. The outlook for the AfCFTA remains overwhelmingly positive with infrastructure development, such as improved transport and communication networks, underway to support increased trade activities. In addition, between 2017 and 2023, intra-African trade saw and estimated 27% increase, reaching approximately  $190 billion a sign of progress in reginal trade integration, despite persistent structural challenges. However, intra-African trade at just 15% of total African trade African countries have historically traded less with each other than other regions due to binding constraints including but not limited to deficits in trade-related infrastructures, overlapping and multiple Regional Economic Communities (RECs), lack of complementarity of goods and services and supply side constraints. He outlined practical strategies to reshape both narrative and approach to Africa leadership on self-reliance, with trade as the driving force. At a critical juncture, amid ongoing socio-economic shocks such as global supply chain disruptions and shifting donor priorities, Africa must position itself to respond to an evolving global landscape. “The past five years have seen the COVID-19 pandemic which hugely...