Unveiling of the Revamped Single Customs Territory Centralised Platform Enhances Regional Trade Arusha, January 27, 2025: The East African Community (EAC) Secretariat has launched the upgraded Single Customs Territory (SCT) Centralised Platform, a tool designed to facilitate the seamless exchange of customs and trade data in real-time among interconnected Partner States' Customs and Ports Authorities. The unveiling took place at the EAC Secretariat Headquarters in Arusha, Tanzania, coinciding with the celebration of International Customs Day, themed "Customs Delivering on its Commitment to Efficiency, Security, and Prosperity." EAC Secretary General H.E. Veronica Nduva, who officiated the launch, emphasized the platform’s importance in advancing regional integration and boosting trade. "The Single Customs Territory was established in 2014 to simplify, automate, and expedite the movement of goods across the EAC. The Centralised Platform is a key element of the SCT framework. By enabling real-time sharing of customs information, this platform addresses challenges such as customs clearance delays, non-tariff barriers, high transaction costs, and inefficiencies in cross-border trade," she said. Initially implemented in 2017, the platform has evolved to support transactions related to intra-regional trade, exports to global markets, transit goods, and the issuance of certificates of origin. In 2023, the platform was upgraded to include maritime trade, previously handled through a bilateral integration model. It also features management tools for Regional Authorised Economic Operators (AEOs) and regional clearing agents for mutual recognition. The latest addition in 2024, supported by the UK and Netherlands governments, introduces scanner image sharing between Kenya and Uganda, enhancing...

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 22 January 2025 – The Ethio-Logistics Sectoral Association (ELSA), in partnership with TradeMark Africa (TMA), is hosting a two-day conference aimed at improving trade and addressing barriers within the Ethiopia-Djibouti trade corridor. Supported by the European Union (EU) through the Agence Française de Développement (AFD), the conference, which began yesterday, concludes today, 22 January 2025, with a follow-up event scheduled for April in Djibouti. Dr Kassahun Gofe, the Minister of Trade and Regional Integration “Ministry of trade is committed to implement measures that enhance business opportunities and promote trade. We will continue creating an environment that encourages growth and prosperity for all as we advance regional business integration.” This conference highlights the critical role of the Ethio-Djibouti corridor, which handles 90% of Ethiopia’s foreign trade. Three years ago, the EU launched a €32 million programme in partnership with AFD and TMA to enhance the corridor’s efficiency, reduce trade costs, and streamline cross-border transactions. The initiative has focused on trade facilitation, major value chain support, and sustainable, inclusive trade practices, particularly benefiting women traders and vulnerable groups. Key projects under this programme include the implementation of a Fleet Management System, alignment with WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement standards, and the improvement of Ethio-Djibouti Corridor Management. On the Ethiopian side, efforts include enhancing logistics competitiveness, promoting AfCFTA awareness, deploying an e-Phyto certification system, and strengthening the corridor’s coordination and management. Collectively, these initiatives aim to position the corridor as a model of efficiency, sustainability, and inclusivity in African trade. The...

Dar es Salaam, Tanzania: 13 December 2024 – The Government of Tanzania, through the Tanzania Ports Authority (TPA), has launched a €15 million, four-year project funded by the European Union to enhance the efficiency of the Dar es Salaam Port, improve trade facilitation, and transform urban mobility across East and Central Africa’s trade corridors. The initiative, implemented by TradeMark Africa (TMA), the Port of Antwerp, and UN- Habitat, with management support from Enabel, seeks to address significant barriers to trade and transport along the Dar and Central Corridors. As a critical gateway for Tanzania and its landlocked neighbours, the Dar es Salaam Port plays a vital role in regional trade. However, persistent inefficiencies and barriers have hindered its ability to operate at full potential. This project directly addresses these challenges through an integrated approach focusing on port optimisation, trade facilitation, and urban mobility enhancements. The signing ceremony, held at the Tanzania Ports Authority’s Headquarters on 11 December 2024, brought together high-level representatives from the European Union, TPA, and the Ministries of Transport and Finance, underpinning the strong partnerships driving this ambitious undertaking. Plasduce Mbossa, Director General of Tanzania Ports Authority, expressed confidence in the initiative: "We commend the partnership dedicated to enhancing the performance of the Port of Dar es Salaam. We are optimistic that this project will deliver transformative interventions to improve the port's operations and efficiency. Our gratitude goes to the European Union for funding this vital initiative. TPA will remain committed to supporting effective implementation of this...

Over 300 leaders of business and governments at Africa Trade Development Forum 2024 make unanimous call Kigali, Rwanda — December 10, 2024 — The Africa Trade Development Forum 2024 wrapped up in Kigali on the 2 to 3 December, with unanimous calls to invest in digital infrastructure for trade, and particularly the move to No-Stop Borders across Africa’s main trade and transport corridors. With a theme focused on “Unlocking Africa’s Trade Potential Through Digital Innovation,” the forum called  for rapid advancements in digital trade across the continent under the auspices of the African Continental Free Trade Area Digital trade protocol. The event was supported and graced by Rwandan Prime Minister Dr. Edouard Ngirente, The Secretary General of Africa Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) H.E Wamkele Mene and Rwanda’s Minister of Trade and Industry, Prudence Sebahizi among other government ministers, development partners and leaders of multilateral institutions. The Africa Trade Development Forum saw experts dive deep into varied discussions from distributed ledger technology for trade to building of smart corridors across Africa’s main trade and transport corridors, so as to facilitate trade and economic growth in Africa. "We’ve started conversations that will lead to tangible improvements in how trade is conducted across our borders. Digitalisation provides us opportunity to integrate MSMEs and small businesses into the digital economy, enabling them to access global markets and drive Africa’s trade agenda forward,” said H.E. Hailemariam Desalegn. Main discussions from the conference included: Smoother border processes through digital infrastructure enhancements across border points and...

Dar es Salaam, 6 December 2024: Tanzania’s trade and investment ecosystem is at a crucial juncture, with the private sector contributing 33% to GDP and over 80% of formal employment, according to World Bank data. The Annual Trade and Investment Dialogue 2024 convened more than 400 business leaders, policymakers, and development partners to address critical challenges and define strategies to strengthen the nation’s economy. Under the theme “Enhancing Efficiency in Sub-National Dialogue and Export Competitiveness for a Thriving Economy”, the event was co-hosted by the Tanzania Chamber of Commerce, Industry, and Agriculture (TCCIA) and TradeMark Africa (TMA), with funding from UK International Development, Ireland, and Norway. The dialogue featured Hon. Doto Biteko, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Energy, who reinforced the government’s commitment to fostering sustainable trade and investment through public-private collaboration. Hon. Biteko, speaking as Guest of Honour, called for stronger partnerships to drive economic growth. “Tanzania’s trade potential is vast, but unlocking it requires a deliberate partnership between the private sector and government. Our vision is to position Tanzania as a trade and investment hub by creating an environment that promotes industrialisation and sustainable, inclusive growth,” he stated. The dialogue addressed export competitiveness, structural challenges, and inefficiencies in dialogue mechanisms, with discussions focusing on empowering regional chambers, supporting local businesses, and positioning Tanzania as a competitive player in regional and global markets. According to TCCIA data, Tanzania’s export market share in East Africa is 14%, highlighting significant room for growth. The event provided a platform for stakeholders...

Mahagi, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), 28 November 2024: The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and TradeMark Africa (TMA) yesterday announced the completion of Phase II of the Mahagi One Stop Border Post (OSBP) Project, marked by the technical handover event, alongside the commencement of Phase III. Funded by UK International Development, Finland, and the Netherlands, the Mahagi OSBP is transforming cross-border trade along the Northern Corridor, a critical route connecting Eastern and Central Africa. The official handover to the government of DRC is scheduled for Q1 of 2025. Phase II, funded by Finland, delivered essential infrastructure, including modern administrative buildings, water drilling facilities, a retaining wall for truck parking, and improved water, sanitation, and public lighting systems. These upgrades build on the foundation laid in Phase I, co-financed by the Netherlands and UK International Development which expanded and paved the parking area, constructed a warehouse and gatehouse, installed fencing, and deployed CCTV to enhance security. Together, these measures are set to significantly reduce border crossing times, streamline trade flows, and address delays along one of Africa’s most critical trade corridors. Designed with cross-border traders in mind, particularly small-scale operators, and exporters of coffee and cocoa, the OSBP addresses the needs of those who depend on Mahagi for their livelihoods. Despite the progress of Phase II, gaps remain in transport connectivity, customs integration, and accessibility for smaller traders. Phase III, funded by UK International Development, seeks to close these gaps. Planned improvements include designing and paving of the access roads...

Lors d'une réunion qui s'est tenue à Nairobi, TradeMark Africa (TMA) et le Centre d'étude et de coopération internationale (CECI) ont discuté du déploiement du programme Making Trade Work for Women in West Africa (MTWW). Financé par Affaires mondiales Canada (AMC), le programme est conçu pour éliminer les barrières sexospécifiques qui limitent la participation des femmes et des jeunes au commerce dans six pays d'Afrique de l'Ouest : Burkina Faso, Ghana, Côte d'Ivoire, Togo, Bénin et Nigeria. Le programme MTWW devrait avoir un impact direct sur 80 000 personnes – dont 70 % de femmes et 20 % de jeunes – tout en bénéficiant indirectement à 20 000 commerçants supplémentaires. Il vise à accroître la valeur commerciale, à créer des opportunités d'emploi, à renforcer les chaînes d'approvisionnement et à améliorer l'environnement commercial dans la région. Parmi les principales interventions, citons la formation à l'égalité des sexes pour les femmes commerçantes, les décideurs politiques et les fonctionnaires des frontières, l'introduction de solutions innovantes telles que les outils TIC, l'argent mobile et les solutions de services financiers adaptés aux femmes commerçantes, ainsi que la mise en œuvre de solutions de « frontières intelligentes ». En outre, le programme soutiendra la modernisation des marchés et des installations frontalières et renforcera les politiques commerciales sensibles au genre par le biais d'un dialogue inclusif avec les parties prenantes. La délégation du CECI, conduite par Bonaventure Wakana, directeur des programmes internationaux et de l'innovation, et Madeleine Tsimi, responsable du programme MTWW, a exprimé son optimisme quant...

In a meeting held in Nairobi, TradeMark Africa (TMA) and the Centre for International Studies and Cooperation (CECI) discussed the roll out of the Making Trade Work for Women in West Africa (MTWW) programme. Funded by Global Affairs Canada (GAC), the programme is designed to break down gender-specific barriers that restrict the participation of women and young people in trade across six West African countries: Burkina Faso, Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, Togo, Benin, and Nigeria. The MTWW programme is set to directly impact 80,000 individuals – 70% of whom are women and 20% youth – while indirectly benefiting an additional 20,000 traders. It seeks to enhance trade value, create employment opportunities, strengthen supply chains, and improve the trading environment in the region. Some of the major interventions include gender sensitive training for women traders, policymakers, and border officials, the introduction of innovative solutions such as ICT tools, mobile money, and financial service solutions tailored for women traders and implementation of “smart border” solutions. Additionally, the programme will support upgrades of markets and border facilities and strengthen gender-responsive trade policies through inclusive stakeholder dialogue. The CECI delegation, led by Bonaventure Wakana, Director of International Programmes and Innovation, and Madeleine Tsimi, the Programme Manager for MTWW, expressed optimism about the programme’s transformative potential for integrating women and young traders into the trade systems, while supporting regional integration efforts in West Africa. TMA was represented by Anthe Vrijlandt, Director of Strategy and Partnerships, and Harriet Gayi, West Africa Lead, who noted the extensive groundwork...

Mombasa, Kenya: 14 November 2024 - There was cause to celebrate in Mombasa as the new MbarakiNyerere Road and the Bamburi Drainage Outfall were officially opened in a ceremony at the coast. The road and drain have been operational since July 2022, and the upgrade from a murram road to a highquality bitumen road has transformed the lives of the businesses and residents of Mombasa. The construction of the road was made possible by a three-way partnership between the County Government of Mombasa, the UK Government and the Royal Danish Embassy – and delivered by TradeMark Africa, a pan-African aid-for-trade organisation, whose work has reduced cargo clearance times at Mombasa Port from 11.2 to 3.4 days and led to a reduction of 16.5% in cargo transit times on the Northern Corridor, from the Port of Mombasa to Bujumbura in Burundi. Prior to the construction of the road, traffic congestion from Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) – the workhorses of Mombasa Port - negatively impacted the productivity and profitability of businesses. The road is – literally – driving growth through trade, as it has led to higher truck utlisation rates, and quicker turnaround times for cargo at the Mbaraki Terminal. 160 local people were directly employed during construction, and 15% were women. The lower congestion has also improved air quality for residents. The 1.2km road that runs from Mbaraki to Nyerere has also positively impacted the lives of Mombasa’s citizens, due to the incorporation of a 100-meter-long drain, funded by the Royal...

November 20, 2024, Nairobi, Kenya. USAID today flagged off technology equipment worth $33,000 to four East African Community (EAC) land border posts - Lwakhakha (Kenya/Uganda) and Loitoktok/Tarakea (Kenya/Tanzania) to enhance the operational efficiency of cross-border regulatory agencies better facilitating trade, cargo clearance, and cooperation among customs authorities and partner government agencies. The purchase of the equipment was funded by USAID Economic Recovery and Reform Activity (ERRA) implemented by TradeMark Africa (TMA). The four selected borders play a crucial role in facilitating the movement of agricultural commodities and products across the East African countries and serve as conduits for strengthening regional trade connectivity within the EAC. The Lwakhakha border is crucial in alleviating traffic pressure from key Northern Corridor borders at Malaba and Busia, while the Loitoktok/Tarakea border plays a central role in linking South-Eastern region in Kenya with the North-Eastern region in Tanzania and facilitating broader trade activities. According to recent data, agricultural product volumes moving through the Lwakhakha border from Uganda between July 2021 and June 2022 reached 5.37 million kilograms. Major items included cereals (rice, maize, beans), fruits (bananas, watermelons, avocados), vegetables (tomatoes, yams), and animal feed (rice and wheat bran). At the Loitoktok/Tarakea border between Tanzania and Kenya, goods valued at $39.2 million were cleared in 2022, primarily comprising fruits (oranges, watermelons, pineapples), vegetables (onions, potatoes), legumes (peas, groundnuts), cereals (maize, cowpeas), as well as animal feeds, wood, and LPG gas. Additionally, Tanzania imported $41.2 million worth of goods from Kenya, of which 92% were processed industrial...