Kigali, Rwanda, 20 November - A transformative African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) requires the full inclusion and participation of the continent’s women, says Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) Deputy Executive Secretary, Giovanie Biha. Speaking Tuesday night at a high-level roundtable dinner on “Harnessing the AfCFTA for Gender Equality” that was co-organized by ECA and TradeMark Africa (TMA), Ms. Biha said continental integration was pivotal to Africa’s economic transformation, but it could only be done with the full inclusion of women, both in the formal and informal sectors. She said the signing of the AfCFTA in March 2018 set the stage for the integration of the African continent into a single market. “It is crucial to ensure that all its citizens, especially women, are involved in the continental free trade area implementation,” said Ms. Biha, adding the AfCFTA will open new opportunities for women, and help them integrate more fully into productive, high-paid sectors of the economy. She said economies with better opportunities for women were more competitive and would benefit more from openness than economies that were less friendly to female participation. “Enhanced opportunities for women lead to improvements in human development outcomes, poverty reduction and accelerated rates of economic growth,” she added. TMA Chief Executive Officer, Frank Matsaert, for his part, said, “Research has shown that if women’s paid employment were raised to the same level as men’s, the pa capita income of 15 major economies would rise by 14% by 2020. Our work across East Africa is...

Kigali, Rwanda, 19 November - With an average growth rate of 6.7% between 2013 and 2017 - double the African average - East Africa is one of the fastest growing regions in the world, accompanied by rapid social improvements. Average life expectancy has increased by 5.3 years over the past decade, with some countries registering historically unprecedented gains (e.g. 8.5 years in Kenya and Rwanda). “There are of course still many challenges – chief amongst them being the need for faster job creation for the rapidly growing population – but on balance progress has been impressive. Life expectancy is a good general indicator of living standards, and the pace of change is one of the fastest in history”, said Andrew Mold, the Acting Director of the ECA in Eastern Africa, presenting an overview of economic and social developments in the region at the 22nd meeting of the Intergovernmental Committee of Experts, ICE. The three-day meeting takes place in Kigali, Rwanda, and gathers more than 250 economic stakeholders and decision makers of 14 countries in East Africa. In 2019, the region is expected to grow at 6.2%, thanks to sustained public and private investment, renewed optimisim in the Horn of Africa, and the opening up of new trade opportunities under the AfCFTA. Minister of Finance and Economic Planning of Rwanda, Dr. Uzziel Ndagijimana noted that “ In many aspects, the Eastern Africa region has been leading continental trends – be it in terms of economic progress but also social – with...

Kigali, 6th November 2018:  The Rwanda Development Board (RDB) and TradeMark Africa (TMA) have today signed an agreement that aims to help build the capacity of Rwandan businesses to tap into international and regional markets.   The support, worth USD $2.4 million, aims to link 40 local producers of non- traditional exports to new markets by 2023 by providing business advisory services for export-ready companies. Furthermore, Rwandan university graduates will be placed in mentorship programmes to build their capacity in trade policy and export development. This will ensure the long-term sustainability of the outcomes of the programme. The support from TMA is part of the USD $50 million Memorandum of Understanding signed between TMA and the Government of Rwanda early this year.  The funding to RDB is being provided by the United Kingdom’s Department for International Development (DFID) and United States Agency for International Development (USAID) through TMA. Speaking during the signing ceremony, RDB Deputy Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operating Officer Emmanuel Hategeka said, “the partnership with TMA couldn’t have come at a better time. Supporting local exporters will increase employment opportunities for Rwandans while at the same time helping to reduce Rwanda’s trade deficit.” Explaining the new partnership, TMA Country Director Ms. Patience Mutesi-Gatera said, “Growing Rwandan exports and getting Rwandan companies to compete at the international markets may seem complex. We believe it is possible with collaboration, and that is why we have renewed our partnership with RDB to especially support the Rwanda National Export Strategy. Our...

This follows signing of a financing agreement of USD 1.571 Million between TradeMark Africa and Rwanda Revenue Authority Project is part of TMA’s USD 53 Million programming in Rwanda Will focus on adoption of new technologies and inclusion of other trade agencies in a digital platform Kigali, 30, October 2018:  Rwanda Revenue Authority (RRA) and TradeMark Africa (TMA) today signed a financing agreement worth USD1.57 Million. This marks the start of the second phase of the Rwanda Electronic Single Window (RESW). The second phase will be marked by various upgrades which will be implemented up until June 2022.   This support from TMA is part of the USD 53 Million agreement signed in the MOU between TMA and the Government of Rwanda through the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning.  The funding to RRA is being provided by the United Kingdom’s Department for International Development (DFID) through TMA. Upgrading of RESW will include the following projects – upgrade of the Customs Management System (ASYCUDA World); digitalization of the management and administration of the Authorized Economic Operators Scheme (AEO); Implementation of the Single Transaction Point and Single Sign On features on the Rwanda Electronic Single Window (ReSW); implementation of the Cargo Community System to support Air Cargo business at Kigali International Airport; digitalization of the Advance Ruling process of Customs; digitalization of Advance Passenger Information System; and digitalization of the Special Economic Zones Management and Administration.  Combined, these projects will enable RRA establish a true paperless trade environment in Rwanda. It will...

TradeMark Africa (TMA) will support interventions in Ethiopia aimed at reducing trade costs on key corridors, improving the trade environment and improving private sector competitiveness.   Addis Ababa, August 23rd, 2018: TradeMark Africa (TMA) and the Government of Ethiopia have today signed a Host Country Agreement (HCA) paving the way for TMAs expansion into Ethiopia. Ethiopia’s Foreign Affairs State Minister Professor Kassu and Transport State Minister Hiwot Mosisa represented the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia. TMA was represented by its CEO, Frank Matsaert. The HCA now paves way for the establishment of TMA’s Ethiopia Country Programme, with physical presence in Ethiopia, budget and staff to manage the country programme. The three overriding broad areas of intervention / results envisaged for the Ethiopian programme include: Reducing trade costs on corridors: This focuses on the transport, logistics and infrastructure of particularly busy corridors (ports, roads and border posts), to reduce the cost of trade and transport. Improving the trading environment: This focuses largely on introducing new electronic systems to streamline ports, borders and corridors and to ease and fasten movement of goods and people. It includes wide policy and regulatory measures that apply global best practice to trade facilitation and export markets. Increasing private sector competitiveness: This focuses on increasing the role of business in public policy making on trade, and ensuring the private sector takes advantage of an improving trading environment, especially for cross-border informal trade. TMA, an aid-for-trade organisation working in reducing barriers to trade in East Africa and improving...

NAIROBI, Kenya, 20th August 2018:  The Anti-Counterfeit Agency (ACA) has today signed a financing agreement worth US Dollars One Million Five Hundred Thousand ($1,500,000) towards supporting digitalisation of its operations and services. The funding comes from the UK Department for International Development (DFID) channeled through TradeMark Africa (TMA), who will provide technical and project financing support to the agency with the aim to better and efficiently serve their stakeholders nationally, regionally and globally. The proposed digitalization project is twofold: First, it will involve development of ICT-enabled solutions for ease in detection of counterfeits by consumers; ease the process of reporting on counterfeiting by intellectual property rights (IPR) owners. Secondly, it will involve support to research and awareness programs to establish the national public awareness level on counterfeiting and the implementation of a “Training of Trainers (TOT) program on matters of counterfeits. The signing was witnessed by the Anti-Counterfeit Agency chairperson Mrs Flora Mutai, TMA Kenya Country Programme Director, Ahmed Farah and UKAID Head of Sustainable Economic Development, Ian Mills. Speaking at the signing ceremony, the Anti-Counterfeit Agency chairperson Mrs Flora Mutai appreciated the support from TMA towards digitising its operations. She noted the increased challenge posed by counterfeiters who are using modern technology to copy trademarks and industrial designs up to undetectable levels. She said: “Technology has now moved to the wrong hands. We are witnessing illicit trade crime sophistication due to “IT in wrong hands”. 3D Technology and access to online markets and sources are a click away; 3D...

The four eco hoppers are part of the Mombasa port improvement programme providing more resilient infrastructure facilities with an aim of reducing carbon emissions and helping the port, its users and other stakeholders adapt to the effects of climate change. The eco hoppers will provide dust and spillage-free unloading through a dust control system that minimizes escape of dust during discharge and reduces running expenses on average by 30%. The eco hoppers were procured at a total cost of Kshs 623.21 Million (USD 6.2 Million) and financed through UK Government’s International Climate Fund Mombasa, Kenya, 3rd June 2018 - Kenya Ports Authority’s (KPA) equipment acquisition efforts for the Port of Mombasa got a major boost on Saturday following the arrival of four eco hoppers. The Four (4) new eco hoppers supplied by Samson Materials Handling Limited are the first equipment of their kind not only in Kenya but also the entire East and Central Africa region. The eco hoppers funded by TradeMark Africa through the UK government’s International Climate Fund (ICF) were procured at a total cost of Kshs 623.21 Million (USD 6.2 Million). TMA has supported port improvements particularly in mitigation and adaptation to climatic change impacts through the Mombasa Resilient Infrastructure Programme (MRIP) which is financed fully by DFID. The program aims to transform the port of Mombasa into a modern and competitive regional hub that is more productive with efficient operations in a sustainable environment. Successful delivery and discharge of the eco hoppers completes in part the...

Nimule, South Sudan, 21st May 2018: The Government of South Sudan in partnership with TradeMark Africa have today launched construction works of key infrastructure at the Nimule One Stop Border Post (OSBP) including parking yard, access roads, examination shed and drainage systems.  The function was officiated by Hon. Dr. Moses Hassan Tiel, the South Sudan Minister of Trade, Industry and EAC Affairs (MoTI&EAC), Undersecretary Ministry of Transport Hon. Capt David Martin Hassan, Undersecretary MoTI&EAC Hon. Agak Achuil Lual, Executive Director South Sudan National Road Authority Eng. Kenyatta Warille and TMA South Sudan Country Director John Kalisa among other South Sudan government officials. The Government of Uganda and the Government of South Sudan signed the agreement for mutual collaboration and partnership in construction of a one stop border post (OSBP) in Elegu/Nimule towns on the Uganda/South Sudan border on 8th November 2016 and today marked the commencement of infrastructure related upgrading, which will ease congestion and improve the border posts by reducing time and costs to clear goods including the humanitarian consignments. Seyani Brothers, which was contracted to construct the Elegu one stop border post has also been contracted to provide the infrastructure upgrades works at the Nimule OSBP. This symbolises synergies in ways of working between the governments of Uganda and South Sudan. To a large extent, the construction of the Nimule OSBP will fast track humanitarian consignments and reduce the congestion at the border to enable these consignments reach citizens of South Sudan The commencement of the construction works...

TradeMark Africa (TMA) will support interventions in Uganda for an additional period of 6 years with an initial budget of US$ 53 Million expected to reach US$100 Million by 2023. Kampala, May 18th, 2018: TradeMark Africa and the Government of Uganda signed a Host Country Agreement (HCA) extending their partnership to 2023. In the agreement, the two have committed to support interventions that will lead to creation of at least 100,000 jobs in Uganda, poverty reduction and increase trade for Uganda. The HCA marks the commencement of TMA’s US$ 53 Million second phase of interventions which will be implemented between 2018-2023. This value expected to reach $100M by 2023 Uganda’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs in Charge of International Affairs, Hon Henry Okello Oryem, represented the Government of Uganda. TMA was represented by its CEO, Frank Matsaert. TMA, an aid-for-trade organisation working in reducing barriers to trade in East Africa and improving business competitiveness, first signed an MOU with the Uganda government in 2011. Within this, the organisation partnered with the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives, Ministry of East Africa Community Affairs, Uganda Revenue Authority, Uganda National Bureau of Standards, Uganda Private Sector Federation, SEATINI among others to facilitate infrastructure projects, ICT projects, capacity building, export development projects among others. In its second phase, TMA commits to work with Government and private partners to support development of Trade Logistics Clusters in Jinja & Busia, construction of the Gulu Logistics Hub, construction of the Goli/ Mahagi One Stop Border...

Nairobi, 9 May 2018 – East African nations can harness their trade policies to help empower women economically in the region, thanks to improvements in education, employment and other key areas, according to new research released by the United Nations and funded by The Netherlands through TradeMark Africa. In a report entitled East African Community Regional Integration: Trade and Gender Implications, the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) analyses the impact of East African Community (EAC) regional integration on women's well-being in five of the six EAC countries. UNCTAD also released an advocacy document entitled Advocating for gender-sensitive trade policymaking in the East African Community, which makes concrete recommendations to better guide trade policies to the benefit of women across the bloc, based on the findings of the report. Embedded with specific objectives and monitoring indicators, UNCTAD’s recommendations target eight areas: besides education and employment, they look at access to resources, the unpaid care and domestic work burden, and decision-making, together with gender policy at the national and regional level, and gender mainstreaming in trade policy. “This new analysis is another UNCTAD contribution to the debate on how we, together, can make trade policy more gender-sensitive, and pave the way for more inclusive prosperity that leaves no one behind,” said UNCTAD Secretary-General Mukhisa Kituyi. Trademark East Africa Chief Executive Officer, Frank Matsaert, said: “We will continue facilitating women’s empowerment through support of delivery of practical solutions to challenges that affect women entrepreneurs who trade across borders in East...