Addis Ababa, 29 May 2025 – The Ethiopian Horticulture Producer Exporters Association (EHPEA), funded the European Union (EU), through Agence Française de Développement (AFD), and TradeMark Africa (TMA), has launched a fully functional online Knowledge Management and E-Learning System. The platform is designed to strengthen workforce capacity, improve industry standards, boost sector competitiveness, and enhance compliance across Ethiopia’s horticulture industry. Built for over 120 member firms exporting cut flowers, fruits, vegetables, and herbs, the system offers a flexible, cost-efficient, and sustainable solution for compliance training, technical skill-building, and real-time knowledge exchange. This is essential for a fast-evolving sector that generates significant foreign exchange and employment—particularly for women and youth. The platform is fully owned and managed by EHPEA, ensuring adaptability to the specific needs of Ethiopia’s horticulture ecosystem. Key features include: Multimedia training modules Collaborative forums Tailored reports for tracking learning progress and compliance Mobile compatibility for accessibility across diverse locations Built-in data analytics and a version-controlled knowledge base for evidence-based decision-making Ambassador of the European Union in Ethiopia, H.E Ambassador Sofie From-Emmesberger, said: “The world is changing at a fast pace, and so is global trade... Digital transformation is key to accelerate trade flows around the world. The e-learning platform and the AI-based Knowledge Management System are an opportunity to share and test innovative ideas for agile trade, economic resilience and inclusive growth for Ethiopia.” Ambassador of the European Union in Ethiopia, H.E. Ambassador Sofie From-Emmesberger Speaking on behalf of AFD, Country Director for Ethiopia, Louis-Antoine Souchet, noted: “At...

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 27 May 2025 – The Ethiopian Freight Forwarders and Shipping Agents Association (EFFSAA) and the British International Freight Association (BIFA) have formalised a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Addis Ababa, marking a significant step towards modernising Ethiopia’s logistics sector. This milestone forms part of the Horn of Africa Corridor Efficiency Enhancement Project, funded by the UK International Development programme and implemented by TradeMark Africa (TMA). The initiative strives to enhance trade efficiency, strengthen governance, and boost business competitiveness across the Horn of Africa. The MoU establishes a roadmap for ongoing cooperation between EFFSAA and BIFA, aiming to leverage UK logistics expertise through collaboration and knowledge transfer. The partnership is designed to provide strategic guidance to enhance Ethiopia’s logistics sector efficiency, support EFFSAA in becoming a well-governed and effective association, and offer technical, commercial, and capacity-building support to its members. The agreement aligns with Ethiopia’s national logistics reform agenda and supports the regional trade integration goals under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). It also complements preparations for Ethiopia to host the FIATA 2027 World Congress, providing a platform to showcase the country’s logistics transformation to a global audience. Steve Parker, Director General of BIFA, and Dawit Woubishet, Chairperson of EFFSAA, formalised the agreement during a signing ceremony in Addis Ababa. TMA, represented by its Ethiopia Country Director Ewnetu Taye, will play a facilitative role in aligning the partnership with Ethiopia’s national logistics reforms and regional trade goals under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Steve Parker,...

The East African Community (EAC) has taken a major step towards deepening regional economic integration and enhancing digital cross-border payments following the adoption of a Cross-Border Payment System Masterplan. Endorsed on 9 May 2025 in Mombasa during the 28th Ordinary Meeting of the EAC Monetary Affairs Committee (MAC), comprising governors of EAC Partner States’ central banks, the masterplan presents pathways for modernising, harmonising, and expanding the region’s payment infrastructure. Its goal is to make cross-border transactions faster, safer, more affordable, and more accessible, particularly for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). The central bank governors who approved the blueprint described its adoption as a milestone in the EAC’s journey towards building a more integrated and inclusive economic bloc, in alignment with the region’s ambition to establish a single currency by 2031.  Noting this milestone as “a critical step towards a reliable cross-border payments ecosystem”, Bank of Tanzania Governor, Hon. Emmanuel Tutuba, acknowledged the increasing role of innovations such as fintech and cryptocurrencies in enhancing financial inclusion and operational efficiency. He also noted the associated regulatory and cybersecurity challenges that are emerging as a result of these innovations, while reaffirming the Bank of Tanzania’s continued commitment to supporting the EAC integration agenda. Dr. Kamau Thugge, Governor of the Central Bank of Kenya, recognised the valuable role played by the Monetary Affairs Committee (MAC) in advancing regional integration and stability, particularly through the development of modern payment systems.  Ms. Annette Mutaawe Ssemuwemba, EAC Deputy Secretary General for Customs, Trade and Monetary Affairs,...

The Government of Mozambique, through its Ministry of Agriculture, Environment and Fisheries (MAAP), has officially launched a national electronic phytosanitary certification system, known as e-Phyto. This initiative marks a significant step towards modernising the nation's agricultural trade by aiming to reduce delays in both export and import processes, while also aligning Mozambique with international standards. The development of this crucial system was supported technically by TradeMark Africa (TMA) and financially by the Governments of Ireland and the Netherlands. By replacing the cumbersome manual, paper-based certification process, the e-Phyto system is anticipated to substantially decrease transaction costs, expedite processing times, and enhance adherence to global phytosanitary regulations. Agriculture plays a pivotal role in Mozambique's economy, contributing a substantial 24.3% to the nation's GDP in 2023, as reported by the World Bank. Previously, exporters dealing with key commodities such as bananas, mangos, lychees, cashew nuts, seeds, seedlings, and biological control agents faced a demanding process. They were required to physically submit hardcopy applications either at the National Directorate of Agricultural Health and Biosafety (DNSAB) headquarters or at any of its 41 regional offices spread across the country. This often involved numerous office visits, trips to the bank for payments, repeated follow-ups, and considerable waiting periods for necessary approvals. The newly implemented e-Phyto system introduces a completely paperless procedure, encompassing every stage from application submission and online payment to document review, inspection scheduling, approval, and the issuance of digital certificates. This digital transformation is projected to dramatically reduce the average processing time for...

  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....