L'Ouganda s'apprête à construire son premier marché résistant au climat à Elegu, grâce à un financement de l'Union européenne et du Danemark. Le marché pourra accueillir jusqu'à 1 500 commerçants et sera conçu pour résister à des conditions météorologiques extrêmes, notamment aux inondations qui frappent depuis longtemps cette ville frontalière. L'annonce a été faite hier lors de la conférence « Uganda-EU Business Insights » à Kampala. Située au point de passage de l'Ouganda avec le Sud-Soudan, Elegu facilite des échanges commerciaux qui se chiffrent en millions entre l'Ouganda et ses voisins. En 2022/2023, par exemple, les échanges commerciaux avec le Sud-Soudan via Elegu s'élevaient à environ 220 millions de dollars, et ces chiffres continuent d'augmenter selon l'autorité fiscale ougandaise. Cependant, la région est frappée par des inondations pendant les deux saisons des pluies chaque année, ce qui retarde le mouvement des marchandises, y compris les cargaisons humanitaires, balayant les étals et submergeant les marchandises sur le marché, causant ainsi des pertes incommensurables pour les petits commerçants transfrontaliers, comme indiqué dans ce Global Report Journal. Divers rapports d'enquête indiquent que l'infrastructure du marché est mal équipée pour faire face à ces phénomènes météorologiques extrêmes, et les commerçants ont à plusieurs reprises protesté contre l'insuffisance des installations sanitaires et de l'eau, ce qui a entraîné des épidémies. Le développement comprendra des mesures d'atténuation des inondations sur une superficie de 11 acres, un nouveau marché résistant au climat avec des espaces commerciaux pouvant accueillir jusqu'à 1 500 commerçants, de l'énergie solaire, des systèmes...

Le Bureau des normes de Zanzibar (ZBS), en collaboration avec TradeMark Africa (TMA) et financé par UK International Development, l'Irlande et la Norvège, a lancé le système intégré de normalisation, d'assurance qualité, de métrologie et d'essais (iSQMT). Ce système vise à rationaliser les services de certification, d'essais de produits et de conformité pour les entreprises. Il devrait permettre de réduire d’au moins 40 % le temps nécessaire à la certification des produits, de diminuer les coûts de mise en conformité et d’améliorer l’efficacité de la normalisation. La conformité des produits aux normes nationales, régionales et internationales facilitera l’accès au marché des entreprises de Zanzibar, renforçant ainsi leur compétitivité et garantissant une meilleure sécurité pour les consommateurs. Les taux de rejet des exportations en Afrique atteignent en moyenne 20 % en raison du non-respect des réglementations en matière de qualité (CNUCED, 2023). Jusqu’à présent, les entreprises de Zanzibar devaient faire face à des coûts élevés et à de longs délais pour obtenir la certification de leurs produits, en s’appuyant souvent sur des services d’essai externes. Le système iSQMT élimine ces inefficacités en proposant une plateforme entièrement automatisée qui simplifie les processus, réduit la paperasserie et améliore la prestation des services. Environ 70 % des commerçants informels de Zanzibar étant des femmes (Banque mondiale, 2022), cette innovation leur permettra d’accéder plus facilement à la certification et de s’intégrer dans le commerce formel. S.E. Hemed Suleiman Abdulla, deuxième vice-président de Zanzibar, a souligné l’importance stratégique de cette initiative lors du lancement de la...

Un nouveau projet d'accès au marché pour les entreprises du Burundi, baptisé UGUSHORA (vendre/exporter en langue kirundi), a été lancé pour soutenir le développement économique et la création d'emplois dans le pays en soutenant les investissements et les entreprises orientés vers l'exportation. Le projet est financé par l'ambassade des Pays-Bas au Burundi et mis en œuvre par la Fondation TRAIDE en partenariat avec TradeMark Africa (TMA). L'initiative de 1,95 million d'euros sur deux ans permettra de créer des partenariats entre les entreprises locales et néerlandaises, de débloquer des investissements et de promouvoir l'innovation dans les domaines de l'horticulture, de la pêche et des huiles essentielles, ainsi que de renforcer les liens commerciaux avec les centres de marché régionaux et internationaux. Cette initiative vise à catalyser la compétitivité mondiale des produits burundais en se concentrant sur le développement de la chaîne de valeur dans les secteurs prioritaires, en s'attaquant aux barrières non tarifaires (BNT) et en promouvant la facilitation du commerce par le biais d'une assistance technique aux entreprises. Le projet soutiendra également l'harmonisation des initiatives du secteur privé, créera un environnement propice aux affaires et aux investissements, et renforcera les liens commerciaux afin d'attirer l'intérêt régional et international au Burundi. Le projet s'aligne sur les priorités nationales de développement du gouvernement du Burundi, soutenant la vision du pays pour la croissance et le développement socio-économique en renforçant le commerce, la diversification économique et la création d'emplois, selon le ministre du commerce, des transports, de l'industrie et du tourisme, S.E. Marie...

Des chefs d'entreprise de toute l'Afrique de l'Est se sont réunis au port de Dar es Salaam pour évaluer les progrès des réformes et discuter des défis commerciaux avec les hauts fonctionnaires du gouvernement. Organisée par la Young Presidents' Organisation (YPO) et TradeMark Africa (TMA), avec le soutien de l'Irlande, de UK International Development et de la Norvège, cette mission de haut niveau fait suite à la signature d'un programme de 15 millions d'euros sur quatre ans, financé par l'Union européenne avec le gouvernement tanzanien. Cette initiative vise à améliorer l'efficacité des ports, à faciliter les échanges commerciaux et à moderniser la mobilité urbaine dans les corridors commerciaux d'Afrique centrale et orientale. Le port de Dar es Salaam traite 95 % du commerce international de la Tanzanie et sert de porte d'entrée essentielle pour les économies enclavées, notamment la Zambie, le Rwanda, l'Ouganda, le Burundi, le Malawi et la République démocratique du Congo (Tanzania Ports Authority, 2024). Pourtant, les inefficacités — les longs délais de dédouanement des marchandises, les coûts logistiques élevés et les contraintes d'infrastructure — ont, au fil des ans, entravé l'efficacité et la compétitivité du commerce. Les coûts de transport en Afrique de l'Est restent parmi les plus élevés au monde, estimés à 60-70 % au-dessus des références internationales (Banque africaine de développement, 2024), ce qui rend le commerce régional coûteux et moins compétitif. Conscient de ces défis, le projet soutenu par l'Union européenne, mis en œuvre par TMA, le Port d'Anvers-Bruges International et ONU-Habitat, avec l'aide...

Group photograph of TMA Board Member, Sanjay Rughani (third from left), and TMA’s Regional Director for East and Central Africa, Monica Hangi (second from left), with a delegation of business leaders from across East Africa and senior government officials. Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, 22 February 2025: Business leaders from across East Africa convened at Dar es Salaam Port to assess progress on reforms and engage with senior government officials on trade challenges. Organised by the Young Presidents’ Organisation (YPO) and TradeMark Africa (TMA), with support from Ireland, UK International Development, and Norway, the high-level mission comes hot on the heels of the signing of a €15 million, four-year European Union-funded programme with the Government of Tanzania. The initiative seeks to improve port efficiency, facilitate trade, and modernise urban mobility across East and Central Africa’s trade corridors. The Port of Dar es Salaam handles 95 per cent of Tanzania’s international trade and serves as a critical gateway for landlocked economies, including Zambia, Rwanda, Uganda, Burundi, Malawi, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (Tanzania Ports Authority, 2024). Yet, inefficiencies - long cargo clearance times, high logistics costs, and infrastructure constraints have over years impeded trade efficiencies and competitiveness. East Africa’s transport costs remain among the highest globally, estimated at 60–70 per cent above international benchmarks (African Development Bank, 2024), making regional trade costly and less competitive. Recognising these challenges, the European Union-backed project, implemented by TMA, the Port of Antwerp-Bruges International, and UN-Habitat, with management support from Enabel, is introducing digital customs...

Bujumbura, Burundi – February 20th, 2025: A new market access project for enterprises in Burundi, dubbed UGUSHORA (to sell/export in Kirundi), has been launched to support economic development and job creation in the country by supporting export-oriented investments and businesses. The project is funded by the Embassy of the Netherlands in Burundi and implemented by the TRAIDE Foundation in partnership with TradeMark Africa (TMA). The €1.95 million 2-year initiative will build partnerships between local and Dutch companies, unlock investments and promote innovation in horticulture, fisheries, and essential oils, and enhance market linkages to regional and international market hubs. This is designed to catalyse the global competitiveness of Burundian products by focusing on value chain development in priority sectors, addressing non-tariff barriers (NTBs), and promoting trade facilitation through technical assistance to businesses. The project will also support the harmonisation of private sector initiatives, create a conducive business and investment environment, and strengthen commercial ties to attract regional and international interest in Burundi. The project aligns with the Government of Burundi’s national development priorities, supporting the country’s vision for socio-economic growth and development by enhancing trade, economic diversification, and job creation, according to Minister of Trade, Transport, Industry, and Tourism, H.E. Marie Chantal Nijimbere. Underscoring the pressing need for such interventions to improve market access for local producers, the minister said: “One of the major barriers our producers, especially the micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) face is limited market access due to inadequate technology and investment, non-compliance with production standards, inadequate...

Zanzibar, Tanzania 20 February 2025: The Zanzibar Bureau of Standards (ZBS), in collaboration with TradeMark Africa (TMA) and with funding from UK International Development, Ireland, and Norway, has launched the Integrated Standardisation, Quality Assurance, Metrology, and Testing (iSQMT) system that will significantly streamline certification, product testing, and compliance services for businesses. The system is set to reduce the time taken for product certification by at least 40%, lower compliance costs, and enhance efficiency in standardisation. By ensuring that products meet national, regional, and international standards, it will increase market access for Zanzibar’s businesses, improve consumer safety, and strengthen the island’s trade competitiveness. Export rejection rates across Africa average 20% due to non-compliance with quality regulations (UNCTAD, 2023). Previously, businesses in Zanzibar faced delays and high costs in obtaining product certification, often relying on external testing services. The iSQMT system eliminates these inefficiencies, providing a fully automated platform that simplifies processes, reduces paperwork, and improves service delivery. With approximately 70% of informal traders in Zanzibar being women (World Bank, 2022), the system will particularly benefit small-scale entrepreneurs by enabling them to access certification more easily and integrate into formal trade. H.E. Hemed Suleiman Abdulla, Second Vice President of Zanzibar, highlighted the strategic importance of this initiative while launching the platform, stating: "For Zanzibar to thrive in a competitive regional and global economy, our products must meet the highest quality benchmarks. The launch of the iSQMT system is a major step in reducing trade barriers and ensuring compliance with international standards, strengthening...

Uganda is set to build its first climate-resilient market at Elegu, backed by funding from the European Union and Denmark. The facility will host up to 1500 trader and will be designed to endure extreme weather disruptions, particularly flooding, which has long plagued the border town. The announcement was made yesterday during the Uganda-EU Business Insights Conference in Kampala. Situated at Uganda’s crossing point with South Sudan, Elegu facilitates trade worth millions between Uganda and its neighbours; in 2022/2023 for example, trade through Elegu was approximately $220 million with South Sudan, with these figures continuing to grow according to the Uganda Revenue Authority. However, the area is hit by floods during the two rainy seasons each year, delaying the movement of goods, including humanitarian cargo, sweeping away stalls and submerging goods in the market, thereby causing immeasurable losses to small scale cross border traders, as reported in this Global Report Journal. Various survey reports indicate that market infrastructure is poorly equipped to cope with such extreme weather events, and traders have repeatedly protested over inadequate sanitation and water facilities, which have led to disease outbreaks. The development will include flood mitigation measures spanning 11 acres, a new climate resilient market building with trading spaces for up to 1,500 traders, solar power, fire protection systems, and improved waste management including water supply systems. About 70% of traders in Elegu are women, and the market will incorporate childcare facilities to support their participation in trade. Infrastructure upgrades will also improve accessibility for...

Nairobi, February 11, 2025 – TradeMark Africa (TMA) has appointed Ms. Lillian Mwai Ndegwa as the Country Director for its Kenya Programme signalling a renewed push to implement its new multi-million-dollar strategy in support of Kenya’s goal of expanding its exports, leverage Africa Continental Free Trade Area, and attract high-value investments, placing her at the forefront of these efforts. With over 15 years of experience in international development, Ms. Ndegwa is set to lead initiatives that will enhance market access, reduce trade barriers and promote sustainable economic growth with a focus on creating a conducive Business Environment and Export Enhancement. A pilot project for this is the initiative funded by the EU and implemented in partnership with the Government of Kenya, targeting to shift atleast 50% of Kenya’s horticultural exports from air to sea, to help secure export markets and reduce its transport costs. Her appointment comes as TMA embarks on its third strategic plan (2023–2030), which will support inclusive, green, and digital trade initiatives. Under this strategy, Kenya Country Programme has already forged partnerships with government agencies like Kenya Revenue Authority and Kenya Ports Authorities to automate trade processes for faster clearance of exports; as well as the private sector to facilitate them in increasing the value and quality of export goods. This builds on over a decade of close collaboration between TMA, the Government of Kenya and the private sector, which has contributed to significantly reduced dwell-times at Mombasa port, faster passage through Busia and other border posts,...

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...