République-Unie de Tanzanie, Zanzibar, 25 juin 2024 : Le Secrétariat de la Zone de libre-échange continentale africaine (ZLECAf), en partenariat avec la Fondation Mastercard et TradeMark Africa (TMA), a annoncé un programme de pêche de quatre ans qui sera mis en œuvre dans sept pays afin de créer plus de 240 000 opportunités d'emploi et de stimuler le commerce du poisson et des produits de la pêche d'environ 100 millions de dollars d'ici 2028. Le programme « Autonomisation économique des femmes et des jeunes dans le secteur de la pêche » renforcera la participation des femmes et des jeunes dans le secteur de la pêche, conformément au Protocole adopté par la ZLECAf sur les femmes et les jeunes dans le commerce. Cette annonce a été faite lors de la 14ème réunion du Conseil des ministres en charge du commerce à Zanzibar. Le programme est conçu pour répondre aux défis structurels auxquels les femmes et les jeunes sont confrontés lorsqu'ils participent à la chaîne de valeur de la pêche. Il offrira des formations, facilitera l'accès aux marchés et aux financements, catalysera les liens de la chaîne d'approvisionnement, créera des solutions numériques, simplifiera les régimes commerciaux, améliorera la conformité aux normes et permettra un accès rationalisé aux marchés transfrontaliers. Le programme est l'aboutissement d'un travail entre le Secrétariat de la ZLECAf et la Fondation Mastercard. Ce travail a commencé avec l’élaboration de la stratégie du secteur privé de la ZLECAf, où les chaînes de valeur prioritaires ont été identifiées pour stimuler le commerce et...

 Nairobi, June 25, 2024: Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS) has today officially launched the Integrated Export and Import Certification System (IEICS), an innovative digital platform designed to slash the time and cost associated with obtaining trade plant health certificates, licenses and permits for plant and plant materials. The system was unveiled by the Chairman of KEPHIS Joseph M'eruaki, who was representing the Cabinet Secretary for Agriculture and Livestock Development Mithika Linturi. He cited this as an important milestone for traders of plants and plant products. Congratulating KEPHIS for this innovative achievement, he singled out the IEICS as an example on how state agencies, with the support of partners such as Denmark and TradeMark Africa, are facilitating initiatives to improve the business environment through automation of systems for trade agencies. The launch of IEICS is in line with the government’s initiatives to digitise processes, thus facilitating the ease of doing business. Previously, there were two systems: the Export Certification System used to facilitate plant exports to market destinations and the Import Certification System that KEPHIS used to facilitate imports. “The new System is therefore a game-changer in how traders dealing in the import and export of plants or plant materials can engage more efficiently and seamlessly with KEPHIS and other agencies through integrated modules. Noble initiatives such as this are aligned with the Government’s efforts to improve the environment for doing business and positioning the country as an attractive destination to invest,” M'eruaki said. KEPHIS Managing Director, Prof. Theophilus M....

Gates Foundation injects Tzs1.18billion ($453k) in the project Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, 18 June 2024: In a landmark move to strengthen financial and digital inclusion for women traders in Tanzania, Financial Sector Deepening Tanzania (FSDT) and TradeMark Africa (TMA) have signed a strategic partnership that underscores their shared commitment to empower women by expanding their access to digital financial solutions, thereby enhancing their participation in cross-border trade. With a grant of $453k (1.18billion TZS) from TMA, funded by Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, this partnership marks the launch of the Financial and Digital Inclusion for Women Traders in Tanzania project, which focuses on three strategic areas: improving market access and information, boosting the use of digital financial services, and advocating for a supportive policy and regulatory environment. Despite Tanzania's strides in digital innovation, women traders face significant barriers to economic participation. The Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA) reports a rise in digital subscriptions, yet women's participation remains low. Only 34% of women have internet access, and just 18% have a bank account and 51% of all financial excluded are youth,highlighting the urgent need for financial inclusion. Challenges include non-responsive policies, limited access to financial services, low digital literacy, and inadequate market information. Women and youth traders also face hurdles such as lack of collateral, cumbersome lending procedures, often lack the collateral required for loans, face cumbersome lending procedures, and are subject to unfavourable charges and fees. Additionally, social and household responsibilities, limited education, and cultural norms further constrain their economic...

Nakonde, June 19, 2024: The Government of Zambia and TradeMark Africa (TMA) yesterday officially handed over to the contractor the site for upgrading the Nakonde border into a one stop border post (OSBP). This marks the commencement of improvement works to ease cross-border trade and transit between Zambia and Tanzania by reducing congestion. The handing-over ceremony was attended by representatives from the Governments of Zambia and the UK, TradeMark Africa, and the contractor. Funded by the UK government, the approximately £8.4 million project will improve the flow of goods and people along the Dar es Salaam Corridor, streamline operations, enhance customs efficiency, and reduce cargo clearance on both sides of the border. The site handover follows the signing of a Partner Support Agreement (PSA) between the Government of Zambia and TradeMark Africa in March this year. The border post will undergo numerous improvements, including upgrading roads within the OSBP and truck parking yard, constructing additional office buildings and warehouses, and installing a modern x-ray cargo scanner. The project also includes digitising clearance processes and installing smart gates to reduce truck dwell times from 64 hours to less than 10 hours (an 84% reduction). The two and a half days it currently takes to clear cargo trucks leads to significant delays and losses for businesses. “This is an important milestone in our multi-stakeholder collaborative efforts to facilitate seamless trade, not just between Tanzania and Zambia, but along the Central Corridor. We are happy to be partnering with the governments of the...

Le gouvernement de Djibouti et la délégation de l'Union européenne en République de Djibouti lancent un système de gestion de flotte pour améliorer l'efficacité du transport de marchandises entre Djibouti et l'Éthiopie. Djibouti, 13 juin 2024 : Le gouvernement de Djibouti, à travers le ministère des Infrastructures et de l'Équipement, la Djibouti Ports Corridor Road (DPCR), et la Délégation de l'Union européenne a lancé aujourd'hui un système numérique de gestion de flotte de véhicules qui devrait transformer le mouvement des marchandises entre Djibouti et l'Éthiopie. Ce système aura un impact direct sur l'efficacité des marchandises transportées le long des routes du corridor. Il s'agit de la première étape concrète d'un partenariat clé entre l'UE et la République de Djibouti : le soutien de l'UE à la stratégie de l'initiative de la Corne de l'Afrique, en collaboration avec les gouvernements de la République de Djibouti et de la République fédérale démocratique d'Éthiopie. L'UE a engagé 32 millions d'euros dans un programme consacré à la "Promotion de l'intégration économique régionale dans la Corne de l'Afrique par le développement du corridor de Djibouti", mis en œuvre par l'Agence française de développement (AFD) et TradeMark Africa (TMA). Le programme vise à améliorer l'efficacité de l'un des corridors économiques les plus fréquentés d'Afrique tout en promouvant un commerce inclusif. L'objectif est de contribuer à une réduction de 10 % des coûts commerciaux, de 15 % du temps de change et de 30 % des délais de dédouanement à certains points de passage frontaliers. Le programme...

Naivasha, Kenya, 14 June 2024: To unlock Africa’s economic potential through reducing the time and cost of cross-border trade, the Finnish Government has today announced 12 million Euros in funding to TradeMark Africa (TMA). The funding will support projects aligned with TMA’s third strategic plan (2023 - 2030) which will advance inclusive, clean, and digital trade in Africa. The announcement was made in Naivasha by Finland’s Minister for Foreign Trade and Development, Ville Tavio, alongside the TMA CEO, David Beer. The Minister expressed his satisfaction at the progress and impact of projects supported by Finland through TMA, noting that the renewed support resonates with Finland’s commitment to championing sustainable development and economic growth in Africa. The Minister expressed his congratulations and support for TradeMark Africa, stating, “I want to congratulate TradeMark Africa for its good work and to announce that Finland will be by your side. I am happy to see TradeMark Africa being at the forefront of trade facilitation work.” He further emphasised the importance of technology, noting, "Now, the digitalisation is brought to the center of the activities. Harnessing the new technologies is a key to surpass some of the challenges faced by the African Continent.” Minister Tavio also highlighted the mutual benefits of TradeMark Africa's efforts, saying, "We believe that TradeMark Africa’s work also benefits us directly. The increased economic activity in this part of the world creates more opportunities for our companies as well. Finland is proud to be part of your success story of regional...

Kampala, Uganda, 13 June 2024: The Royal Danish Embassy in Kampala, Uganda, yesterday hosted all its Ugandan partners, including TradeMark Africa (TMA), for the Uganda – Denmark Partnership Day. The event which officially launched the new Danish bilateral programme in Uganda (2024-2028) was held at the residence of the Danish Ambassador to Uganda, Her Excellency Signe Winding Alberg, who was joined by TMA Uganda Country Director, Anna Nambooze, and various representatives drawn from the public and private sectors. Denmark, has over the past 13 years, supported TMA’s wide ranging trade facilitation programmes delivered through state and non-state actors, as a pathway for an improved business environment, economic growth, and better livelihoods for communities. Since 2010, TMA, with the support from partners such as Denmark, has facilitated initiatives that have contributed to reductions in the cost and time taken to trade across borders and along key transport routes in Eastern Africa, with many of the gains felt by Ugandan businesses. For example, the time to transport a container from Mombasa to Kampala reduced by a third between 2017 and 2021. Denmark’s support for the implementation of the Uganda Electronic Single Window (UeSW), a digital platform for administering import and export documents by streamlining processes for 26 trade related government agencies, has helped slash time and transactional costs. For instance, transaction costs for international traders decreased by a cumulative $26.4 million in 2021 alone. Transaction costs for linked government agencies fell by 45% from $68 to $37.1, with a 79% trade time...

Le Directeur Pays de TradeMark Africa pour Djibouti, le Dr. Achaa Abdillahi Ahmed (à gauche), et le Directeur Général de Djibouti Ports Corridor Road SA, M. Abdi Ibrahim Farah, exhibent fièrement l'Accord de Soutien aux Partenaires (PSA) pour le nouveau Système de Gestion de Flotte lancé à Djibouti. Ce système numérique innovant est destiné à transformer le transport des marchandises le long du corridor Djibouti-Éthiopie, améliorant considérablement l'efficacité et l'efficience de l'une des routes économiques les plus vitales d'Afrique tout en favorisant un commerce inclusif. Étaient également présents de gauche à droite : le Chef des Programmes et Directeur Général Adjoint de TradeMark Africa, Allen Asiimwe, le Président de l'Autorité des Ports et des Zones Franches, M. Aboubaker Omar Hadi, l'Ambassadrice de l'Union Européenne auprès de Djibouti et de l'IGAD, Mme Sylvie Tabesse, le Ministre djiboutien des Infrastructures et des Équipements, M. Hassan Houmed, le Secrétaire Permanent djiboutien du Ministère du Commerce et du Tourisme, M. Ali Daoud, et la représentante de la Chambre de Commerce de Djibouti, Mme Dahabo Daoud. Le gouvernement de Djibouti et la délégation de l'Union européenne à Djibouti et l'IGAD lancent un système de gestion de flotte pour améliorer l'efficacité du transport de marchandises entre Djibouti et l'Éthiopie. Djibouti, 13 juin 2024 : Le gouvernement de Djibouti, par l'intermédiaire du ministère des Infrastructures et de l'Équipement, le Djibouti Ports Corridor Road (DPCR) et la délégation de l'Union européenne à Djibouti et l'IGAD ont lancé aujourd'hui un système de gestion de flotte numérique destiné à transformer le...

TradeMark Africa’s Country Director for Djibouti, Dr. Achaa Abdillahi Ahmed (left), and the General Director of Djibouti Ports Corridor Road SA, Mr. Abdi Ibrahim Farah, proudly display the Partner Support Agreement (PSA) for the newly launched Fleet Management System in Djibouti. This innovative digital system is set to transform the transportation of goods along the Djibouti-Ethiopia corridor, significantly improving the efficiency and effectiveness of one of Africa's most vital economic routes while fostering inclusive trade. Also, in attendance from left to right: TradeMark Africa Chief of Programmes and Deputy CEO Allen Asiimwe, the President of the Ports & Free Zones Authority Mr. Aboubaker Omar Hadi, Ambassador of the European Union to Djibouti and IGAD Ms. Sylvie Tabesse, Djibouti's Minister of Infrastructure and Equipment Mr. Hassan Houmed, Djibouti Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Trade and Tourism Mr. Ali Daoud, and Djibouti Chamber of Commerce representative Ms. Dahabo Daoud. The Government of Djibouti and the Delegation of the European Union in Djibouti and IGAD launches fleet management system to improve the efficiency of the transport of goods between Djibouti and Ethiopia. Djibouti, 13 June 2024: The government of Djibouti, through the Ministry of Infrastructure and Equipment, the Djibouti Ports Corridor Road (DPCR), and the Delegation of the European Union in Djibouti and IGAD has today launched a digital vehicle fleet management system expected to transform the movement of goods between Djibouti and Ethiopia. This system will directly impact the efficiency of goods transported along the corridor routes. This is the first...

Kigali, 12 June 2024 – Women entrepreneurs in Rwanda have secured new business opportunities with fresh produce companies from the United Kingdom (UK) through the Rwanda – UK Trade Mission, made possible through the "Value-added Initiative to Boost Employment" (VIBE) Programme. Eight UK companies focusing on key products including fresh and processed chillies, French beans, passion fruits, and mini vegetables, participated in the mission in Rwanda from 28-31 May 2024, as part of the five-year programme, being implemented by TradeMark Africa (TMA) and ITC in partnership with Mastercard Foundation. The trade mission was organised in collaboration with the SheTrades Rwanda Hub host institution, Private Sector Federation – Specialized Cluster, Rwanda Development Board (RDB), and the National Agricultural Export Development Board (NAEB). Seventeen Rwandan women-led businesses in horticulture established new business connections with the eight UK buyers through business-to-business (B2B) networking sessions, as well as one-on-one visits to company farms and product processing locations. Several UK-based chambers of commerce supported the mobilisation of UK-based wholesalers and distributors for the trade mission. The opening day included remarks from key stakeholders and a panel discussion featuring representatives from Mastercard Foundation, TMA, the UK's Greater Birmingham Chamber of Commerce and Industry, logistics company Multilines International, ITC, and a Rwandan woman entrepreneur. Additionally, during the four-day event, participants received crucial information on exporting Rwandan horticulture products to the UK, including presentations on export processes and opportunities in the UK Developing Countries Trading Scheme. A visit to the NAEB Packhouse provided firsthand insights into the exporting...