Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, 28 August 2024: In a significant step towards enhancing Tanzania's trade infrastructure and economic competitiveness, the Government of Ireland, through its Embassy in Tanzania, has committed €2.4 million (TZS7.26billion) to support TradeMark Africa (TMA)’s programming initiatives aimed at strengthening trade and economic growth in Tanzania for the 2024/25 to 2025/26.  The funding was formalised through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) by Ireland’s Ambassador to Tanzania, Ms Nicola Brennan, and TMA’s Country Director Tanzania, Mr Elibariki Shammy, marking a significant moment in the partnership between Ireland and TMA. The three-year agreement is designed to drive substantial improvements in Tanzania’s trade infrastructure, reduce trade barriers, and enhance business competitiveness. This funding will also be instrumental in advancing digital systems, improving market access, fostering inclusivity, particularly for women traders transitioning from informal to formal trade routes and greening trade - a new priority area to promote more sustainable trade and transport corridors through integrating climate action. At the signing ceremony, Ambassador Brennan expressed her optimism about the partnership's impact, stating, "Ireland is proud to partner with TradeMark Africa in this crucial initiative. By improving trade infrastructure and reducing barriers to trade, we can make a significant contribution to Tanzania's economic growth and the prosperity of its people. This funding reflects our shared commitment to fostering sustainable development and economic opportunities in Africa, while also strengthening the economic ties between our two nations.” The TMA Tanzania Country Programme aligns with TMA’s broader strategic objectives, addressing critical challenges...

Maputo, 13 de Agosto de 2024: O Governo de Moçambique, através do Ministério da Agricultura e Desenvolvimento Rural (MADER), em parceria com a TradeMark Africa (TMA), iniciou formações de sensibilização e workshops de revisão do Sistema de Emissão de Licenças e Certificados Fitossanitários para técnicos de sanidade vegetal, funcionários do estado, importadores e exportadores envolvidos no processo de importação e exportação de vegetais, produtos e subprodutos vegetais, para posterior implementação da plataforma do sistema digitalizado. Esta plataforma foi concebida para reduzir significativamente o tempo e o custo do processamento de Licenças e Certificados Fitossanitarios. O workshop é realizado pela Direcção Nacional de Sanidade Agropecuária e Biossegurança (DNSAB) no MADER, responsável pelo processamento da certificação fitossanitária, em parceria com a TradeMark Africa, uma entidade sem fins lucrativos que apoia os países da África Oriental e Austral, na facilitação do comércio através da redução das barreiras não tarifarias ao comércio pelo fortalecimento das instituições que lidam com as matérias sanitárias e fitossanitárias. Actualmente, a aplicação, o processamento e a emissão dos certificados fitossanitários são feitos manualmente. O processo envolve o preenchimento e envio de formulários físicos para pedidos de inspecção, amostragem e testes. Os inspectores fitossanitários ao nível das províncias recolhem então amostras de plantas ou materiais vegetais para análise laboratorial para casos que se julga necessário, sendo os resultados registados em formulários físicos que são submetidos aos inspectores fitossanitários na DNSAB para revisão e aprovação. Este processo é moroso, dispendioso e sujeito a erros ou lapsos administrativos.  “Os utentes que se...

Maputo, 13 August 2024: The Government of Mozambique, through the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MADER), in partnership with TradeMark Africa (TMA), has commenced sensitisation trainings and Phytosanitary Licenses and Certificates Issuance System review workshop for plant health technicians, government staff, importers, and exporters involved in the process of importing and exporting vegetables, plant products and sub-products, for subsequent implementation of the digitalized system platform. This platform was designed to significantly reduce the time and cost of processing Phytosanitary Licenses and Certificates. The workshop is carried out by the National Directorate of Agricultural Health and Biosafety (DNSAB) at MADER, responsible for processing phytosanitary certification, in partnership with TradeMark Africa, a non-profit entity that supports countries in Africa to reduce the time and cost of trade through various trade facilitation initiatives. Currently, the application processing and issuance of phytosanitary certificates are done manually. The process involves filling out and submitting physical forms for inspection, sampling and testing requests. Provincial-level phytosanitary inspectors then collect samples of plants or plant materials for laboratory analysis if required, and the results are recorded on physical forms that are submitted to phytosanitary inspectors at the DNSAB for review and approval. This process is time-consuming, expensive and subject to errors or administrative lapses. “Applicants physically visiting one or many of the Authority’s certification offices in Maputo or at other stations across the country means that a lot of productive time is wasted on mundane tasks. This is not tenable if we are to improve the time...

Kigali, le 9 Août 2024: Le gouvernement du Rwanda et TradeMark Africa (TMA) accueilleront conjointement le Forum sur le développement du commerce, qui réunira des chefs d'État et des responsables gouvernementaux, des partenaires de développement, des universitaires, des organisations multilatérales et le secteur privé de 14 pays de mise en œuvre de TMA et autres. Sous le thème "Commerce numérique", ce forum de deux jours aura lieu à Kigali, au Rwanda, du 2 décembre au 3 décembre 2024. Les éditions précédentes ont eu lieu au Kenya en 2011, 2012, 2014 et 2019, et en Ouganda en 2018. Le forum de cette année mettra l'accent sur les pratiques et technologies commerciales numériques innovantes, notamment l'interopérabilité des paiements numériques, l'utilisation de la technologie des registres distribués (DLT) et de l'intelligence artificielle dans les processus commerciaux, et la façon dont l'automatisation peut soutenir les initiatives de commerce vert. Les discussions porteront sur l'exploitation de la technologie pour rationaliser la facilitation du commerce et améliorer les cadres politiques à travers l'Afrique. Les sessions exploreront la convergence des avancées numériques avec les initiatives de commerce vert. David Beer, directeur général de TradeMark Africa, a fait part de son enthousiasme à l'égard du forum : "La prospérité économique de l'Afrique est notre affaire. TradeMark est entièrement motivé par la production de résultats pratiques visant à supprimer les barrières commerciales et à stimuler les exportations à l'intérieur et à partir de l'Afrique. Bien que nous ayons constaté de sérieux progrès grâce à une série d'interventions de facilitation...

Kigali, 9 August 2024: The Government of Rwanda and TradeMark Africa (TMA) will co-host the Trade Development Forum, bringing together Heads of State and Government Officials, Development Partners, Academicians, Multilateral Organisations and Private Sector from 14 TMA countries of implementation and beyond. Under the theme “Digital Trade”, this 2-day forum will take place in Kigali, Rwanda; from 2 December to 3 December 2024. The previous editions were held in Kenya in 2011, 2012, 2014, and 2019, and in Uganda in 2018. This year’s forum will spotlight innovative digital trade practices and technologies including the interoperability of digital payments, the use of distributed ledger technology (DLT) and Artificial Intelligence in trade processes, and how automation can support green trade initiatives. Discussions will address leveraging technology to streamline trade facilitation and enhance policy frameworks across Africa. Sessions will explore the convergence of digital advancements with green trade initiatives. David Beer, CEO of TradeMark Africa, expressed his enthusiasm about the forum, stating: "Africa’s economic prosperity is our business. TradeMark is driven entirely by generating practical results to remove trade barriers and drive-up exports within and from Africa. While we have seen serious progress from a range of trade facilitation interventions in the last decade, such as reduced transport times by about a third across the Northern Corridor in East Africa, there is another big step forward to take. The 2024 forum will focus on propagating digitisation successes more widely and introducing cutting-edge technologies. We look forward to sharing lessons and presenting innovative ideas...

Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, 23 July 2024: The Tanzania Private Sector Foundation (TPSF), in partnership with TradeMark Africa (TMA), announced the commencement of the Tanzania Private Sector Week (TPSW) 2024. This flagship event is set to strategically influence Tanzania's business landscape, playing a crucial role in private sector-driven economic growth. Funded by UK International Development, Norway, and Ireland, TPSW 2024 serves as an invaluable platform for reflecting on the private sector’s journey, key challenges, successes, and interventions to further improve business investment in Tanzania. This event holds special significance as it coincides with the 25th anniversary of TPSF, marking a quarter-century of steadfast dedication to the advancement of Tanzania's private sector. Under the theme, “TPSF at 25: A Legacy of Championing Private Sector Growth Towards Vision 2050,” TPSW 2024 aims to foster an inclusive dialogue, celebrating progress over the past 25 years while envisioning the future trajectory of Tanzania's private sector. This celebration underscores the private sector's fundamental role in economic growth and social transformation. A standout highlight of TPSW 2024 is the two-dialogue held on Freight and Logistics, recognizing the critical role of this sector in accelerating trade and investment. The session revisited the efforts to enhance the transportation sector as a driver of trade and industrial competitiveness. Additionally, through the dialogue TPSF, launched the Freight and Logistics Platform Guidelines and reintroduce the members of the FLP Committee to the government and the public. Meanwhile the second dialogue delved on 25 years of Private Sector Evolution: Past, Present and...

Nairobi, Kenya, July 09, 2024 – The United States government, through USAID’s Economic Recovery and Reform Activity (USAID-ERRA) program, implemented by TradeMark Africa (TMA) and funded by Feed the Future, has signed a grant agreement worth US$199,988, with the Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA).  This collaboration will facilitate 160 Kenyan Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs), particularly those owned by women and youth, to leverage opportunities in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) by linking buyers and sellers across the continent.  The AfCFTA provides a single continental market, promoting the free movement of goods and services and economic integration. This initiative is designed to enhance the agricultural export capabilities of these SMEs by addressing critical challenges, such as export readiness and trade barriers, enabling them to effectively compete and thrive in this expansive market. The project will scale up e-commerce capabilities by providing training to prepare SMEs for export; collaborate with trade facilitation agencies to tackle trade barriers; develop and implement market access strategies tailored to high-value agricultural sectors such as tea, coffee, rice, and vegetables; and raise awareness of trade opportunities presented by the AfCFTA, such as the Guided Trade Initiative (GTI) and the e-tariff book through increased sensitization and communication efforts. A critical feature of this project is the Training of Trainers (ToT), which will build long-term capacity within KEPSA to support SMEs beyond the project’s lifespan, ensuring long-term sustainability. Empowering Kenyan SMEs with the tools to access alternative markets will not only increase their export competitiveness and...

Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, July 16, 2024: The Eastern Africa Grain Council (EAGC) in partnership with TradeMark Africa (TMA) and the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) has today kicked-off a two day Eastern and Southern Africa Public-Private Policy Dialogue and Grain Trade Business to Business Forum in Tanzania. The forum is funded by the governments of the Netherlands and USAID’s Economic Recovery and Reform Activity (USAID-ERRA) programme implemented by TMA, alongside Food Trade Coalition for Africa (FCTA) and UK International Development. The forum provided a platform for productive dialogue and collaboration among key stakeholders in the staple foods value chain, addressing re-emerging challenges like export bans and non-tariff barriers (NTBs) that hinder trade. The event will also offer Business to Business (B2B) networking opportunity sessions. Agriculture sector is vital to Eastern Africa’s economy, crucial for food security and economic growth, yet, regional trade is often constrained by policy, and investment decisions that impede agri-food systems transformation. Climate shocks exacerbate productivity challenges, compromise quality, and increase post-harvest losses, leading to food insecurity. The discussion explored regional trade opportunities, particularly how Tanzania and Uganda, with their surplus production, can meet the staple food demands of neighbouring countries facing shortages. Speaking on behalf of Hon. Hussein Mohamed Bashe, Minister of Agriculture, Tanzania during the forum’s official opening, Ms Irene Mlola, Director General, stated, "The Tanzanian government is committed to supporting initiatives that enhance agricultural trade and food security. This forum represents a pivotal moment for us to address trade barriers...

[Dar es Salaam, Tanzania – July 17, 2024] TradeMark Africa (TMA), in collaboration with the Eastern Africa Grain Council (EAGC) and the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA), successfully concluded a two-day Eastern and Southern Africa Public-Private Policy Dialogue and Grain Trade Business-to-Business Forum on July 16-17, 2024. The event convened 120 delegates, including producers, traders, millers, and exporters from nine countries: Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Malawi, Zambia, and Ethiopia. The forum, funded by the governments of the Netherlands and USAID’s Economic Recovery and Reform Activity (USAID-ERRA) program and implemented by TMA, alongside the Food Trade Coalition for Africa (FCTA) and UK International Development, aimed to foster productive dialogue and collaboration among key stakeholders in the staple foods value chain. It addressed critical challenges such as the impact of Southern Africa drought on the region’s food security, export bans and non-tariff barriers (NTBs) that hinder regional trade. The forum featured keynote speeches, panel discussions, a regional grain trade business-to-business (B2B) sessions, and an exhibition of grain value chain technologies and services. It provided a platform to explore regional trade opportunities and address logistical challenges, ultimately facilitating the seamless movement of food from regions of surplus to regions of need. The regional grain trade B2B forum resulted to signing of trade contracts amounting to 748,854 MT of assorted grains and pulses valued at USD 409M expected to be traded across the region.This demonstrates the enormous potential and demand for staple foods from surplus...

Antoinette Tesha joins TCA with substantial experience in investments for export growth in both financial and development services sector. In her new role Antoinette will help lead TCA’s strategic partnerships with governments and the private sector. Nairobi, 3 July 2024: Trade Catalyst Africa (TCA), has appointed Ms Antoinette Tesha as its Investment Director. With a robust background in investment, finance, banking, and development, Antoinette brings over a decade of expertise to TCA, positioning the organization for unprecedented growth and success. Antoinette recently led Gatsby Africa’s Regional Textiles and Apparel programme in Kenya, focusing on the export growth across East Africa. Her distinguished career spans various regions and roles, from her early days at Stanbic Bank in Tanzania to senior positions at Thomson Reuters and ABSA Capital in South Africa. She has excelled in financial markets, development financing, and debt capital markets, and has a proven track record in program management and enterprise development. In her new role, Antoinette will help lead TCA’s strategic partnerships in impact investing, venture capital, and private equity. She brings best in class experience in managing investments and exits in emerging markets to deliver commercial returns. Antoinette is a certified corporate director and a member of Women in Africa Investments, with academic credentials from the University of Sussex and the University of Surrey. Commenting on the appointment, TCA CEO Mr Duncan Onyango, said: "We are confident that Antoinette's diverse background and passion will drive our success. Her ability to build trust quickly and manage stakeholder relationships...