Customs valuation is the process of determining the value of goods for the purpose of assessing the amount of taxes and duties they should be charged Nairobi, 03 May 2024: The Kenya Revenue Authority and the United Kingdom (UK) have partnered to streamline the Customs valuation process to make it more efficient, transparent, consistent, and predictable. This will reduce disputes, ensure faster clearance of goods for businesses, and create a level playing field. This process is also expected to boost Government revenues, resolve issues of trade based money laundering, and contribute to safeguarding consumers from unsafe and counterfeit products. As part of this enhancement, KRA with funding channelled through TradeMark Africa, by the UK trained over 2200 people involved in import of goods. The two month-long activity convened customs staff, clearing agents, and traders from Nairobi, Mombasa, Eldoret, Busia, Malaba, Namanga, and Moyale to improve their understanding of valuation rules and enhance their awareness on recent updates to the system. Commenting on the continued partnership between KRA and the UK, the British High Commissioner to Kenya Neil Wigan said “Kenya is at the heart of East African trade.  We want that trade to operate at maximum efficiency, to benefit businesses and consumers across Kenya and East Africa. The UK and Kenya are working together in partnership to provide high quality infrastructure, which will deliver growth for Kenya and the region. We go far when we go together.” The funding for the project is part of the UK Government’s work to...

From left - EAA Deputy General Director and Head of NPPO Ato Wondale Habtamu, Brisk Solutions Managing Director Peter Kirwa, and TMA Ethiopia Country Director Ewnetu Taye, signing the contract for the development of the e-Phyto system. Witnessing the signing is EAA Director General Amb. Diriba Kuma. Ethiopian Government and TradeMark Africa ink an ETB 9 million E-Phyto Project with EU and AFD support Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, April 29, 2024: Ethiopia has embarked on a transformation of its agricultural sector by launching the development of Integrated Export and Import Certification System (IEICS), also known as the e-Phyto system. This digital initiative, a collaboration between the Ethiopian Agricultural Authority (EAA), and TradeMark Africa (TMA), aims to streamline the trade process for agricultural exports and imports. The European Union, through the Agence Française de Développement (AFD), has funded the project with ETB 9.1 million (€149k). This digital shift will replace traditional paper-based certification processes, significantly reducing transaction costs and ultimately carbon emissions. The e-Phyto system, poised to replace archaic manual and paper-based certification processes, represents a significant leap forward for Ethiopia's agricultural sector. By embracing digital solutions, Ethiopia seeks to streamline processes, enhance efficiency, and foster transparency across the entire agricultural value chain. Through seamless integration with international phytosanitary certificate systems, the e-Phyto system will provide end-to-end paperless services for both import and export certification, from application submission to certificate issuance. Ethiopian Agricultural Authority (EAA) Deputy Director and Head of Ethiopian NPPO, Ato Wondale Habtamu, expressed that the Ethiopian agricultural sector's transition...

Empowering Women Traders Amidst Cross-Border Challenges Moyale, Ethiopia, 27th April 2024: Small-scale women traders play a crucial role in economic growth and regional integration, yet they face numerous challenges, especially in cross-border trade within regions like the Horn of Africa and East Africa. Moyale Border exemplifies these hurdles, from harsh environmental conditions to lengthy clearance procedures and high transaction costs. Additionally, the lack of secure trading spaces exposes women to risks such as theft and harassment, further hindering their economic activities. In response, TradeMark Africa (TMA) with funding from Irish Aid and EU-IGAD Covid-19 Response programme and in partnership with local administration in Moyale and the Government of Ethiopia, has today launched a Safe Trade Zone (STZ)facility in Moyale. This is the third such market that TMA has constructed in the region with the others located in Tog Wajaale – one Ethiopia side and the other Somaliland side. The Moyale Safe Trade Zone market will accommodate 207 women traders, providing them with a secure and conducive environment to conduct business. The initiative marks a significant step in addressing structural barriers hindering women traders' participation in cross-border trade, in Ethiopia and Kenya. The permanent structure is equipped with sanitation facilities, market stalls, water systems, prayer rooms, breastfeeding rooms, and power rooms. This provision of social safety systems, such as breastfeeding rooms, alleviates concerns for young female traders, allowing them to focus on business without worrying about childcare. Mr. Getachew Deressa, Director from Oromia Trade office said: ‘’TMA with the construction of...

Dar es Salaam, Tanzanie, 24 avril 2024 : L'Association horticole de Tanzanie (TAHA) et TradeMark Africa ont signé un accord de subvention pour lancer la phase II de leur projet de collaboration. Cette deuxième phase, soutenue par une subvention de 2,1 millions de dollars (5,4 milliards de Tzs) de TMA et financée par le Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), la Norvège et l'Irlande, s'étend sur trois ans et se concentre sur l'avancement de l'accès au marché, la promotion des pratiques commerciales durables et l'autonomisation des agriculteurs locaux dans l'industrie horticole. En dépit de succès notables, le secteur reste confronté à des défis importants, notamment un accès limité au financement, les effets du changement climatique et des informations inadéquates sur le marché, qui pourraient entraver la croissance. Ces défis nécessitent une approche commune de la part du gouvernement et du secteur privé, comprenant un soutien politique, des investissements dans la recherche et le développement, et des initiatives du secteur du développement visant à améliorer l'accès au marché et au crédit pour les agriculteurs. Grâce aux efforts concertés de TMA, le partenariat s'attaquera à certains de ces défis par l'établissement de liens directs entre les agriculteurs et les acheteurs, l'exploitation de solutions numériques pour améliorer l'accessibilité du marché, l'amélioration de la compréhension du marché par la formation, la résolution des problèmes environnementaux et climatiques et la conformité aux normes internationales telles que Global G.A.P. et les normes mondiales du British Retail Consortium. Prenant la parole lors de la cérémonie de signature...

TAHA Chief Development Manager, Mr. Anthony Chamanga, and TradeMark Africa’s Regional Director for East and Central Africa, Ms. Monica Hangi Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, April 24, 2024: Tanzania Horticultural Association (TAHA) and TradeMark Africa have signed a grant agreement to initiate Phase II of their collaborative project. This second phase, backed by a $2.1 million (Tzs 5.4billion) grant from TMA funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), Norway, and Ireland, spans three years and focuses on advancing market access, promoting sustainable trade practices, and empowering local farmers in the horticultural industry. Despite notable successes, the sector continues to face substantial challenges, including limited financing access, climate change impacts, and inadequate market information, which could hinder growth. These challenges necessitate a united approach from both the government and private sector, incorporating policy support, research and development investment, and development sector initiatives aimed at improving market and credit access for farmers. Through TMA's concerted efforts, the partnership will tackle some of these challenges by establishing direct linkages between farmers and buyers, leveraging digital solutions to improve market accessibility, enhancing market understanding through training, addressing environmental and climate challenges, and ensuring compliance with international standards like Global G.A.P and the British Retail Consortium Global Standards. TAHA Chief Development Manager, Mr. Anthony Chamanga, and TradeMark Africa’s Regional Director for East and Central Africa, Ms. Monica Hangi signing the grant agreement. Looking on is TMA Tanzania Country Director, Elibariki Shammy (right) and Mr. Simon Mlay from TAHA Speaking at the grant agreement signing ceremony,...

Kalundu, le 25 mars 2024 - Le gouvernement de la République démocratique du Congo (RDC), en collaboration étroite avec TradeMark Africa (TMA), a le plaisir d'annoncer la finalisation des travaux de modernisation des infrastructures du port de Kalundu, localisé à Uvira, au sein de la province du Sud- Kivu. Cette modernisation s'intègre dans une stratégie ambitieuse visant à dynamiser le commerce régional et à favoriser le développement économique sur le long du lac Tanganyika et dans la région des Grand Lac. Financée par le Royaume des Pays-Bas pour un montant de 3,3 millions de dollars, la rénovation progressive du port a enregistré des avancées significatives depuis le début de la première phase du projet en 2018. Les efforts de modernisation ont notamment inclus le dragage du port pour augmenter sa profondeur, permettant ainsi l'accueil de navires de plus grande taille. La capacité du port a été considérablement augmenté, passant de 800 tonnes à 4 000 tonnes, ce qui a permis d'accroître le nombre de cargos pouvant y accoster simultanément. Ces améliorations ont non seulement facilité l'expansion commerciale mais ont également optimisé les opérations au sein de l'un des ports les plus stratégiques de la République démocratique du Congo. "Ces améliorations ont engendré une réduction significative des délais et des coûts opérationnels, tout en améliorant les conditions de travail et la sécurité au sein de l'environnement portuaire. Grâce à ces évolutions, le temps nécessaire au déchargement des navires a été réduit de moitié (50%), les navires étant désormais en mesure de...

Kalundu, 25 March 2024: The government of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), in partnership with TradeMark Africa (TMA), is pleased to announce the completion of the infrastructure upgrades at the Kalundu Port, situated in Uvira, Sud-Kivu Province. This initiative is part of a broader effort to boost regional trade and economic development along the shores of Lake Tanganyika and the Great Lakes Region. Funded by the Kingdom of Netherlands to the tune of $3.3 million, the phased renovation has made considerable advancements since the first phase of the project kicked off in 2018. The works involved dredging of the port to increase the depth to accommodate larger vessels, enhanced capacity from 800 tonnes to 4,000, and enabling more cargo ships to dock. The enhancements have facilitated trade expansion and streamlined operations at one of the most important ports in the DRC. “These improvements have reduced operational times and costs, enhanced the working conditions and security of the port environment. As a result, the time to offload ships has declined by 50% as ships can now get closer to the harbours,” TMA Country Director for DRC, Aime Nzoyihera, said. “We are delighted that the partnership between TMA, the Netherlands and the Government of the DRC, is a shared commitment to furthering regional integration and sustainable economic development.” Continuing through 2019 to 2024, the project focused on overhauling the port’s infrastructure. This encompassed setting up a new administrative building, public toilets, a dispensary, two new warehouses as well as restoration two...

Zambia Government and TradeMark Africa Initiate a ZMK 197 million (£7.1) Million Project    Lusaka, March 20, 2024: The Government of Zambia, represented by the Ministry of Finance and National Planning, and TradeMark Africa (TMA), have entered into a Partner Support Agreement (PSA) to upgrade the Nakonde One Stop Border Post, a key trade route between Zambia and Tanzania.  Funded by the UK government, the ZMK 197 million (£7.1 million) project will improve the flow of goods and people along the Dar es Salaam Corridor, promising to streamline operations and reduce cargo clearance times by more than 100% on both sides of the border. Currently, it takes more than two days to clear cargo trucks crossing the border, leading to significant delays and losses for businesses.    Zambia's Finance Minister, Situmbeko Musokotwane, and TMA's CEO, David Beer, launched the programme.   Minister Musokotwane highlighted the project's potential to upgrade infrastructure, decrease congestion, and improve trade flows across the region, saying, “This agreement paves the way for transformative interventions aimed at upgrading infrastructure at Nakonde OSBP, improve border efficiency, reduce congestion and enhance trade facilitation.” He added: “By improving infrastructure at the Nakonde OSBP, we aim to enhance clearance efficiency along the Dar-es-Salaam corridor, reduce time taken to clear both cargo and passengers and ultimately facilitate trade flows.”   The Nakonde Border Post, will see improvements, including upgrade of road infrastructure within the OSBP and truck parking yard, construction of additional office buildings and warehouse, and the installation of a modern, cargo scanner. The initiative...

Accra, Ghana – March 14, 2024 – TradeMark Africa (TMA) officially inaugurated its first Country Programmes Oversight Committee (CPOC) in Ghana on March 13, 2024. The Committee will play a critical role in overseeing trade and facilitation development programmes designed to enhance trade growth and competitiveness not only within Ghana, but also along the Abidjan-Lagos Corridor.   This initiative builds upon a Memorandum of Understanding signed between the Government of Ghana (Ministry of Trade and Industry) and TMA on January 27, 2023. The agreement outlines a collaborative effort to strengthen Ghana's trade infrastructure and environment, ultimately contributing to the country's competitiveness within the framework of the National African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) Policy Framework and Action Plan.  Under the terms of the agreement, TMA Ghana will provide comprehensive support, including financial resources, technical expertise, capacity building initiatives, and logistical assistance. This support will benefit various stakeholders, such as Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) within Ghana, the private sector, and civil society organisations. It will specifically focus on aiding the Ministry of Trade and Industry and the National AfCFTA Coordination Office in implementing the support programme.  With support from UK’s Foreign Commonwealth Development Office, the programme is already demonstrating momentum with a range of initiatives underway. Some of these initiatives include:  Supporting the design and implementation of continental frameworks for transit management and customs, Standards, Sanitary and Phytosanitary measures, trade facilitation strategies, and inter-Regional Economic Communities (REC) technical coordination. This will involve collaboration with Regional Economic Communities, the AfCFTA Secretariat, and...

ZANZIBAR, March 11, 2024: The Tanzania Women Chamber of Commerce (TWCC) and TradeMark Africa (TMA) have today united over 500 women in Zanzibar, for the Economic Empowerment of Women Conference. This significant convention coincided with the global celebration of International Women's Day, a testament to the commitment to advancing women's economic participation. Under the theme "Invest in Women for Sustainable Development," the conference spearheaded by TWCC and TMA aims to catalyse economic empowerment by providing women with invaluable insights into trade opportunities, fostering knowledge exchange, celebrating women leaders in business, and nurturing emerging talents through mentoring programmes. The guest of honour, Hon. Hemed Suleiman Abdulla, Second Vice President of Zanzibar underscored the government's commitment to women's empowerment. "Zanzibar is dedicated to ensuring women's full participation in economic activities," he affirmed, citing initiatives such as the establishment of the Institute for Economic Empowerment and the formulation of the Blue Economy Policy. Ms. Mwajuma Hamza, CEO of TWCC, emphasised the collaborative effort, stating, "In partnership with TradeMark Africa and other stakeholders, this conference serves as a critical platform to equip women with the tools and networks necessary to thrive in trade and commerce." TradeMark Africa, a champion of Aid-for-Trade initiatives since 2010, reaffirmed its commitment to women's economic empowerment with a substantial investment of over $3 million in Tanzania over the past seven years. Mr. Elibariki Shammy, Country Director of TMA, announced an additional investment of $1.5 million to support 12,000 women entrepreneurs across Zanzibar and the mainland. "TradeMark Africa's engagement extends...