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...

From right: Ms Monica Hangi, TMA's Regional Director for East and Central Africa, and Ms Mwajuma Hamza, Executive Director of TWCC, sign the $1 million (TZS 2.59 billion) grant from TradeMark Africa (TMA) to enhance regional market access for women traders in Tanzania   TWCC secures $ 1 Million (Tzs 2.59billion) from TradeMark Africa to propel Tanzania women traders into regional and international markets. Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania, 06 June 2024: The Tanzania Women Chamber of Commerce (TWCC) has secured a $1 million (TZS 2.59 billion) grant from TradeMark Africa (TMA) to enhance regional market access for women traders in Tanzania. This support will focus on product certification, raising awareness of trading opportunities and regulations, and promoting the adoption of digital technologies for trading, which are essential for catalysing their economic growth. This initiative is funded by UK International Development, Norway, and Ireland The initiative stems from a recent “Women in Trade in Tanzania" study, conducted by TMA, revealed that women and youth in Tanzania face significant barriers to accessing and participating in trade, particularly international trade. These challenges include gender-based constraints, limited awareness of market requirements for exports, lack of market information and linkages, limited awareness of available trading opportunities like the Simplified Trade Regimes (STRs), constraints in value addition, challenge in accessing financial capital and inadequate business management skills. The grant agreement marks a significant milestone in efforts to economically empower women traders in Tanzania, providing them with the necessary tools, resources, and support to thrive in both...

Omar Alieu Touray, président de la Commission de la Communauté économique des États de l'Afrique de l'Ouest (CEDEAO) (G), et l'ambassadeur Erastus Mwencha, président du conseil d'administration de TradeMark Africa (D), signant un accord de collaboration visant à améliorer la facilitation du commerce et à promouvoir l'intégration économique en Afrique de l'Ouest. La signature a eu lieu le 30 mai 2024 à Nairobi, au Kenya, en marge de l'assemblée générale annuelle 2024 du Groupe de la Banque africaine de développement. Nairobi, Kenya, 30 mai 2024 : La Communauté économique des États de l'Afrique de l'Ouest (CEDEAO) et TradeMark Africa (TMA) ont signé aujourd'hui un accord de collaboration stratégique visant à améliorer la facilitation du commerce, à ouvrir les corridors de transport et à promouvoir l'intégration économique en Afrique de l'Ouest. L'accord de collaboration vise à renforcer l'utilisation des technologies numériques pour améliorer l'efficacité du commerce, réduire les barrières commerciales aux frontières et favoriser un environnement propice aux opérations commerciales dans toute la région. Omar Alieu Touray, président de la Commission de la CEDEAO, et Erastus Mwencha, président du conseil d'administration de TradeMark Africa, ont officialisé l'accord lors d'une cérémonie de signature à Nairobi, au Kenya, en marge de l'assemblée générale annuelle 2024 du Groupe de la Banque africaine de développement. TradeMark Africa apportera son expérience des régions de l'Est, du Sud et de la Corne de l'Afrique, et vise à étendre le soutien à l'amélioration de l'infrastructure et de la connectivité des corridors commerciaux, à l'amélioration de la conformité des...

From Right. Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, President of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission, and Amb. Erastus Mwencha, TradeMark Africa Board Chairman signing a collaborative agreement geared towards improving trade facilitation and promoting economic integration in West Africa. The signing happened on 30 May 2024 in Nairobi, Kenya, on the sidelines of the African Development Bank Group 2024 Annual General Meeting. Nairobi, Kenya, 30 May 2024: The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and TradeMark Africa (TMA) today inked a strategic collaboration geared towards improving trade facilitation, opening transportation corridors, and promoting economic integration within West Africa. The collaborative agreement aims to enhance the use of digital technologies to improve trade efficiency, reduce trade barriers at border crossings, and foster a conducive environment for business operations throughout the region. Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, President of the ECOWAS Commission, and Amb. Erastus Mwencha, TradeMark Africa Board Chairman, formalised the agreement during a signing ceremony in Nairobi, Kenya, on the sidelines of the African Development Bank Group 2024 Annual General Meeting (AGM). Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, President of the ECOWAS Commission, and Amb. Erastus Mwencha, Chairman of the TradeMark Africa Board, shake hands following the signing of an agreement. This partnership will see ECOWAS and TradeMark Africa jointly pursue trade facilitation initiatives and promote economic prosperity across West Africa TradeMark Africa will bring experience from the Eastern, Southern, and Horn of Africa regions, and aims to expand support to enhance trade corridor infrastructure and connectivity, improve compliance of...

Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania, 27 May 2024: The Fair Competition Commission (FCC) of Tanzania and TradeMark Africa (TMA) today signed a three-year Partner Support Agreement (PSA) aimed at modernising FCC’s operations and strengthening its ability to regulate competition, consumer protection and combat counterfeit activities effectively. Funded by UK International Development, Ireland, and Norway, the Tzs1.56 billion (£600,000) project is designed to address existing market competition and consumer enforcement challenges in the Tanzanian market, including delays in approving mergers and acquisitions, issues with managing anti-competitive trade practices, and difficulties in enforcing anti-counterfeit measures at borders and ports. This initiative promises to transform the trading landscape in Tanzania, making it more competitive, transparent, and inclusive. The PSA is expected to deliver significant benefits, such as reduced time and costs associated with trade and investment procedures, a decrease in the prevalence of counterfeit products, and enhanced consumer protection. It marks a critical step towards not only improving FCC’s operational efficiency but also boosting both domestic and foreign investment in Tanzania. At the signing and launch of the programme, FCC Director General, Mr William Erio, stated, "We welcome this strategic partnership with TradeMark Africa as a significant milestone in our efforts to strengthen regulatory capacity and enforcement. Together, we aim to create a level playing field for businesses, promote market competition, protect consumer interests, and support sustainable economic growth in Tanzania. These goals are in line with sixth phase government priorities of improving business environment." The agreement includes plans to automate the Commission’s processes,...

La première usine verte de confection au monde a été inaugurée dans la zone franche industrielle d'Athi River, grâce à un investissement de 530 000 dollars de l'Agence des États-Unis pour le développement international (USAID) et à un prêt de 1,3 million de dollars de Trade Catalyst Africa (TCA). Ce nouvel entrepôt s'étend sur 5 000 m² et devrait être la première usine de confection durable au monde construite à l'aide de conteneurs recyclés. Déjà en cours de construction, le centre textile vert sera achevé en décembre 2024. Grâce à sa construction innovante, à l'utilisation de l'énergie solaire et à la récupération des eaux de pluie, le nouveau centre de confection et de textile devrait permettre d'économiser environ 18 tonnes de CO2 par an. Il conservera également 1 000 m3 d'eau par an, ce qui met en évidence le potentiel de durabilité du design industriel. Outre le financement de l'USAID et de la TCA, la nouvelle usine est une coentreprise avec Modular Real Estate EPZ Limited (MODULAR), une filiale de Container Technology Limited (CONTECH). "Cet investissement offre une excellente occasion de construire un espace industriel évolutif et durable pour la fabrication de vêtements et symbolise notre engagement en faveur de la gestion de l'environnement", a déclaré Duncan Onyango, PDG de Trade Catalyst Africa. "En créant cet espace industriel unique, nous établissons une nouvelle norme pour l'industrie de l'habillement, positionnant le Kenya et l'Afrique en tant que leaders de la fabrication durable." Naeem Pasta, PDG de Modular Real Estate EPZ, a...

May 20, 2024, Athi River, Kenya – The world’s first green industrial garment factory has broken ground in Athi River EPZ, with a $530,000 investment from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and a $1.3 million loan from Trade Catalyst Africa (TCA). This new warehouse spans 5,000 sqm and is poised to be the world’s first sustainable garment factory constructed using upcycled containers. Already under construction, the green textile center will be completed by December 2024. With its innovative construction, and use of solar energy and rainwater harvesting, the new garment and textile center is expected to save an estimated 18 tons of CO2 annually. It will also conserve 1,000 m3 of water annually, highlighting the potential for sustainability in industrial design. In addition to USAID and TCA funding, the new factory is a joint venture with Modular Real Estate EPZ Limited (MODULAR), a subsidiary of Container Technology Limited (CONTECH). "This investment presents a great opportunity to build scalable and sustainable industrial space for garment manufacturing and symbolizes our dedication to environmental stewardship," said Duncan Onyango, CEO of Trade Catalyst Africa. "By pioneering this unique industrial space, we are setting a new standard for the garment industry, positioning Kenya and Africa as leaders in sustainable manufacturing." Duncan added that TCA is dedicated to fostering sustainable development through innovative industrial and infrastructure projects, rooted in partnerships with leading organizations and leveraged on cutting edge technologies to drive Africa’s economic growth. The global textiles market, valued at approximately US$1.5 trillion...

From right , TMA Country Director for Ethiopia, Mr. Ewnetu Taye, EPHEA Executive Director Tewodros Zewdie, and Idaptive Data Fusion System General Manager Alegnataye Yilma. Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 21 May 2024: The Ethiopian Horticulture Producer Exporters Association (EHPEA), in collaboration with TradeMark Africa, has today signed a joint agreement to develop comprehensive e-learning and knowledge management systems tailored to the increasing needs of Ethiopia’s horticulture sector. EHPEA’s members will be equipped with advanced tools to boost their productivity and market competitiveness globally. The project is part of a broader programme for the Djibouti-Ethiopia Corridor: 'Promoting regional economic integration in the Horn of Africa through the development of the Djibouti Corridor', also funded by the European Union (EU) through the Agence Française de Développement (AfD). The systems will enhance EHPEA's capabilities in knowledge management and provide its members with e-learning opportunities. The e-learning platform will offer access to valuable resources, training materials, and interactive modules to improve skills and knowledge sharing in horticulture production and export practices. The platforms include a robust e-learning platform offering flexible, scalable learning solutions and a state-of-the-art knowledge management system that ensures valuable trade insights and best practices are effectively captured and disseminated, aiming to foster a knowledgeable, agile workforce that drives Ethiopia’s horticulture sector forward. EPHEA Executive Director Mr Tewodros Zewdie highlighted the advanced tools for knowledge management and online learning that the systems will provide, crucial for maintaining competitiveness in the dynamic horticulture sector. "Through this project, we are investing not just in technology...

La Fondation pour la société civile (FCS) et TradeMark Africa ont signé aujourd'hui un accord de subvention pour le lancement d'un projet intitulé "Secteur privé et OSC pour un commerce inclusif et respectueux de l'environnement" qui permettra de stimuler une croissance économique durable et des pratiques commerciales inclusives, en s'attaquant aux importants défis systémiques du secteur commercial tanzanien. Financé par le Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), l'Irlande et la Norvège à hauteur de 2,3 milliards TZS (900 000 $), le projet vise à intégrer les forces du secteur privé et des organisations de la société civile afin de promouvoir une croissance économique verte. En Tanzanie, de nombreuses femmes restent dans le secteur commercial informel et se heurtent à des obstacles majeurs tels qu'un accès limité au financement et une formation insuffisante aux compétences liées au commerce. Cette initiative vise à démanteler ces barrières, en créant un environnement commercial inclusif et favorisant la prospérité pour tous. Le projet, qui démarre immédiatement, est conçu pour tirer parti des forces uniques du secteur privé et des organisations de la société civile afin d'améliorer les pratiques commerciales qui sont à la fois inclusives et durables sur le plan environnemental. Au cours des 18 prochains mois, FCS mettra en œuvre des interventions stratégiques dans plusieurs secteurs commerciaux, en se concentrant sur la réduction de l'impact environnemental et la promotion de l'inclusion dans les avantages économiques. S'exprimant lors de la cérémonie de signature, le directeur national de TMA Tanzanie, M. Elibariki Shammy, a déclaré :...

Dar Es Salaam Tanzania, 14 May 2024: The Foundation for Civil Society (FCS) and TradeMark Africa have today sealed a grant agreement to launch a project dubbed Private Sector and CSOs for Inclusive and Greening Trade that will drive sustainable economic growth and inclusive trade practices, addressing the significant systemic challenges in Tanzania’s trade sector. Funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), Ireland, and Norway, the TZS 2.3billion ($ 900,000), the project seeks to integrate the strengths of private sectors and civil society organisations to promote green economic growth. Many women in Tanzania, remain in the informal trading sector facing top barriers such as limited access to finance, and inadequate training in trade-related skills. This initiative aims to dismantle these barriers, creating a trading environment that is inclusive and fosters prosperity for all. The project, which starts immediately, is designed to leverage the unique strengths of the private sector alongside civil society organisations to enhance trade practices that are both inclusive and environmentally sustainable. Over the next 18 months, FCS will implement strategic interventions across multiple trade sectors, focusing on reducing environmental impact and promoting inclusivity in economic benefits. Speaking during the signing ceremony, TMA Tanzania Country Director Mr. Elibariki Shammy said, “This project is central to our strategic objectives to stimulate trade growth while ensuring that it's sustainable and inclusive. We believe that through strategic collaborations like this, we can make a significant impact on Tanzania’s trade landscape. Empowering women is not just a moral imperative but...