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...

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...