East Africa’s leading trade agency, TradeMark Africa (TMA) and global transport and logistics company, Maersk Line Kenya, signed a partnership agreement that will pave way in design of programmes that are responsive to East Africa transport challenges. The partnership will enable the two organizations focus on demonstration of a shipping information pipeline for East Africa and support to the SME competitiveness programme.
The signing ceremony took place in Nairobi with TMA’s CEO Frank Matsaert and Maersk Line Kenya MD, Steve Felder representing the two organizations. This is a renewal of TMA’s and Maersk commitment to enable trade by improving conditions for East African businesses to participate in regional global trade.
Through this partnership, Maersk and TMA commit to a mutually beneficial relationship that will enable both parties identify and implement interventions that will result in removal of key transport and logistics barriers that hinder the growth in trade in East Africa.
Since its inception, TMA has facilitated various initiatives in partnership with government and private sector, which have contributed to reduction of time cargo trucks take to transit from Mombasa port to Kampala, for example. The interventions include removal of 87 non-tariff barriers (NTB’s) out of 112 identified ones, port modernization programmes that are expected to increase efficiency at the ports, and construction and operationalization of One Stop Border Posts (OSBPs). The OSBP in Taveta/Holili has reduced time it takes to cross from Dar es Salaam to Bujumbura from 5 days to 4 days.
Maersk line with the advantage of being on the ground, is able to identify concerns and gaps in the transport and logistics arena. This information would ensure TMA supported interventions are responding to actual needs within the environment. The partnership agreement is an agreement to collaborate. It will be renewable every three years by mutual consent of TMA and Maersk.
About TradeMark Africa
TradeMark Africa (TMA) is a not for profit trade specialist organization funded by the following development agencies: Belgian Development Cooperation, Global Affairs Canada, Embassy of Denmark, Embassy of Finland, Kingdom of Netherlands, Sweden, UK Aid and USAID. TMA was established with the aim of growing prosperity in East Africa through trade. TMA works closely with East African Community (EAC) institutions, national governments, the private sector and civil society organizations.
TMA seeks to increase trade by unlocking economic potential anchored on 3 strategic objectives:
- Increasing physical access to markets;
- Enhancing trade environment; and
- Improving business competitiveness.
Increased trade contributes to increased economic growth, a reduction in poverty and subsequently increased prosperity. TMA has its headquarters in Nairobi with branches in Arusha, Bujumbura, Dar es Salaam, Juba, Kampala and Kigali.
TradeMark Africa (TMA) is an aid-for-trade organisation that was established with the aim of growing prosperity in East Africa through increased trade. TradeMark Africa (TMA) operates on a not-for-profit basis and is funded by the development agencies of the following countries: Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, the Netherlands, UK, and USA. TradeMark Africa (TMA) works closely with East African Community (EAC) institutions, national governments, the private sector and civil society organisations.
