Thematic Area: Standards

Malaba OSBP (Uganda)

[vc_row][vc_column][custom_inner_menus select_menu="project"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][single_project_block_1 heading="Malaba OSBP (Uganda)" implementor="Ministry of Works and Transport Uganda Revenue Authority" target_group="Importers, Exporters, Transporters, Cross Border Traders, Border Officials, Travelers " project_value="USD 4.2 million" implementation_period="2018- 2021" download_btn_text="Download Project PDF" download_btn_link="https://www.trademarkafrica.com/download/58515/"]The Malaba border is one of several border crossing points in the East African region designated to operate as a One Stop Border Post. However, there are physical and soft infrastructure challenges that prevent optimum operation of the OSBP. A dilapidated 1 km connecting road between Uganda and Kenya remains a huge bottleneck to one of the busiest borders in the EAC region, handling an average of 100 trucks per day. The road is narrow and in a very poor state causing traffic congestion and accidents that significantly slows down the flow of cargo and people across Malaba border and in turn substantially reduce the gains achieved along the Northern Corridor.  Additional challenges at the OBSP affecting efficiency include security of the premises, staff accommodation to enable 24-hour operation and additional parking lots for trucks. What: TMA is providing support to both Kenya and Uganda to complete construction of approximately 1 km road section connecting Malaba (KE) and Malaba (UG) OSBPs.   The project will also include works at Malaba OSPBP that will improve efficiency and security, these include expansion of the exit gate, completion of the parking yard, construction of a staff accommodation block, additional fencing and security lighting and repair of the old bridge. How: TMA, with funding from United Kingdom Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), is...

Ntoroko Lake Port

[vc_row][vc_column][custom_inner_menus select_menu="project"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][single_project_block_1 heading="Ntoroko Lake Port" implementor="Ministry of Works and Transport (Construction) and Uganda Revenue Authority (Operationalise OSBP)" target_group="Importers, Exporters, Transporters, Cross Border Traders, Travellers, Border Officials" project_value="USD 3.4 million" implementation_period="2018- 2022" download_btn_text="Download Project PDF" download_btn_link="https://www.trademarkafrica.com/download/58873/"]The Ntoroko lake port is located on the shores of Lake Albert between Uganda and DR Congo. Ntoroko port only deals with transit goods from Busia, Malaba, Kasese and Kampala towards Bunia in DR Congo. The lake port is characterised by poor lake port infrastructure, port inefficiencies which results in a poor environment for handling and processing goods and people. DR Congo is a key trading partner for Uganda, with exports including both manufactured goods and agricultural goods. Furthermore, informal trade between Uganda and DR Congo is high, in FY 2017/18 DR Congo was Uganda’s main informal trading partner with total informal export trade of USD 291.48 million. Furthermore, DR Congo has expressed interest in joining the East African Community which will further strengthen its ties with Uganda and the EAC region, necessitating improved border infrastructure to facilitate movement of people and goods. What: The project will address the infrastructure challenges at the Ntoroko lake port, including: Resurfacing the concrete access road will be to permit all weather usage Resurfacing the concrete turning and parking area Constructing a new jetty comprising of sheet metal pipes with a grid of concrete beams supporting including Construct a concrete deck that is 5.0 metres wide to enable a small pick-up lorry (5 Ton) or a small lorry with an...

Uganda Electronic Single Window Phase II

[vc_row][vc_column][custom_inner_menus select_menu="project"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][single_project_block_1 heading="Uganda Electronic Single Window Phase II" implementor="Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) – Lead Implementing Agency and Ministry of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives (MTIC) – Lead Coordinating Agency" target_group="Importers, Exporters, Government Agencies" project_value="USD 4.3 million" implementation_period="2018- 2022" download_btn_text="Download Project PDF" download_btn_link="https://www.trademarkafrica.com/download/58526/"]Uganda’s international trade business community must regularly prepare and submit large volumes of information and documents to governmental authorities to comply with import, export and transit-related regulatory requirements. Extensive documentation requirements and their associated compliance costs constitute non – tariff barriers (NTBs) and increase the cost of doing business, thus inhibiting the development of intra-regional and international trade. Phase I of the project was completed in May 2018 with 16 agencies transacting on the system: Uganda Revenue Authority; Uganda National Bureau of Standards; Ministry of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives; Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries; National Drugs Authority; Uganda Coffee Development Authority; Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development; Dairy Development Authority; Uganda National Chamber of Commerce and Industry; Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Warehousing Operators; Clearing Agencies; Airlines (IATA); Uganda Free Zones Authority; Uganda Export Promotion Board and Transporters (licensing of trucks). The implementation of Phase I of the UESW has already yielded benefits, motivating the need for a second phase that will expand the coverage of the UESW. According to World Bank Doing Business Report, 2018, the improvement of Uganda's ranking in the Trading Across Borders indicator from 137 (2017) to 128 (2018) was a direct result of automation of the Certificate of Origin now acquired through UESW. As...

BBN Standards Testing

[vc_row][vc_column][custom_inner_menus select_menu="project"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][single_project_block_1 heading="BBN Standards Testing" implementor="Burundi Bureau of Standards." target_group=" Importers and exporters. Manufacturers. Burundi Bureau of standard. " project_value="US$ 927,000" implementation_period="2012 - 2016" download_btn_text="Download Project PDF" download_btn_link="#url"]The Burundi Bureau of Standards (BBN) is the public body in charge of standards in Burundi. Key responsibilities include: Metrology testing Laboratories services and quality control. Promoting quality assurance and management Creating and management of the certification mark Promoting standardization in industry and commerce Preparing or modifying specifications and codes of practice TMA will provide support to BBN in order to carry out this mandate. What: TMA will support BBN with a series of initiatives to establish regulatory framework of standards quality and SPS, upgrading of testing facilities as well as increase awareness on standards. How: TMA will provide technical assistance to BBN to support development of legal and regulatory framework and training. BBN will on a day to day basis manage consultants. Procurements and contracting will be done by TMA. Contact: Aimé Nzoyihera , Email aime.nzoyihera@trademarkea.com Click here to learn more about One Stop Border Posts Program[/single_project_block_1][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row el_id="desired-result"][vc_column][single_project_block_2 heading="Desired Results" image_1="42638" image_2="41999"]Burundi Bureau of Standards (BBN) simplify and increase the transparency of import/export procedures; producers improve the quality of products produced; bureau of standards staff and producers improve their understanding of standards and requirements. Together, the results lead to national bureau of standards improving efficiency and effectiveness of testing.[/single_project_block_2][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][project_single_ele_3_container heading="More Project Insights." sub_heading="Projects Highlights From A Glance" slide_1="info access for 20 crops & over five breeds of livestock" slide_2="info access for 20...

South Sudan Bureau of Standards Established

[vc_row][vc_column][custom_inner_menus select_menu="project"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][single_project_block_1 heading="South Sudan Bureau of Standards established" implementor="South Sudan Bureau of Standards" target_group="Importers, exporters and manufacturers" project_value="US$ 1,715,157.48" implementation_period="2012 - 2016" download_btn_text="Download Project PDF" download_btn_link="#url"]The Republic of South Sudan faces several challenges. To govern effectively, the country needs to establish effective state institutions as a basis for economic development and poverty reduction. As a country dependent upon imports, with limited exports beyond oil revenues, a modern and efficient Bureau of Standards aligned with South Sudan’s trading neighbours is of importance. How: TMA will provide technical assistance to SSNBS to support development of legal and regulatory framework and training SSNBS and non SSNBS quality officials. Procurements and contracting will be done by TMA. Contact: John Kalisa, Email: john.kalisa@trademarkea.com Click here to learn more about One Stop Border Posts Program[/single_project_block_1][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row el_id="desired-result"][vc_column][single_project_block_2 heading="Desired Results" image_1="42716" image_2="42708"]South Sudan National Bureau of Standards simplifies and increases the transparency of import/export procedures; producers improve the quality of products produced; bureau of standards staff and producers improve their understanding of standards and requirements. This will in turn lead to the national bureau of standards improving efficiency and effectiveness of testing.[/single_project_block_2][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row el_id="project-insight"][vc_column][project_single_ele_3_container heading="More Project Insights." sub_heading="Projects Highlights From A Glance" slide_1="info access for 20 crops & over five breeds of livestock" slide_2="info access for 20 crops & over five breeds of livestock" slide_3="info access for 20 crops & over five breeds of livestock"][single_project_content]Key outputs for this project include: Institutional strengthening of SSNBS undertaken Technical Regulations Framework developed Upgraded/new laboratories and Metrology department of the Bureau operational in...

East Africa standards platform

[vc_row][vc_column][custom_inner_menus select_menu="project"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][single_project_block_1 heading="East Africa standards platform" implementor="East African Business Council (EABC)" target_group="Importers and exporters, Manufacturers" project_value="US$ 320,412" implementation_period="2012 - 2014" download_btn_text="Download Project PDF" download_btn_link="#url"]A political economy study by TMA in 2006 found that policy-making in the EAC has failed effectively to engage the public in open debate. Whilst the EAC Treaty requires the involvement of PSOs and CSOs, it is unclear on entry points and frameworks for engagement. The key association representing the private sector at regional level is the East African Business Council with an embryonic East Africa CSO Forum seeking to represent civil society across the region. These institutions however are weak, lack long-term or comprehensive support, and are criticised for failing adequately to represent their constituencies. What: This project will lobby for increased harmonisation of priority standards. How: TMA will provide the required technical and financial assistance to SID to conduct the research. Contact: Allan Ngugi, Program Manager, Business Competitiveness allan.ngugi@trademarkea.com Click here to learn more about One Stop Border Posts Program[/single_project_block_1][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row el_id="desired-result"][vc_column][single_project_block_2 heading="Desired Results" image_1="42540" image_2="42538"]EAC partner states implement harmonised priority standards; reduction in the cost of compliance with standards within the EAC; bureau of standards and producers improve their understanding of standards and requirements. Together the results lead to a reduction in the cost and time of doing business in the EAC region.[/single_project_block_2][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row el_id="project-insight"][vc_column][project_single_ele_3_container heading="More Project Insights." sub_heading="Projects Highlights From A Glance" slide_1="info access for 20 crops & over five breeds of livestock" slide_2="info access for 20 crops & over five breeds of livestock" slide_3="info...

Kenya Bureau of Standards testing

[vc_row][vc_column][custom_inner_menus select_menu="project"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][single_project_block_1 heading="Kenya Bureau of Standards testing" implementor="Kenya Bureau of Standards" target_group="Importers and manufacturers, KEBS, KEPHIS and other national standards agencies" project_value="US$ 1,714,456" implementation_period="2011 – 2017" download_btn_text="Download Project PDF" download_btn_link="#url"]The regulatory framework for standards in Kenya has overlapping ministerial responsibilities, which has created difficulties for traders in understanding which organisation is responsible for particular tasks which in turn can result in delays in complying with standards regulations. What: The KEBS medium-term strategy 2010-2013 included a review of the framework to clarify and rationalize conflicting and overlapping responsibilities as well as align Kenya’s SQMT infrastructure with international and regional provisions. The project provides support towards reforming the national SQMT policy and legislation in conformity with an EAC wide framework. How: KEBS is implementing the project with technical and financial support from TradeMark Africa. Contact: Joshua Mutunga: joshua.mutunga@trademarkea.com Click here to learn more about One Stop Border Posts Program[/single_project_block_1][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row el_id="desired-result"][vc_column][single_project_block_2 heading="Desired Results" image_1="42638" image_2="42538"]KEBS staff and producers improve their understanding of standards and requirements, increased number and range of parameters tested by KEBs and simplified and more transparency of import/ export procedures.[/single_project_block_2][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row el_id="project-insight"][vc_column][project_single_ele_3_container heading="More Project Insights." sub_heading="Projects Highlights From A Glance" slide_1="info access for 20 crops & over five breeds of livestock" slide_2="info access for 20 crops & over five breeds of livestock" slide_3="info access for 20 crops & over five breeds of livestock"][single_project_content]It also focuses on upgrading laboratory facilities and staff training with key outputs being: Standards Act reviewed. [/single_project_content][single_project_content]A national quality policy developed. Technical Regulations Act passed. [/single_project_content][single_project_content] Testing equipment...

Burundi NTB National Monitoring Committee

[vc_row][vc_column][custom_inner_menus select_menu="project"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][single_project_block_1 heading="Burundi NTB National Monitoring Committee" implementor="National Monitoring Committee on NTBs" target_group="The Burundian Government, the national and international business stakeholders" project_value="US$ 587,137.8" implementation_period="2011 - 2015" download_btn_text="Download Project PDF" download_btn_link="#url"]NTBs are defined in the EAC as “quantitative restrictions and specific limitations that act as obstacles to trade”. Such restrictions and limitations are embedded in laws, regulations, practices and requirements other than tariffs and include non-tariff charges, government participation in trade, restrictive trade practices and policies, among others. Burundi is particularly affected and in terms of cost of export and import ranks among the most expensive in the world. Reducing the time and cost losses to exporters and importers is thus paramount to Burundi’s increased regional integration and trade facilitation, but also to sustaining growth in the long run. What: The aim of this project is to support the National Monitoring Committee (NMC) develop a national strategy and an action plan on eliminating NTB's. How: TMA will provide the required support to Burundi NMC in hiring a coordinator in charge of coordinating activities of the committee Contact: Sandra Nyambuza, Email: sandra.nyambuza@trademarkea.com Click here to learn more about One Stop Border Posts Program[/single_project_block_1][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row el_id="desired-result"][vc_column][single_project_block_2 heading="Desired Results" image_1="42084" image_2="42057"]The NMC Coordinator is fully operational; An NMC Strategy is elaborated and validated, a National Action Plan is elaborated and implemented. Together, this results will strengthen of the NMC for the elimination of NTBs in Burundi[/single_project_block_2][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][project_single_ele_3_container heading="More Project Insights." sub_heading="Projects Highlights From A Glance" slide_1="info access for 20 crops & over five breeds of livestock"...

UNBS and MIT improve testing

[vc_row][vc_column][custom_inner_menus select_menu="project"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][single_project_block_1 heading="UNBS and MIT improve testing" implementor="Ministry of Trade Industry and Cooperatives" target_group="Importers and exporters, Manufacturers, Uganda National Bureau of Standards" project_value="US$ 2,700,000" implementation_period="2011 - 2017" download_btn_text="Download Project PDF" download_btn_link="#url"]Uganda currently lacks a National Standards and Quality Policy or a strategy to provide guidance and a coherent direction for the development of the national standards and quality infrastructure. Uganda has begun work on strengthening and promoting the use of quality standards and infrastructure through the SIDA and EU-funded Quality Infrastructure and Standards Programme (QUISP). Current funding indicates a deficit of €4m against a budget of €9m, out of which TMA will be funding the amount of US$1.6m. The Ministry of Trade and Uganda National Bureau of Standards have expressed the importance for TMA to work within existing mechanisms such as QUISP in supporting implementation of standards in Uganda. What: Promote the use of standards and quality infrastructure so as to improve the competitiveness of Uganda’s products, processes and service delivery systems in domestic, regional and international markets. How: TMA will provide financial and technical support to the Uganda government through the Ministry of Trade and Uganda National Bureau of Standards for the Implementation of project. Contact: Moses Sabiiti, Email: moses.sabiiti@trademarkea.com Click here to learn more about One Stop Border Posts Program[/single_project_block_1][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row el_id="desired-result"][vc_column][single_project_block_2 heading="Desired Results" image_1="43453" image_2="43451"]Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) simplify and increase the transparency of import/ export procedures; producers improve the quality of products produced; bureau of standards staff and producers improve their understanding of standards and...