Project Brief
Trade Logistics Information Pipeline (TLIP)
Implementation Partners
Kenya Revenue Authority
Implementation Period
2017-2023
Project Participants
Customs Officials, Clearing Agents, Private Sector
Project Value
$23.5 Million
Project Rationale
International trade is heavily reliant on the generation, transmission, and storage of information. A major challenge hindering trade flows is the inefficient exchange of information between actors across borders. The absence of an integrated framework makes tracking goods and services in transit nearly impossible, preventing accurate accounting. Current information exchange relies on costly, inefficient, inaccurate, and non-transparent manual documents from third parties, often unsynchronised with the movement of goods. This raises concerns about fraud and document loss, causing delays that impact the quality and competitiveness of perishable East African exports.
The Trade Logistics Information Pipeline (TLIP) aims to establish an electronic exchange of trade information across borders using ICT and bilateral agreements. This will create a transparent, efficient, and cost-effective system for managing trade data, fostering trust and visibility in the supply chain. Ultimately, TLIP will enhance the competitiveness of East African exports by improving the efficiency of information generation, transmission, and storage, linking the region to the global trade network and providing critical data for informed decision-making.
Implementation Strategy
The Trade Logistics Information Pipeline (TLIP) provides a direct, source-based information sharing solution, eliminating third-party reliance. It mirrors the successful East African Single Customs Territory's ICT-backed system, which significantly reduced compliance and clearance delays. TLIP extends this by ensuring information integrity for East African imports and exports, negating physical documents and lengthy verifications. Addressing documentation-related delays that plague East African goods in European ports (e.g., Ugandan coffee vs. Brazilian coffee), TLIP will offer real-time, reliable data to international stakeholders. Built on secure Blockchain technology, TLIP will curb fraud, ensure data integrity, and improve traceability.