This year marked the beginning of TradeMark Africa’s Strategy 3 (2023-2030) – an ambitious plan to drive sustainable and resilient trade as a pathway to prosperity. Over the last 14 years, TMA has facilitated nearly $1 billion in investments, making cross-border trade easier and boosting regional integration. From promoting trade-friendly policies to upgrading physical infrastructure and digitizing trade processes, TMA’s work in its areas of operations has contributed to reducing the costs and delays of cross-border trade.
The year also saw the launch of the second Ten-Year Implementation Plan of the African Union’s (AU) Agenda 2063, dubbed “The Decade of Acceleration towards a Prosperous, Peaceful, and Integrated Africa.” Agenda 2063 outlines seven objectives to shape the continent’s next decade. Among these, TMA is prioritizing three: firstly, nurturing a more integrated and connected Africa, focusing on infrastructure development, trade in goods and services, connectivity, and trade facilitation. Secondly, enabling productive citizens with the tools, technology, and access to compete globally. And third, strengthening Africa’s position as a strong voice and global player in international trade negotiations and global economic governance structures.
This is therefore an exciting time to be joining TMA as its Board Chair. On a continent of more than one billion citizens, there are the same number of reasons to believe in Africa’s potential. As a former Chair of the AU, I fully believe that trade facilitation will create an efficient, integrated African market, where countries trade freely and attract investment, allowing their citizens to drive economic growth. With TMA’s support, this is achievable.
And so, I embrace the challenge of TMA’s mission to deepen Africa’s trade integration and eliminate bottlenecks on trade corridors so that TMA’s impact extends beyond the continent. I am encouraged by tangible success stories of trade facilitation, such as the East Africa Regional Electronic Cargo Tracking System, which I recently witnessed in action in Kenya. This system is a major achievement of policy negotiation and technological innovation, enabling neighboring countries to jointly track cargo along one of East Africa’s busiest transport and trade corridors. It proves that with the right interventions and political will, Africa can build a digital trade superhighway, eventually leading to no-stop borders. TMA’s vision to scale up such successes now has a strong foundation; with the Board’s endorsement of its Digital Strategy, we plan to support countries across the continent to make this a reality.
The Board fully endorses the alignment of TMA’s Strategy 3 with the aspirations of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). AfCFTA is a historic initiative with a target to lift 30 million people out of extreme poverty through job creation and economic empowerment. Its ambition is bolstered by lessons from history that show that economies that trade become more competitive, productive, and prosperous. TMA’s purpose is rooted in supporting African countries to realize the AfCFTA ambition by eliminating trade barriers, investing in trade infrastructure, and equipping African small and medium-sized businesses to compete in regional and global markets. Yet, much like the Pan-Africanist movements that laid the groundwork for Africa’s independence, AfCFTA has faced bureaucratic and diplomatic hurdles while navigating complex regulations and reconciling diverse national interests. Nonetheless, AfCFTA marks a transformative shift for Africa.
This leads me to reflect on the words of a great Pan-African advocate, the Kenyan writer, Professor Micere Mugo: “I am a border crosser, defying geographical containment … I am African, I am Pan-African … I am a citizen of the world …”. AfCFTA embraces this spirit, breaking economic barriers, fostering unity, and reinforcing our shared African identity.
I am impressed by TMA’s impact to date. I am also confident in its direction as it expands from an East Africa organization to a Pan-African institution. With a strong governance framework, international support, and partnerships with national governments, TMA is poised for even greater impact. These are the foundations for playing our role in driving transformative change across Africa for Africa.
Finally, let me emphasize – free trade is not totally free. It must be built through joint efforts and supported by both government and the private sector. As TMA and like-minded institutions continue to serve as catalysts, let us unite in shaping a stronger trade future for Africa – one that is resilient and competitive on the global stage.