TradeMark Africa (TMA) has reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with the Government of Côte d’Ivoire to advance sustainable and inclusive intra-African trade and to implement trade facilitation measures designed to increase exports to global markets.
TMA’s Director of Strategy and Partnerships, Anthe Vrijlandt, made the remarks during the third meeting of the National Oversight Committee for TMA’s Trade Facilitation Programme in Côte d’Ivoire, held on 7 April 2025. She acknowledged the immense potential of intra-African trade within the framework of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), particularly now in the context of ongoing global economic uncertainty. Unlocking this potential, she noted, depends on two critical factors: reducing tariff and non-tariff barriers and strengthening national production and value addition capabilities. These measures would ensure that trade is not merely transactional but serves as a catalyst for inclusive economic transformation. “We stand to work closely with our partners, including the Government of Côte d’Ivoire, to roll out concrete, technical, and context-specific interventions that will enhance the trading environment in the country and in West Africa. The future of Ivorian trade is not only global—it is firmly rooted in Africa,” Ms. Vrijlandt stated.
Representing the Director General of Foreign Trade, Technical Advisor Gbato Félicien said the meeting provided a timely opportunity for stakeholders to review progress made in the previous quarter, evaluate ongoing activities, and collectively address implementation challenges. He also emphasized the importance of strong collaboration among all stakeholders involved in the program and maintaining rigorous oversight of its delivery. Major priorities include the modernization and automation of customs systems and procedures, digitalization of trade certificate processing, upgrading of infrastructure along major trade and transport corridors (Abidjan-Lagos Corridor), strengthening policy frameworks, and working towards the removal of trade barriers—particularly those that disproportionately affect women and small-scale cross-border traders. “This program directly supports Côte d'Ivoire’s broader national economic development goals by facilitating exports, improving the business climate, and positioning the country as a competitive regional trade hub,” Mr. Félicien noted.
On 20 September 2024, the TMA Côte d’Ivoire Country Programme held its inaugural National Oversight Committee (NOC) meeting, following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. The NOC forms part of TMA’s governance structure and is chaired by a senior official from a government ministry. It is mandated to provide strategic advice on programming aligned with national objectives, to review project proposals and business plans related to the program, and may recommend their approval by the Board. The committee also reviews implementation progress and addresses delivery challenges. Its membership includes representatives from relevant government ministries and departments, apex private sector bodies, civil society organizations, and development partners.
TradeMark Africa marked its expansion into West Africa with the opening of its first regional office in Accra, Ghana, in January 2023. The office focuses on trade facilitation along the critical Lagos–Abidjan corridor. Since its establishment, several regional and cross-border initiatives have been launched, including partnership agreements with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), to enhance trade and regional integration.
