TradeMark Africa (TMA), on 23 October 2024, hosted a delegation from South Sudan to discuss priorities for enhancing cooperation in various areas of trade facilitation to reduce trade bottlenecks in South Sudan and neighbouring countries in the East African Community. The meeting brought together officials from South Sudan’s Ministry of East African Community Affairs (MEACA), South Sudan National Revenue Authority (SSNRA), South Sudan National Bureau of Standards (SSNBS), Ministry of Transport and Roads, and the National Cross-border Women Traders Association (NCBWTA). Led by Beny Gideon Mabor, Undersecretary General at MEACA, and TMA CEO David Beer, the two delegations explored opportunities for deeper collaboration, including:  Re-establishing a National Oversight Committee (NOC) to strengthen coordination and oversight of trade facilitation initiatives supported by TMA. Prioritising completion and full operationalisation of the Nimule One Stop Border Post (OSBP) to improve cross-border trade and customs clearance efficiency. Phase 1, which included construction of the truck parking yard and inspection shed, was completed in  2020. Phase 2 works, which would see construction of staff quarters and administration buildings, are pending. Enhancing Standards, Sanitary, and Phytosanitary (SPS) Measures to ease compliance with regional standards and boost access to markets for products made in the region. Addressing Non-Tariff Barriers (NTBs) to reduce trade costs and improve the flow of goods along the Elegu-Nimule-Juba Corridor, the wider northern corridor, and in the EAC region.  Strengthening institutional capacity for South Sudan's National Bureau of Standards and the private sector in addressing technical barriers to trade. Enabling women traders by...

In collaboration with the Rwanda Inspectorate, Competition, and Consumer Protection Authority (RICA), TradeMark Africa (TMA) has kicked off a six-month training for meat inspectors to enhance compliance with quality standards, and sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) measures in Rwanda’s meat value chain. A first of its kind in Rwanda, the training will focus on strengthening of food safety standards and ensuring market access for both domestic and export meat products. Forty private meat inspectors are taking part in the training sessions, as part of the implementation of the Value-added Initiative to Boost Employment (VIBE). “The training is an important step towards strengthening the skills of private meat inspectors and enhance the level of compliance with the prescribed industry standards for a safer, more competitive and profitable meat value chain,” said Doreca Musenga, VIBE Program Manager at TradeMark Africa. The participants will undergo an intensive hands-on training on all aspects of meat inspection for the first month, and thereafter immerse themselves for practical experience at local abattoirs for five months. The training programme will feature on-going assessments and coaching sessions to ensure that participants gain the necessary skills and knowledge for meat inspection. This exercise will not only enhance compliance with both domestic and international standards but also create job opportunities, especially for young people, within the meat industry value chain.VIBE, which is spearheading the training, is jointly implemented by TMA, the International Trade Centre (ITC), in partnership with Mastercard Foundation. Implemented in Rwanda, the programme will enable creation of dignified job...

The Smart Freight Centre and the Kuehne Climate Center have officially launched the Green Freight Support Programme at the Global Logistics Convention 2024, held in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, from 14-16 August. This initiative, developed in collaboration with leading organisations such as TradeMark Africa, UNEP, and GIZ, is set to drive logistics decarbonisation efforts across Eastern Africa, with a focus on achieving sustainable freight practices. “Decarbonising freight transport in one of the world’s fastest-growing regions is crucial for meeting global climate targets. This programme offers a collaborative platform for freight stakeholders to engage in sustainable practices, showcasing leadership in the transition to green logistics. We call on ambitious shippers, logistics service providers, and other organisations to join us in achieving zero-emission freight in Eastern Africa,” said Rik Arends, Director of Smart Freight Centre. The Green Freight Support Programme is the result of a consultative process initiated by the Smart Freight Centre and Kuehne Climate Center in 2023. It addresses the rising greenhouse gas emissions linked to the region’s rapid trade and logistics expansion, aiming to create a future of efficient, low-emission, safe, and inclusive freight transport in Eastern Africa. The programme serves as a unifying platform for shippers, carriers, and other stakeholders, enabling them to measure and report freight emissions and identify opportunities for reduction. It also supports carriers in enhancing the efficiency of their truck fleets and transitioning to zero-emission vehicles. Through extensive training, education, and research, the programme equips industry leaders and professionals in Eastern Africa with the...

Yesterday, 30 July 2024, marked a historic milestone for Tanzania’s trade landscape. The Government of the United Republic of Tanzania, through the Ministry of Industry and Trade, in collaboration with TradeMark Africa (TMA), launched the Tanzania National Trade Policy (NTP) 2023 Edition. This policy represents a significant advancement in Tanzania's trade development, emphasising enhanced policy coherence, robust legal and regulatory frameworks, and improved institutional coordination. Supported by funding from UK International Development, Norway, and Ireland, TMA has been instrumental in formulating this policy. TMA’s contributions included providing consultancy services, facilitating stakeholder engagements, and conducting zonal validation workshops. The NTP 2023 addresses critical areas such as domestic trade growth, global trade shocks, and trade integration. This comprehensive Policy aims to fortify Tanzania's trade environment, ensuring sustainable economic growth. Speaking at the launch event, Elibariki Shammy, TMA Country Director Tanzania, remarked, "We have gathered here today because the National Trade Policy of 2003 has been revitalised. This is an important milestone in rethinking how Tanzania trades with other countries and, most importantly, how trade functions within the country. It has been 20 years since 2003, and much has changed. We have seen increased diversification and expansion of markets through bilateral, regional, and multilateral trade negotiations. We have witnessed increased global shocks, conflicts, emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, and the growing need to embrace e-commerce.’’ Mr Shammy further disclosed that climate change is increasingly central to trade talks, and gender and youth considerations are essential aspects of modern trade policies. And added,...

The recently concluded Eastern and Southern Africa Grain B2B Forum in Dar es Salaam was a resounding success, with an impressive $400 million in staple foods traded. Hosted by TradeMark Africa (TMA), the Eastern Africa Grain Council (EAGC), and the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA), the event brought together 150 delegates from nine countries for two days of intensive dialogue and business networking. Held on 16-17 July, the forum attracted a diverse group of stakeholders, including producers, traders, millers, and exporters from Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, the DRC, Malawi, Zambia, and Ethiopia. Beyond establishing business connections, participants tackled pressing issues such as export bans and non-tariff barriers that continue to hinder regional trade. The delegates also explored regional opportunities to facilitate trade between food-surplus countries and their neighbours’ facing shortages. For instance, discussions highlighted how Tanzania and Uganda, with their surplus production, could meet the staple food demands of countries like Malawi and Kenya, which are grappling with shortages. Funded by the governments of the Netherlands and USAID’s Economic Recovery and Reform Activity (USAID-ERRA) programme, alongside the Food Trade Coalition for Africa (FCTA) and UK International Development, the forum aimed to foster productive dialogue and collaboration among stakeholders in the staple foods value chain. Mr. Elibariki Shammy, Tanzania Country Director, TMA, encapsulated the forum’s ethos, stating, "By fostering public-private collaboration, we aim to establish a more efficient and resilient trade environment for all stakeholders while building inclusive trade relationships that address smallholder farmers' challenges. TradeMark Africa...

Le secteur kenyan des produits frais vise une double victoire : réduire les émissions de gaz à effet de serre et se tailler une plus grande part du marché mondial de l'exportation en améliorant sa compétitivité. Afin d'explorer la voie à suivre pour y parvenir, le groupe de travail sur la logistique du BEEEP s'est réuni le 25 juin 2024 pour valider l'étude " Plan directeur pour une plus grande transition des exportations horticoles du fret aérien au fret maritime ". Le plan directeur décrit les stratégies de transition vers une approche multimodale qui incorpore le transport routier, ferroviaire et maritime. Cette transition prévoit que plus de 80 % des fruits seront exportés par voie maritime d'ici à 2030, ce qui entraînera une réduction significative de 32 % des émissions de gaz à effet de serre dans la chaîne de valeur au cours de la même période. Cet objectif ambitieux correspond à la demande mondiale croissante de pratiques agricoles durables. En outre, le plan directeur prévoit une augmentation des exportations vers de nouveaux marchés, une expansion qui a le potentiel d'accroître considérablement les recettes d'exportation du Kenya et de créer de nouveaux emplois verts dans le secteur. Dans son discours d'ouverture, Ahmed Farah, directeur national pour le Kenya de TMA, a déclaré : "Le transfert modal n'est pas seulement une bonne chose à faire, c'est aussi une approche viable et durable à adopter. Le passage au fret maritime nécessite des investissements importants dans les infrastructures et la logistique. Par exemple,...

This World Food Safety Day, under the theme "Prepare for the Unexpected," we spotlight the critical challenges and innovative strides in combating aflatoxin contamination—a persistent threat to food security and public health in East Africa. At TradeMark Africa, our commitment to safeguarding our food systems is demonstrated through our extensive efforts to enhance food safety and facilitate regional trade by addressing mycotoxin risks, particularly aflatoxins. At the forefront of our initiatives, through collaboration Global Affairs Canada, is the deployment of advanced ozone-based mycotoxin decontamination plants. Located strategically at the National Cereals & Produce Board (NCPB) warehouses in Nairobi and Bungoma, these facilities are pivotal in eliminating up to 98% of aflatoxin contamination in grains, pulses, and nuts. This state-of-the-art technology ensures that these staples are safe for consumption, compliant with safety standards, and free from toxic residues, thereby securing their nutritional value and marketability. Supporting these technological solutions, TradeMark Africa is deeply involved in comprehensive capacity building. We engage local farmers, traders, and regulatory bodies to enhance their understanding and capabilities in managing aflatoxin risks effectively. This includes training on pre-harvest and post-harvest strategies to minimise contamination, supported by the development and dissemination of risk-based food control manuals and industry good practice guides. Our efforts extend to creating and strengthening strategic frameworks for aflatoxin management across East Africa. This involves support for harmonization of policies and regulations, making them consistent with international standards. Through collaboration with global partners, we support strengthening of regulatory frameworks to provide conducive environment for trade...

Kenya trade agencies, backed by TradeMark Africa (TMA), with funding from international partners like the UK’s Foreign and Commonwealth Development Office (FCDO) in Kenya, are making headway in refining import and export processes. These enhancements are making trade quicker and more cost effective, benefiting traders across the nation and the region. A recent mission assessing the impact of the partnership established. TMA, FCDO Team at the Inland Container Depot in Nairobi on 30th April, 2024 During a recent visit to the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) and the Inland Container Depot (ICDN) in Nairobi, Officials from TMA and FCDO alongside representatives from KEBS and Kenya Ports Authority, assessed the impact of projects at KEBS laboratories and the Inland Container Depot (ICDN) in Nairobi which are designed to assure product quality and cargo management. The mission noted key achievements over the last five years such as the digitalisation of trade systems. The implementation of the Integrated Customs Management System (iCMS), along with initiatives like the East African Community (EAC) Single Customs Territory, and the Regional Electronic Cargo Tracking System (RECTS) have cut cargo dwell times at the ICDN by over 30%. These upgrades have eased congestion at the Port of Mombasa, facilitating a smoother flow of goods through Kenya’s Northern Corridor. In collaboration with TMA, funded by the FCDO, KEBS implemented the Legal and Regulatory Review and Capacity Development project. Through this, it modernised its laboratories, acquired advanced equipment, and trained staff on market surveillance and SMEs on trust but also...

April 24, 2024, marked the beginning of a four-day strategic trade and investment mission in Addis Ababa, bringing together Kenya and Ethiopia's business communities, policymakers, and Competent Authorities from the Kenya-Ethiopia Trade and Investment Missions. With funding from USAID-ERRA, the Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM), in collaboration with the Addis Ababa Chambers of Commerce and Sectoral Association, kicked off a one-day conference, heralding a four-day event packed with business exhibitions, B2B sessions, networking and matchmaking opportunities, and industry visits. The objectives of this trade mission are to explore and leverage trade and investment opportunities, strengthening ties between the two countries and to facilitate direct engagement between Kenyan businesses, the Ethiopian government and policymakers, and private sector entities/business member organizations (BMO) that will enhance intra-Africa trade and investment. Anticipated outcomes of this mission are not only promising but transformative, and are expected to, among others, enhance trade between Kenya and Ethiopia, fostering economic growth and regional integration; map out import-export products tailored for various international markets, boosting Africa's trading position in the global market and stimulate knowledge exchange and industry benchmarking. The event attracted esteemed dignitaries, including the State Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ethiopia, represented by Amb. Ababi Demessie, who served as the chief guest; the Kenyan Ambassador to Ethiopia, Amb. George Orina MBS; the President of Addis Ababa Chambers of Commerce and Sectoral Association, Ms. Mesenbet Shentune; Commissioner, Ethiopia Investment Commission, Ms. Hana Araya Selassie; Head of KAM Consulting and Business Development, Ms. Joyce Njogu, MCIM; TradeMark Africa's Ethiopian Country Director, Mr. Ewnetu Taye...

The AmCham Business Summit, the highest profile U.S. – East Africa forum, concluded on a high with an address from the President of Kenya, H.E William Ruto, where he said Kenya is ready for business - and means business. Ruto further commended the AmCham Summit as a strategic platform for commercial advocacy, which will strengthen bilateral trade between Kenya and the U.S. TradeMark Africa’s participated in this year's summit as a knowledge partner. CEO, David Beer, moderated a discussion comprising trade ministries from the region and representation from the East African Community (EAC) Secretariat. The leaders made a call for enhanced collaborations for Eastern African countries to exploit the vast trade opportunities in a highly competitive world. The panellists also explored the potential for increasing trade, investment, and integration in the region, as a pathway for rapid economic expansion and prosperity. With the integration of dynamic economies such Somalia and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) into the EAC, and growth forecasts reaching 6.3% in 2024, this region stands at the forefront of Africa’s economic take-off. Combined with the economies in the Horn of Africa, the region constitutes about 25% of Africa's population and $400 billion combined GDP. During the Panel, Uganda’s State Minister for investment and Privatisation, Anite Evelyn, highlighted the unexploited investment opportunities in agriculture and ICT in her country. On the other hand, Kenya’s Principal Secretary for Trade, Alfred K’Ombudo, noted that Kenya is investing in logistics and developing supply chains targeting sectors such as transport and horticulture...