By Trizer Omugar, Ben Mbindah and Njoki Mungai (TradeMark Africa) The United Nations’ World Environment Day (WED), celebrated annually on June 5, marks its 52nd year in 2024 with the global theme, "Our Land. Our Future. #GenerationRestoration." We emphasise the importance of land restoration to enhance ecological health and productivity by reversing land degradation, halting desertification, and building drought resilience. This year, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, known for its vast deserts, will host the event. Recognising the critical link between economic growth and environmental sustainability, TradeMark Africa (TMA) is alive to its mission of pursuing continental trade facilitation while considering environmental concerns. Africa, where TMA operates, is endowed with rich biodiversity, vast natural resources, and diverse ecosystems, which play a significant role in global trade and economic development. TMA tackles this complexity by designing programmes that promote green trade and logistical operations while making agriculture more sustainable by greening value chains. Land degradation  In a rapidly changing global environment, infrastructure development must consider sustainability practices to mitigate the adverse effects of land degradation. TMA (TradeMark Africa) stands at the forefront of this important work, exemplified by its strategic and consistent incorporation of environmental and climate change considerations into its infrastructure projects. A notable case study is the Hargeisa Bypass Road in Somaliland, where TMA and its implementing partners identified climatic hotspots along the route and implemented climate-proofing solutions during construction. This proactive approach ensures that the road not only serves its purpose but also contributes to mitigate land degradation....

On Saturday, May 25, 2024, Kenya, Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) was honoured to host Danish Minister for Development Cooperation and Global Climate Policy, Dan Jorgensen, at the Port of Mombasa. Minister Jorgensen, alongside KPA MD Capt. William Ruto, Danish Ambassador to Kenya Stephan Schonemann, and TradeMark Africa Director (TMA) for Strategy and Partnerships Anthe Vrijlandt, engaged in productive discussions on critical infrastructure projects for enhancing the efficiency and sustainability of Mombasa Port. Capt. Ruto expressed his gratitude for the long-standing collaboration between KPA and Denmark, facilitated through TMA and other development partners. Denmark has co-supported the upgrade of Mbaraki Road in Mombasa and facilitated initiatives aimed at strengthening green growth, climate resilience, and GHG emissions reduction in freight transport. The support also encompassed a review of the Green Port Policy covering all other ports, namely, Lamu, Shimoni as well as the Inland Container Depots (ICDs) in Nairobi and Naivasha, providing guidelines on how the ports can be developed, maintained and operated in an environmentally sustainable manner. Additionally, Denmark has supported the Kisumu Port Resilient Infrastructure Project, which aims to revive maritime transport and logistics on Lake Victoria, promote economic growth, reduce pollution, and facilitate regional trade. The delegation explored potential areas for future cooperation, focusing on among others, Smart Ports and Green Port Policy Initiatives.

Le 17 mai 2024, Affaires mondiales Canada (GAC) a rencontré TradeMark Africa (TMA) pour faire le point sur un partenariat de 18 millions de dollars canadiens qui a renforcé l'autonomisation économique des femmes dans le commerce et créé un environnement commercial inclusif aux frontières de l'Afrique de l'Est. Lors d'une réunion dirigée par Dave Beer, PDG de TMA, Sue Steffen, directrice générale de GAC pour les affaires panafricaines, a noté que le Canada examine de plus près ses interactions avec l'Afrique. "Nous reconnaissons la profondeur de notre partenariat avec l'Afrique. Nous sommes à un tournant en ce qui concerne nos relations et nos engagements sur le continent dans une dynamique mondiale qui évolue rapidement. C'est une période intéressante pour Affaires mondiales Canada en ce qui concerne nos programmes de développement, et je suis heureuse de constater que TradeMark Africa fait partie de cet écosystème en tant que partenaire important", a déclaré Mme Steffen. Le PDG de TMA, M. Beer, a exprimé son engagement envers le partenariat, qui a permis aux organisations de créer des solutions innovantes telles que la plateforme numérique iSOKO pour les petits commerçants, de soutenir les efforts visant à formaliser leurs entreprises, et d'atteindre la voix et la capacité de gain de plus de 200 000 commerçants dans sept pays et à travers 30 points frontaliers. "Le Canada a joué un rôle déterminant dans l'intégration de l'inclusion sociale dans son travail principal de facilitation du commerce, en apportant des avantages aux commerçants qui sont vulnérables à l'exploitation...

Last week, a high-level delegation led by Mr. Fidele Abimana, the Permanent Secretary in Rwanda's Ministry of Infrastructure (MINIFRA), and Lynder Nkuranga, from the Rwanda Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration (DGIE), toured major infrastructure projects in the economic corridor connecting Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This visit underscores the ongoing commitment to fostering regional integration and enhancing cross-border trade efficiencies, as well as economic prosperity, in the Great Lakes region. Including representatives from the Rusizi District administration, the European Union (EU), the International Organization for Migration (IOM), and TradeMark Africa (TMA), the delegation inspected the progress of the Rusizi II One Stop Border Posts (OSBPs), currently under construction. These projects, integral parts of the "Secure Cross-border Social Economic and Commercial Activities in the Great Lakes Region" initiative, funded by the EU and implemented by IOM and TMA, are on track to be completed in the coming months. The project at Rusizi II OSBP on the Rwandan side has reached 87% completion, with Rusizi II OSBP on the DRC side reaching 77% completion. The Projects Oversight Committee (POC) issued a series of recommendations to fast-track the completion of the Rusizi/Rusizi II OSBP. Among them, MININFRA, in collaboration with the Rwanda Transport Development Agency (RTDA), is assessing the maintenance needs of the road leading to the OSBP. This is part of a broader strategy to ensure that all infrastructural elements are primed to support the increased traffic and logistical demands anticipated upon the project's completion. Environmental sustainability and...

Global Affairs Canada (GAC) on May 17, 2024, met with TradeMark Africa (TMA) to take stock on CA$18 million partnership that has enhanced economic empowerment for women in trade and an inclusive trading environment at borders across East Africa. In a meeting led by TMA CEO Dave Beer, GAC Director General for Pan Africa Affairs, Sue Steffen, noted that Canada is taking a closer look at its interactions in Africa.  “We recognise that the depth of our partnership with Africa runs deep. We are at a turning point with respect to our relationship and engagements on the continent in fast-evolving global dynamics. It is an interesting period at Global Affairs Canada in our development programming, and I am glad to note that TradeMark Africa is part of this ecosystem as a meaningful partner,” Ms. Steffen noted. TMA CEO Mr. Beer expressed commitment to the partnership, which has enabled the organisations to create innovative solutions such as the iSOKO digital platform for small-scale traders, support efforts to formalise their businesses, and reaching over 200,000 traders’ voice and earning power in seven countries and across 30 border points.   “Canada has been instrumental in building social inclusion into our core trade facilitation work, driving benefits for traders who are vulnerable to exploitation and exclusion from policy processes. We are now looking to apply this approach as we expand the scope of our support in West Africa,” he said. To date, Canada has cumulatively provided over CA$30 million through TMA in East Africa to...

Après des années de pressions économiques et d'inquiétudes concernant la dette souveraine, les économies d'Afrique de l'Est connaissent une vague d'optimisme et d'opportunités en matière de financement du commerce et d'investissement dans les infrastructures. Cela fait suite à la pandémie de COVID-19 qui a paralysé le monde, aux inquiétudes concernant la viabilité de la dette, aux pressions inflationnistes et aux récents événements climatiques tels que les pluies intenses et les inondations. Ce sont là quelques-unes des questions qui feront l'objet de discussions au cours de la séance d'ouverture du panel de haut niveau lors de l'événement GTR East Africa à Nairobi les 21 et 22 mai 2024. Organisé par Global Trade Review (GTR), l'événement réunira des leaders de l'industrie, des décideurs politiques, des financiers et des innovateurs pour débattre des opportunités qui stimuleront la croissance du commerce et alimenteront le développement économique de la région. Plus de 50 intervenants experts animeront les deux jours de l'événement, tandis que les expositions permettront aux participants de nouer des contacts avec plus de 300 chefs d'entreprise, pairs et clients potentiels. Il s'agit d'un forum important qui rassemble des leaders d'opinion et des acteurs du financement du commerce, de l'investissement, du commerce et de l'industrie afin de tracer la voie à suivre pour les perspectives de commerce et d'investissement en Afrique de l'Est. Ces discussions importantes ont lieu dans un contexte de défis sans précédent, tels que les inondations intenses qui ont frappé non seulement la région, mais aussi le monde entier, et la...

After years of economic pressures and sovereign debt concerns, East African economies are riding a wave of optimism and opportunity in trade finance and infrastructure investment. This comes on the back of the COVID-19 pandemic that brought the world to a standstill, along with concerns around debt sustainability, inflationary pressures, and recent climate events such as intense rainfall and flooding. These are among the issues that will feature in discussions during the opening high-level panel session at the GTR East Africa event in Nairobi on May 21-22, 2024. Convened by Global Trade Review (GTR), the event will bring together industry leaders, policymakers, financiers, and innovators to deliberate on the opportunities that will drive growth in trade and power the region’s economic development. Over 50 expert speakers will grace the two-day event, with the exhibitions availing opportunities participants to network with over 300 industry leaders, peers, and potential clients. “This is an important forum that brings together thought leaders and stakeholders in trade finance, investment, trade, and industry to chart the way forward for East Africa’s trade and investment prospects. Such important discussions are happening on the back of unprecedented challenges such as the intense flooding not just across the region, but also globally and how these events have disrupted the flow of trade, logistics and supply chains. We have already witnessed first hand how critical logistics and supply chain infrastructure at important facilities such as cargo handling terminals at airports can face disruptions, while also exploring the need to climate...

In a strategic meeting aimed at bolstering regional integration and economic growth, Ms. Annette Ssemuwemba Mutaawe, the Acting Secretary General of the East African Community (EAC) Secretariat met with leadership from TradeMark Africa (TMA), led by CEO Dave Beer. The discussion centred the commitment of both organisations to tackle regional trade barriers, enhance infrastructure and promote sustainable economic practices across East Africa. Breaking Down Barriers: The Fight Against Non-Tariff Barriers (NTBs) A major topic of discussion was the progress in eliminating Non-Tariff Barriers (NTBs). These barriers have long imposed substantial costs on the region by slowing trade and increasing transaction expenses.  A 2023 report by the EAC Regional Meeting Committee highlighted the economic impact of NTBs and estimated this at around $16.7 million. Resultantly, the EAC has prioritised addressing these barriers to enhance economic efficiency across borders. During the Regional NTB Monitoring Committee meeting held in early May 2024, four out of ten outstanding NTBs were resolved, marking a clear path to smoother trade. The mechanisms for identifying, reporting, and resolution NTBs are being upgraded to include SMS reporting tools, which will integrate with the regional mobile application. This upgrade will significantly improve access for small business traders, enabling them to navigate trade regulations more effectively. TMA’s technological and programming initiatives is crucial to the success of these efforts. Enhancing Trade Facilitation: Focus on Infrastructure and Awareness Trade facilitation remains a priority, with TMA encouraged to support cross learning through high-level ministerial visits to successful projects such as One Stop...

Le sommet commercial de l'AmCham, principal forum entre les États-Unis et l'Afrique de l'Est, a été conclu avec brio par un discours du président du Kenya, S.E. William Ruto, qui a déclaré que le Kenya était prêt à faire des affaires - et qu'il en avait l'intention. M. Ruto a en outre salué le sommet de l'AmCham en tant que plateforme stratégique pour la défense des intérêts commerciaux, qui renforcera le commerce bilatéral entre le Kenya et les États-Unis. TradeMark Africa a participé au sommet de cette année en tant que partenaire de connaissance. Son PDG, David Beer, a animé une discussion à laquelle ont pris part les ministères du commerce de la région et des représentants du secrétariat de la Communauté de l'Afrique de l'Est (CAE). Les dirigeants ont lancé un appel à la collaboration pour que les pays d'Afrique de l'Est exploitent les vastes opportunités commerciales dans un monde hautement compétitif. Les intervenants ont également exploré le potentiel de développement du commerce, de l'investissement et de l'intégration dans la région, en tant que voie vers une expansion économique rapide et la prospérité. Avec l'intégration d'économies dynamiques telles que la Somalie et la République démocratique du Congo (RDC) dans la CAE, et des prévisions de croissance atteignant 6,3 % en 2024, cette région se trouve à l'avant-garde du véritable décollage économique de l'Afrique. Avec les économies de la Corne de l'Afrique, la région représente environ 25 % de la population africaine et un PIB combiné de 400 milliards de...

Les 17 et 18 avril 2024, le ministère éthiopien du commerce et de l'intégration régionale a organisé à Jimma des sessions de formation sur la zone de libre-échange continentale africaine (AfCFTA). Ces sessions, financées par l'Union européenne et avec le soutien de l'Agence française de développement et de TradeMark Africa, visaient à informer les bureaux commerciaux régionaux, les chambres de commerce, les associations sectorielles, les femmes commerçantes, les représentants des médias, les entités privées et les universitaires sur les avantages et les opportunités de la zone de libre-échange continentale africaine (AfCFTA). Cette initiative, qui fait partie d'une série d'efforts de sensibilisation à l'AfCFTA, renforce le rôle de l'Éthiopie dans la promotion de l'unité régionale et de l'industrialisation inclusive, en positionnant son secteur privé de manière à ce qu'il profite des opportunités offertes par l'AfCFTA. L'AfCFTA est sur le point de libérer le potentiel économique de l'Afrique, grâce à l'élimination des droits de douane sur au moins 90 % des marchandises, un alignement des politiques commerciales et la mise en place d'un environnement favorable aux entreprises. L'accord constitue une étape vers la stimulation du commerce intra-africain, qui représente actuellement environ 14,4 % du total des exportations africaines. Selon les prévisions de la CNUCED, l'AfCFTA pourrait augmenter ce chiffre d'environ 33 % et réduire de moitié le déficit commercial du continent. La position géographique stratégique de l'Éthiopie et son secteur industriel en plein essor en font un candidat de choix pour tirer profit de la mise en œuvre de l'AfCFTA. Les stratégies...