Traders brace for higher costs as Tanzania joins Kenya in raising port tariffs
Traders across East Africa face rising costs after Tanzania introduced new cargo handling tariffs, just weeks after Kenya raised its own. The Tanzania Ports Authority (TPA) says the revised charges, effective from January 9, 2026, will increase port service fees by between 2 and 15 percent, adding fresh pressure to logistics and consumer prices in […]
Africa’s Entrepreneurs Confront Rising Non‑Tariff Trade Barriers
Africa’s trade challenges have shifted decisively. Tariffs, once the headline obstacle, are no longer the biggest threat. Instead, non‑tariff measures (NTMs)—fragmented standards, slow and inconsistent testing regimes, unrecognised certificates, and unresolved procedural disputes—are quietly shutting firms out of markets. TradeMark Africa’s (TMA) 2024–25 Annual Report underscores the point: “Tariffs are no longer the main obstacle to Africa’s […]
DRC and Uganda Launch €25million EU-Funded Projects to Boost Cross-Border Cooperation, Stabilisation, Resilience and Trade at the Border areas.
Kinshasa, DRC – On June 5, 2025, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the Republic of Uganda, with crucial backing from the European Union (EU), officially launched two significant cross-border projects. These initiatives are designed to bolster stability, resilience, and cooperation, while simultaneously driving down logistical expenses and boosting trade in the border […]
Transforming Trade for Women in Mahagi Towards Safer and Fairer Cross-Border Practices
Mahagi, situated on the eastern border of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), serves as a vital cross-border trade hub with Uganda, where women predominantly engage in small-scale trading activities. Despite their crucial role, these women often operate under challenging circumstances marked by informality, insecurity, and limited access to protection, information, and fundamental rights. Recognizing […]
TradeMark Africa and DRC Customs Authority discuss pathways for cargo tracking systems integration
TradeMark Africa (TMA) and the Democratic Republic of Congo’s (DRC) General Directorate of Customs and Excise (DGDA) on 18 March 2025 convened a steering committee meeting in Nairobi to review ongoing trade facilitation projects in the country. A major focus of the discussions included the integration of the Regional Electronic Cargo Tracking System (RECTS), which […]
Rwanda and DRC Strengthen Economic Ties Through Ambitious Infrastructure Projects
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 […]
Kalundu Port Upgrades Mark Major Milestone in DRC’s Trade
Kalundu, 25 March 2024: The government of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), in partnership with TradeMark Africa (TMA), is pleased to announce the completion of the infrastructure upgrades at the Kalundu Port, situated in Uvira, Sud-Kivu Province. This initiative is part of a broader effort to boost regional trade and economic development along the […]
Construction of DRCs Ruzizi 2 One Stop Border Post Starts after Site Handover to Contractor
The US$6.2million Project is funded by European Union through the IOM and TradeMark will provide a modern efficient border crossing for cargo and human traffic between DRC and Rwanda, two leading trade partners in the East African region. Ruzizi 2, 23rd November 2022: The construction of the Democratic Republic of Congo Ruzizi 2 One Stop […]