Supporting Rwanda farmers to reduce losses and access markets
For many farmer cooperatives across Rwanda, especially those that farm staple crops, access to finance has always been an issue and this is complicated by post-harvest losses that discourage finance providers from investing in agriculture. Positively, the government of Rwanda is undertaking improvement in infrastructure such as cold storage facilities, road and air transport to […]
Brewing Tea Trade In One Click
Like many Kenyans, George Adulu an Information Technology (IT) professional from Nairobi, religiously takes a hot cup of tea with his breakfast, paying homage to an age-old Kenyan tradition. Tea is a breakfast staple, a ten o’clock break beverage and a night cap. Many households brew it with milk and water until it acquires a […]
TradeMark Africa Climate Change Strategy 2018 – 23
1. Background TradeMark Africa’s (TMA) mission is to promote regional trade, economic integration and competitiveness in East Africa. The region faces significant long-term risks from climate change (CC) because the economies are highly dependent on climate sensitive sectors such as agriculture. This proposed Climate Change Strategy complements TMA’s Corporate Strategy 2018-2023 by building climate resilient […]
The resilience of a Uganda woman trader has moved a community of 4000 from challenge to success
In Gulu, Northern Uganda, Santa Joyce Laker leads a cooperative society of 4,070 farmers and traders, 3,000 of whom are women. Her story is an example of recovery and resilience after disaster, rising to succeed against the impact of conflict that plagued the region for almost 20 years. From rape to death of loved ones, […]
Accessing Global Markets: Rwanda’s Game-plan in Getting Standards Right
How can Rwanda get more of its domestic products to international markets? A key element in achieving this goal requires applying rigorous requirements to food, animal and plant exports, known as Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) measures set by importing countries to address food safety, animal health and plant health risks that may be carried by […]
Roaring Cross-Border trade lifts thousands of women out of poverty in Rwanda
In Rwanda from the capital city of Kigali to the borders with Democratic Republic of Congo or Uganda, cooperatives are building socially and economically resilient communities. TMA has interest in supporting women economic empowerment and this is being shown by its recent financial commitment to increase funding to women programmes. As well as its partnership […]
A Green Port. What is It Worth?
A few years ago, the cargo handling section of Mombasa port teamed with dusty and sweaty workers busy hauling heavy packages on their backs, from the warehouses to the waiting lorries. Injuries and chest pains were a norm. One of these workers was Humphrey Agini. He recounts how the polluted and risky work environment caused him […]
One Stop Border Posts: Transforming Trade And Lives
To most people, a One Stop Border Post (OSBP) at one of East Africa’s border crossing points is simply a building where papers are processed. TradeMark Africa (TMA) has worked to establish and improve systems at 13 OSBPs across East Africa to ensure that they are much more. To the frequent border users,these infrastructures are […]
Caroline and Juliana: Empowered Women Entrepreneurs Paying It Forward
Many years ago, Juliana Mtenga worked as a simple tailor in Tanzania’s city of Dodoma. She earned a small income, which she didn’t mind because she considered her real full time job as that of taking care of her children and the house. As any caring mother, Juliana was concerned about her children’s nutrition – more so for […]
Empowering Rwanda Manufacturers and Promoting Export Growth
Improving the export market access and linkages of firms to export is a critical focus of many businesses in the EAC. Private enterprises in the EAC face a wide range of challenges that make trading across borders difficult and reduce the competitiveness of firms. However, when there are reduced challenges in exporting this provides an […]