TradeMark Africa recently kicked off its programming in Côte d’Ivoire by supporting the development of the National Trade Facilitation Strategy, an effort backed by the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. This marks a pivotal step for the country as it aims to bolster its trade infrastructure and expand commerce with its neighbours and beyond. The initiative not only signals TMA’s first step into the Trade Facilitation space in Côte d’Ivoire but also sets the stage for future partnerships.

The National Trade Facilitation Strategy meeting was spearheaded by Ministry of Trade, with participation from various government agencies and private sector representatives. The TMA delegation was guided by Director of Strategy and Partnership Anthe Vrijlandt.

As part of its commitment to enhance regional trade, TMA is developing programmes along the Abidjan-Lagos Corridor with key regional organisations, namely, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat. Additionally, TMA is diversifying its funding avenues, launching new initiatives financed by France’s Agence Française de Développement and engaging in talks with several development partners to support the vast opportunities the West African region presents.