TradeMark Africa recently had the honour of hosting Ms. Suomela-Chowdhury, Finland’s Deputy Director General for the Africa Department, who was accompanied by Otto Kivinen, from Finland’s Embassy in Nairobi and also TMA’s Council Chair. Finland has been an integral supporter of TMA for the past decade, contributing over EUR 26 million in core funding. This support has enabled innovation, sustainability, and cross-border collaboration, thus empowering businesses within TMA’s areas of operation.

Thanks to funders like Finland, TMA has partnered with Governments on projects aimed at reducing trading costs and times across borders, as well as enhancing the overall business environment. Such interventions include digitisation of port systems, one-stop border posts, automation of trade processes, support women in trade, among others.

Ms. Suomela-Chowdhury expressed her appreciation for TMA’s Strategy 3 agenda, which focuses on fostering an inclusive, digital, and green trade environment across Africa. Allen Sophia Asiimwe, TMA’s Deputy CEO and Chief of Programmes acknowledged Finland’s continued commitment to strengthening partnerships with Africa. This is particularly relevant as TMA embarks on designing new programming intended to generate even greater impacts under the ambitions of African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).