Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, 28 August 2024: In a significant step towards enhancing Tanzania’s trade infrastructure and economic competitiveness, the Government of Ireland, through its Embassy in Tanzania, has committed €2.4 million (TZS7.26billion) to support TradeMark Africa (TMA)’s programming initiatives aimed at strengthening trade and economic growth in Tanzania for the 2024/25 to 2025/26.
The funding was formalised through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) by Ireland’s Ambassador to Tanzania, Ms Nicola Brennan, and TMA’s Country Director Tanzania, Mr Elibariki Shammy, marking a significant moment in the partnership between Ireland and TMA. The three-year agreement is designed to drive substantial improvements in Tanzania’s trade infrastructure, reduce trade barriers, and enhance business competitiveness. This funding will also be instrumental in advancing digital systems, improving market access, fostering inclusivity, particularly for women traders transitioning from informal to formal trade routes and greening trade – a new priority area to promote more sustainable trade and transport corridors through integrating climate action.
At the signing ceremony, Ambassador Brennan expressed her optimism about the partnership’s impact, stating, “Ireland is proud to partner with TradeMark Africa in this crucial initiative. By improving trade infrastructure and reducing barriers to trade, we can make a significant contribution to Tanzania’s economic growth and the prosperity of its people. This funding reflects our shared commitment to fostering sustainable development and economic opportunities in Africa, while also strengthening the economic ties between our two nations.”
The TMA Tanzania Country Programme aligns with TMA’s broader strategic objectives, addressing critical challenges in the trade environment, such as improving transport infrastructure, enhancing trading standards, reducing non-tariff barriers and promote green trade practices. The strategy prioritises inclusivity, with a particular focus on supporting women traders as they transition from informal to formal trade, thereby promoting gender equality.
The Embassy of Ireland’s support will further strengthen TMA’s efforts to improve transport systems, advance trade standards, and accelerate trade digitalisation, thereby boosting Tanzania’s competitiveness.
Elibariki Shammy, TMA Country Director, Tanzania, highlighted the significance of this collaboration: “This funding from the Embassy of Ireland is essential in enabling us to effectively execute our strategy. It allows us to drive significant improvements in trade facilitation, which are crucial for Tanzania’s economic growth. Our focus is on ensuring that our programmes benefit all traders, especially women, who play a vital role in the economy. With this funding, we can scale up our efforts in facilitating trade and investment, improving the quality of traded goods, and promoting inclusivity and green trade practices. These interventions are critical to achieving sustainable economic growth in Tanzania and the wider East African region.”
The TMA Tanzania Country Programme Strategy 2023-2030 is focused on delivering two primary outcomes: increased market access through improved transport infrastructure and reduced trade barriers, and enhanced business competitiveness through capacity building and public-private dialogue. The programme also places a strong emphasis on supporting women traders, particularly in transitioning from informal to formal trade routes.
Mr Shammy added that Ireland’s support comes at a crucial time as TMA works towards unlocking Tanzania’s trade potential. “By investing in trade infrastructure and improving the business environment, we are laying the foundation for sustainable economic growth. We are particularly focused on empowering women traders, ensuring they have access to the resources and opportunities they need to thrive,” he concluded.
This new funding from Ireland builds on the success of previous partnerships, enabling TMA to further reduce trade costs, improve border efficiency, and foster economic integration in the region. The collaboration is expected to have a lasting impact on Tanzania’s trade landscape, driving economic growth and creating opportunities for all Tanzanians.
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