[vc_row][vc_column][rev_slider slidertitle="UGANDA ELECTRONIC SINGLE WINDOW PROJECT" alias="uganda-electronic-single-window-project" offset=""][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][custom_inner_menus select_menu="project"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][single_project_block_1 heading="Uganda Electronics Single Window Project" implementor="MINISTRY OF TRADE, INDUSTRY AND COOPERATIVES (MTIC) – Lead Coordinating Agency UGANDA REVENUE AUTHORITY (URA) – Lead Implementing Agency" target_group="Importers and Exporters" project_value="US$ 9,000,000" implementation_period="2015 - 2018" download_btn_text="Download Project PDF" download_btn_link="#url"]Uganda’s international trade business community must regularly prepare and submit large volumes of information and documents to governmental authorities to comply with import, export and transit-related regulatory requirements. Extensive documentation requirements and their associated compliance costs, constitute non – tariff barriers (NTBs), thus inhibiting the development of intra-regional and international trade. What: A national electronic single window, resolves the time and cost challenges and eliminates non-tariff barriers. In this case, UESW will link 22 government Ministries, Departments and Agencies thereby reducing transaction costs and time associated with processing select imports and exports documentation. How: TMA, with funding from the Danish International Development Agency (DANIDA), is providing financial and technical assistance to the URA, as the lead implementing agency, and Ministry of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives, as the lead coordinating agency, to support the implementation of the national electronic single window. Contact: Damali Ssali, Email; damali.ssali@tradermarkea.com Click here to learn more about One Stop Border Posts Program[/single_project_block_1][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row el_id="desired-result"][vc_column][single_project_block_2 heading="Desired Results" image_1="42902" image_2="43387"]The Uganda Electronic Single Window (UESW) will lead to improved coordination and sharing of data amongst trade regulatory agencies. It will also reduce the time it takes to process import and export documents in Uganda.[/single_project_block_2][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row el_id="project-insight"][vc_column][project_single_ele_3_container heading="More Project Insights." sub_heading="Projects Highlights From A Glance" slide_1="info access...

[vc_row][vc_column][custom_inner_menus select_menu="project"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][single_project_block_1 heading="Uganda electronic cargo tracking system" implementor="Uganda Revenue Authority" target_group="Importers and exporters" project_value="US$ 3,600,000" implementation_period="2013 - 2016" download_btn_text="Download Project PDF" download_btn_link="#url"]According to the URA, it costs transporters $200-250 per day when trucks are delayed along the transit routes. Part or all of this cost is passed on to the owner of goods. As a result, the cost of transport tends to increase the further inland the destination of cargo, not only because of distance but also the number of stoppages along the routes The major transit delays in the region include roadblocks by police and customs authorities, weighbridges, physical escorts and border clearance, and they vary from country to country. In Uganda, the major delays arise from physical escorts, which are considered a major non-tariff barrier in the region. URA further indicates that physical escorts in Uganda have the effect of increasing the transit period from 1 day to 3 - 4 days, effectively resulting into an estimated increase in transport costs of about $400 - $500, the additional cost paid as a result of the increase in transit period. What: The aim of this project is to implement an electronic cargo tracking system to reduce delays resulting from transit. How: TMA is providing financial and technical support to URA to implement the electronic cargo tracking system Contact: Moses Sabiiti, Email moses.sabiiti@trademarkea.com Click here to learn more about One Stop Border Posts Program[/single_project_block_1][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row el_id="desired-result"][vc_column][single_project_block_2 heading="Desired Results" image_1="43387" image_2="43391"]Uganda Revenue Authority improves the efficiency of customs processing resulting in higher...

[vc_row][vc_column][rev_slider slidertitle="Support to Kenya Revenue Authority (iCMS)" alias="support-to-kenya-revenue-authority-icms"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][custom_inner_menus select_menu="project"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][single_project_block_1 heading="Kenya Revenue Authority Customs Management System" implementor="Kenya Revenue Authority" target_group="Customs Officials, Clearing Agents, Private Sector" project_value="US$ 23.5 Million" implementation_period="2017 – 2023" download_btn_text="Download Project PDF" download_btn_link="#url"]The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) Integrated Customs Management System (iCMS) was designed and developed to address the limitations and system downtimes that were characteristic of the previous SIMBA 2005 system. Some of the challenges of the SIMBA 2005 system were: Operational inefficiencies visible in the longer clearance times for goods; Subjectivity in the administration and management of applications by traders, often leading to delayed clearance and lost business opportunities to traders; Revenue leakages resulting from misdeclaration and cargo diversion; Low implementation of preclearance processes – further increasing clearance time. As a main artery in facilitating clearance of import and export of goods into and outside Kenya, digitisation of all KRA’s customs processes creates a conducive environment for importers and exporters both domestic and foreign to trade with Kenya. What: Automation of key customs procedures including import processes, export processes, transit and transshipments by land, air, and sea. This eliminates process inaction times, reduce paper work and human interface, thus faster clearance of goods.  The now rolled out, iCMS automates, integrates, and harmonises KRA customs processes into a single system accessible to exporters, importers and customs agents operating within Kenya, with the goal of enhancing efficiency in customs operations, and enabling the country to conform to best global customs standards. In addition to providing relevant clearance information through...

[vc_row][vc_column][custom_inner_menus select_menu="project"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][single_project_block_1 heading="Support to the Office Burundais des Recettes (OBR)" implementor="Office Burundais des Recettes (OBR)/Burundi Revenue Authority" target_group="Importers, exporters, Burundian citizens" project_value="US$ 31,500,000" implementation_period="2011 - 2016" download_btn_text="Download Project PDF" download_btn_link="#url"]The Government of Burundi (GoB) established the Office Burundais des Recettes (OBR) in 2010. GoB had originally commissioned GtZ and DFID to carry out a study on the modalities and potential benefits of establishing the OBR. Preparations for the OBR were informed by recommendations of the GtZ/DFID study. OBR represents a core part of GoB’s efforts to promote economic recovery and to redevelop the country. Establishing a professional Revenue Authority (RA) and improving revenue collection is essential, to increase resources for economic and social development, to create a better business environment, and to integrate Burundi properly into the EAC. What: The aim of the OBR Programme is to facilitate poverty reduction by improving revenue collection through modernized tax collection and customs administration in Burundi. How: TMA will provide financial and technical assistance to GoBto establish a semi-autonomous RA, with efficient, modern operating structures and procedures; and to establish a more effective fiscal administration. Procurements and contracting will be done by TMA.In this work, OBR will draw on assistance from projects of the World Bank, IMF, France, the EC, and the Investment Climate Facility for Africa Contact: Aimé Nzoyihera, Email: aime.nzoyihera@trademarkea.com Click here to learn more about One Stop Border Posts Program[/single_project_block_1][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row el_id="desired-result"][vc_column][single_project_block_2 heading="Desired Results" image_1="42316" image_2="43286"]OBR maximizes revenue collection[/single_project_block_2][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row el_id="project-insight"][vc_column][project_single_ele_3_container heading="More Project Insights." sub_heading="Projects Highlights From A Glance" slide_1="info access for...

[vc_row][vc_column][custom_inner_menus select_menu="project"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][single_project_block_1 heading="South Sudan Customs management reforms" implementor="South Sudan Customs Service" target_group="Importers and exporters in East Africa" project_value="US$ 10,480,971.21" implementation_period="2011 - 2016" download_btn_text="Download Project PDF" download_btn_link="#url"]As part of the USAID-funded “Sudan Core Institutions Project” there was an assessment of the Customs Service in South Sudan. The report identified a number of “immediate critical actions”. These actions are considered essential before, or immediately after, independence to ensure that South Sudan takes steps towards establishing a fully functioning Customs Service. Customs is recognised as a key priority of GOSS as it takes steps to reduce its over-reliance on oil revenue by building up alternative revenue sources, especially customs duties. What The project aims at supporting the South Sudan Customs Services (SSCS) to become an effective and efficient agency able to support its government's objective of diversifying its revenue incomes while facilitating trade. How: TMA will provide and manage technical assistance to the Government of South Sudan to implement basic fundamentals of customs administration while laying a foundation for a wider customs reform strategy. Contact: John Kalisa, Email:john.kalisa@trademarkea.com Click here to learn more about One Stop Border Posts Program[/single_project_block_1][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row el_id="desired-result"][vc_column][single_project_block_2 heading="Desired Results" image_1="42708" image_2="42656"]Efficient customs processing and improved knowledge and skills of South Sudan’s customs service. This will contribute to reducing trade costs in East Africa.[/single_project_block_2][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row el_id="project-insight"][vc_column][project_single_ele_3_container heading="More Project Insights." sub_heading="Projects Highlights From A Glance" slide_1="info access for 20 crops & over five breeds of livestock" slide_2="info access for 20 crops & over five breeds of livestock" slide_3="info access for 20 crops &...

[vc_row][vc_column][custom_inner_menus select_menu="project"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][single_project_block_1 heading="Rwanda ESW and upgrade of CMS" implementor="Rwanda Revenue Authority" target_group="EAC region importers and exporters" project_value="US$ 3,300,000" implementation_period="2011 - 2017" download_btn_text="Download Project PDF" download_btn_link="#url"]Traders in the East African Community (EAC) currently spend numerous days visiting multiple government agencies in various locations to obtain regulatory information permits, trade licenses and clearance certificates to complete import and export processes. This results in huge costs and time loss for the traders. To counter these inefficiencies in trade facilitation, governments in the EAC have set up national Electronic Single Windows with revenue and port authorities, cross-border trade certification agencies and the private sector. What: The Single Window Information for Trade is a trade facilitation concept which allows cross-border traders to access apply for and submit regulatory documents at a single location. How: TMA is providing financial support to RRA and other government agencies to implement the Rwanda Electronic Single Window Contact: Jackie Zizane, jackie.zizani@trademarkea.com Click here to learn more about One Stop Border Posts Program[/single_project_block_1][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row el_id="desired-result"][vc_column][single_project_block_2 heading="Desired Results" image_1="42769" image_2="42771"]Greater efficiency, transparency and accountability into the goods clearance processes which will contribute to a reduction in transport costs and time in East Africa[/single_project_block_2][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row el_id="project-insight"][vc_column][project_single_ele_3_container heading="More Project Insights." sub_heading="Projects Highlights From A Glance" slide_1="info access for 20 crops & over five breeds of livestock" slide_2="info access for 20 crops & over five breeds of livestock" slide_3="info access for 20 crops & over five breeds of livestock"][single_project_content]Key outputs include: Single Window portal and customs management system implemented Cater for other related costs to the implementation...

[vc_row][vc_column][custom_inner_menus select_menu="project"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][single_project_block_1 heading="Support to Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) to Improve Customs Systems" implementor="Uganda Revenue Authority (customs department)" target_group="Ugandan importers and exporters" project_value="US$ 6,953,525" implementation_period="2011 - 2017" download_btn_text="Download Project PDF" download_btn_link="#url"]Improving customs processes is key to faster and easier trade and increased revenue collection for Uganda. Since 2004, URA has implemented a major modernization programme that has seen an increase in the collection of domestic taxes. Customs improvements have been less marked. Building on the successes of the first phase, URA is implementing a number of customs reform initiatives. What: The focus is on upgrading of the existing data processing system to bring faster clearance of cargo, improve revenue control and provide up-to-date accurate information on trade in goods. How: TMA is providing financial support to URA to implement the planned reforms and management support to ensure that the implementation plan remains on track and to the quality expected. Contact: Moses Sabiiti, Program Manager, Email: moses.sabiiti@trademarkea.com Click here to learn more about One Stop Border Posts Program[/single_project_block_1][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row el_id="desired-result"][vc_column][single_project_block_2 heading="Desired Results" image_1="42403" image_2="43293"]Uganda Revenue Authority improves the efficiency of customs processing resulting in higher revenue collections and a decrease in average time to clear customs consignments. These results will contribute to trade costs in East Africa.[/single_project_block_2][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row el_id="project-insight"][vc_column][project_single_ele_3_container heading="More Project Insights." sub_heading="Projects Highlights From A Glance" slide_1="info access for 20 crops & over five breeds of livestock" slide_2="info access for 20 crops & over five breeds of livestock" slide_3="info access for 20 crops & over five breeds of livestock"][single_project_content]Key outputs: Customs IT systems...

[vc_row][vc_column][custom_inner_menus select_menu="project"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][single_project_block_1 heading="Alternative System for Secure Transit (ASSET)" implementor="EAC Revenue authorities" target_group=" Revenue authorities Traders and clearing agents Financial Institutions Insurance companies " project_value="$3,461,378" implementation_period="2011 - 2014" download_btn_text="Download Project PDF" download_btn_link="#url"]Custom bonds are a guarantee required by revenue authorities that goods will exit the country as required and will not be consumed in transit countries to avoid taxes. These bonds are a heavy additional cost to the trader. A TMA commissioned impact assessment demonstrated that switching from national bond schemes to ASSET could have saved $209,000,000 in Kenya alone in the year 2011. What: ASSET is an innovative system to eliminate the need for customs bonds, thus reducing the cost of doing business for traders and clearing agents, while safeguarding revenue. Through ASSET, taxes and duties payable at the country of destination are held in a dedicated financial facility before transit. This amount serves as the guarantee to revenue authorities in transit countries and as the duties and taxes payable upon safe arrival of goods at the intended destination. How: TMA is funding revenue authorities to conduct further research into the feasibility of ASSET and to develop the ICT infrastructure between the financial institutions and revenue authorities. The project supports Burundi and Tanzania revenue authorities to conduct a pilot on the Central Corridor for Burundi’s petroleum imports, through the port of Dar es Salaam. Contact: Alban Odhiambo: alban.odhiambo@trademarkea.com Click here to learn more about One Stop Border Posts Program[/single_project_block_1][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type="fixGreySection" el_id="desired-result"][vc_column][single_project_block_2 heading="Desired Results" image_1="41987" image_2="41989"]ASSET will save traders money spent...

[vc_row][vc_column][custom_inner_menus select_menu="project"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][single_project_block_1 heading="South Sudan Nimule OSBP construction" target_group="Importers and exporters, Private sector agents such as freight forwarders, and transporters; Border agencies; Revenue Authorities, Bureau of Standards, Immigration Authorities and Relevant government ministries" project_value="US$ 5 million" implementation_period="2018-2019" download_btn_text="Download Project PDF" download_btn_link="#url"]As the main gateway into Southern Sudan from the port of Mombasa, the Nimule-Elegu border post is of strategic importance to the EAC region. The border is extremely slow, and Nimule takes an average of four days to process imports. This delay imposes serious costs on traders. These time delays can be attributed to inadequate border infrastructure, insufficient quality and quantity of technical equipment, poor border design, complicated procedures based on centralized control, and multiple border organisations working in isolation. What: TradeMark Africa is financing an OSBP at Elegu, Uganda, and modernising and extending the facilities at Nimule, South Sudan. How: TMA will provide full funding for the construction of the OSBP. Harmonisation of customs procedures will be undertaken by a Joint Task Force of Experts from the two countries concerned and supported by TradeMark Africa. The project will be implemented in coordination with other ongoing initiatives of the World Bank, JICA, USAID, the African Development Bank and the European Union. TMA will engage consultants for design and supervise work. Contact: John Kalisa: Email:john.kalisa@trademarkea.com Click here to learn more about One Stop Border Posts Program[/single_project_block_1][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row el_id="desired-result"][vc_column][single_project_block_2 heading="Desired Results" image_1="42728" image_2="42708"]Efficient border processing, improved knowledge and skills of border agencies and compliance with border procedures which will reduce waiting times at the...

Growth of international and intra-regional trade is recognized as key factors towards achieving greater economic growth and regional integration for the East African region. However, the East African region is characterized by high costs of doing business, high costs of transportation, numerous non-tariff barriers, delays and associated administrative costs on the transit logistics chain all of which are eventually passed down to the end consumer of the goods. This cause a huge increase in the cost of goods in the landlocked countries, and given that the EAC region is a net importer, is a factor that makes the region very uncompetitive compared to the world markets and economies.