[vc_row][vc_column][custom_inner_menus select_menu="project"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][single_project_block_1 heading="East Africa standards platform" implementor="East African Business Council (EABC)" target_group="Importers and exporters, Manufacturers" project_value="US$ 320,412" implementation_period="2012 - 2014" download_btn_text="Download Project PDF" download_btn_link="#url"]A political economy study by TMA in 2006 found that policy-making in the EAC has failed effectively to engage the public in open debate. Whilst the EAC Treaty requires the involvement of PSOs and CSOs, it is unclear on entry points and frameworks for engagement. The key association representing the private sector at regional level is the East African Business Council with an embryonic East Africa CSO Forum seeking to represent civil society across the region. These institutions however are weak, lack long-term or comprehensive support, and are criticised for failing adequately to represent their constituencies. What: This project will lobby for increased harmonisation of priority standards. How: TMA will provide the required technical and financial assistance to SID to conduct the research. Contact: Allan Ngugi, Program Manager, Business Competitiveness allan.ngugi@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="42540" image_2="42538"]EAC partner states implement harmonised priority standards; reduction in the cost of compliance with standards within the EAC; bureau of standards and producers improve their understanding of standards and requirements. Together the results lead to a reduction in the cost and time of doing business in the EAC region.[/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...

[vc_row][vc_column][custom_inner_menus select_menu="project"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][single_project_block_1 heading="Kenya Bureau of Standards testing" implementor="Kenya Bureau of Standards" target_group="Importers and manufacturers, KEBS, KEPHIS and other national standards agencies" project_value="US$ 1,714,456" implementation_period="2011 – 2017" download_btn_text="Download Project PDF" download_btn_link="#url"]The regulatory framework for standards in Kenya has overlapping ministerial responsibilities, which has created difficulties for traders in understanding which organisation is responsible for particular tasks which in turn can result in delays in complying with standards regulations. What: The KEBS medium-term strategy 2010-2013 included a review of the framework to clarify and rationalize conflicting and overlapping responsibilities as well as align Kenya’s SQMT infrastructure with international and regional provisions. The project provides support towards reforming the national SQMT policy and legislation in conformity with an EAC wide framework. How: KEBS is implementing the project with technical and financial support from TradeMark Africa. Contact: Joshua Mutunga: joshua.mutunga@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="42638" image_2="42538"]KEBS staff and producers improve their understanding of standards and requirements, increased number and range of parameters tested by KEBs and simplified and more transparency of import/ export procedures.[/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]It also focuses on upgrading laboratory facilities and staff training with key outputs being: Standards Act reviewed. [/single_project_content][single_project_content]A national quality policy developed. Technical Regulations Act passed. [/single_project_content][single_project_content] Testing equipment...

[vc_row][vc_column][custom_inner_menus select_menu="project"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][single_project_block_1 heading="Burundi NTB National Monitoring Committee" implementor="National Monitoring Committee on NTBs" target_group="The Burundian Government, the national and international business stakeholders" project_value="US$ 587,137.8" implementation_period="2011 - 2015" download_btn_text="Download Project PDF" download_btn_link="#url"]NTBs are defined in the EAC as “quantitative restrictions and specific limitations that act as obstacles to trade”. Such restrictions and limitations are embedded in laws, regulations, practices and requirements other than tariffs and include non-tariff charges, government participation in trade, restrictive trade practices and policies, among others. Burundi is particularly affected and in terms of cost of export and import ranks among the most expensive in the world. Reducing the time and cost losses to exporters and importers is thus paramount to Burundi’s increased regional integration and trade facilitation, but also to sustaining growth in the long run. What: The aim of this project is to support the National Monitoring Committee (NMC) develop a national strategy and an action plan on eliminating NTB's. How: TMA will provide the required support to Burundi NMC in hiring a coordinator in charge of coordinating activities of the committee Contact: Sandra Nyambuza, Email: sandra.nyambuza@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="42084" image_2="42057"]The NMC Coordinator is fully operational; An NMC Strategy is elaborated and validated, a National Action Plan is elaborated and implemented. Together, this results will strengthen of the NMC for the elimination of NTBs in Burundi[/single_project_block_2][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][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"...

[vc_row][vc_column][custom_inner_menus select_menu="project"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][single_project_block_1 heading="UNBS and MIT improve testing" implementor="Ministry of Trade Industry and Cooperatives" target_group="Importers and exporters, Manufacturers, Uganda National Bureau of Standards" project_value="US$ 2,700,000" implementation_period="2011 - 2017" download_btn_text="Download Project PDF" download_btn_link="#url"]Uganda currently lacks a National Standards and Quality Policy or a strategy to provide guidance and a coherent direction for the development of the national standards and quality infrastructure. Uganda has begun work on strengthening and promoting the use of quality standards and infrastructure through the SIDA and EU-funded Quality Infrastructure and Standards Programme (QUISP). Current funding indicates a deficit of €4m against a budget of €9m, out of which TMA will be funding the amount of US$1.6m. The Ministry of Trade and Uganda National Bureau of Standards have expressed the importance for TMA to work within existing mechanisms such as QUISP in supporting implementation of standards in Uganda. What: Promote the use of standards and quality infrastructure so as to improve the competitiveness of Uganda’s products, processes and service delivery systems in domestic, regional and international markets. How: TMA will provide financial and technical support to the Uganda government through the Ministry of Trade and Uganda National Bureau of Standards for the Implementation of project. 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="43453" image_2="43451"]Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) simplify and increase the transparency of import/ export procedures; producers improve the quality of products produced; bureau of standards staff and producers improve their understanding of standards and...

[vc_row][vc_column][custom_inner_menus select_menu="project"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][single_project_block_1 heading="SEATINI-Upgrading quality standards in agriculture for Uganda maize and sesame." implementor="Southern and Eastern African Trade, Information and Negotiations Institute (SEATINI)" target_group="Maize and sesame farmers/producers" project_value="US$ 300,000" implementation_period="2014 - 2017" download_btn_text="Download Project PDF" download_btn_link="#url"]Maize and sesame sub- sector have been faced with the challenge of poor quality across the region resulting from low standards. This has subjected farmers and traders to losses as a result of their goods being rejected at the borders. A number of policies and NTBs continue to affect these 2 sub-sectors in Uganda as a result of failure to meet standards. The EAC Common Market Score Card 2014 (World Bank and International Finance Cooperation) identified Sanitary and Phyto sanitary measures with the most categories of NTBs. The study identified cumbersome testing and certification procedures; non-recognition of quality marks and SPS certificate from other partner states and stringent requirements for exports of products as the most issues related to SPS and technical standards. Most farmers are not yet educated about the importance of handling the produce carefully after harvest so the quality is often bad and it discourages the buyers. Since maize and sesame are grown by the poor communities, supporting export capacities in this area through reducing NTBs associated with differing national requirements for standards will mitigate poverty and protect Uganda maize and sesame exports from negative shocks as she opens up to her neighbors. What: This project aims to support SEATINI develop policy papers to advocate for implementation of EAC standards on maize; work...

[vc_row][vc_column][custom_inner_menus select_menu="project"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][single_project_block_1 heading="Busia Trade Logistics Cluster" implementor="Ministry of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives and Busia District Local Government" target_group="Importers, Exporters, Transporters, Regulatory Government Agencies." project_value="USD 760,000" implementation_period="2018- 2022" download_btn_text="Download Project PDF" download_btn_link="https://www.trademarkafrica.com/download/57219/"]The Busia border being the main transport artery carrying trade from Mombasa through Kenya to Uganda, has a comparative advantage to create jobs and spur growth than many other existing border posts. However, a key challenge in enhancing trade through Busia relates to the poor state of logistics and market infrastructure in place to support cargo aggregation, storage and distribution, sorting, packing/repacking, and labelling and several other ancillary and miscellaneous services. What: Building on the successes achieved through the development of a one stop border post at Busia by TMA, Busia TLC seeks to develop logistics and market infrastructure in Busia along with required regulatory interventions which shall make trade and logistics from the region more efficient, thereby reducing costs and supporting an increase in trade volumes. This project will contribute to the structural transformation of cross border trade around Busia away from its current reliance on low productivity informal trade in maize and horticulture towards greater economic diversification by increasing production and quality of maize and horticultural produce. Women traders will also be targeted given they are active small-scale cross border traders. All these shall result in a decrease in poverty levels through increasing net income for the trade chain, especially for the producers and create more Jobs. How: TMA, with funding from the United Kingdom Foreign, Commonwealth and...

[vc_row][vc_column][custom_inner_menus select_menu="project"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][single_project_block_1 heading="Busia Trade Logistics Cluster" implementor="Ministry of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives and Busia District Local Government" target_group="Importers, Exporters, Transporters, Regulatory Government Agencies." project_value="US" implementation_period="2018- 2022" download_btn_text="Download Project PDF" download_btn_link="https://www.trademarkafrica.com/download/58534/"]Uganda Revenue Authority successfully implemented the AEO programme between 2010 – 2017 with support during implementation of its Strategy 1, this support also included the migration from ASYCUDA++ to ASYCUDA World as well as the establishment of the centralised Document Processing Centre (DPC). As a result of these interventions and internal URA reforms there was tremendous improvement in service delivery, taxpayer compliance, corporate image, and URA’s revenue collection which has more than doubled over in the last 5 years. Currently, Uganda has 66 companies recognised as AEOs in Uganda and 30 companies that are regionally accredited across the East African Community. However, the AEO programme is still faced with manual processes that have made it difficult to realize the intended objective and weakened delivery of the full benefits arising from this work. This situation creates the need to automate these processes and include an element of risk assessment is necessary to improve the service delivery and further grow the AEO programme. What: The project seeks to develop a risk management engine to support compliance in the Customs Department making the international supply chain more secure by managing risks, rewarding compliance, and facilitating trade and enhancing revenue generation. Further, the system will improve the efficiency of the implementing agency by removing redundancies in the application, registration, and accreditation processes for AEOs. How:...

[vc_row][vc_column][custom_inner_menus select_menu="project"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][single_project_block_1 heading="Capacity Building and NTB Elimination" implementor="Ministry of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives" target_group="Importers and Exporters" project_value="USD 510,000" implementation_period="2018- 2023" download_btn_text="Download Project PDF" download_btn_link="https://www.trademarkafrica.com/download/58533/"]The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives between 2012 and 2017 developed and rolled out a Non-Tariff Barriers reporting system, a platform that facilitates the reporting of NTBs in real time either online (www.mtic.go.ug) or via SMS by dialling *201# to report the NTB that may be impeding trade. This system has been successful and more than 80% of NTBs reported through the system are resolved. However, there is need to upgrade the system to make it more robust and continue strengthening the National Monitoring Committee that is responsible for oversight on NTBs. What: The project will upgrade the existing NTB reporting system making it more responsive and this will include: Developing an NTB mobile application Interfacing the NTB reporting system with other trade facilitation systems i.e., Trade Information Portal and Uganda Electronic Single Window. Improve the analytical capabilities of the system. Translate the system into local languages to increase accessibility. In addition, the project will continue to support the implementation of the National Response Mechanism that will strengthen the existing National Monitoring Committees capacity to monitor and eliminate NTBs. How: TMA, with funding from the United Kingdom Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), is providing financial assistance to Ministry of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives to implement this project. Contact: Ag. Senior Programme Manager: Sandra Kirenga sandra.kirenga@trademarkea.com Click here to learn more about One Stop Border Posts...

[vc_row][vc_column][custom_inner_menus select_menu="project"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][single_project_block_1 heading="Goli One Stop Border Post" implementor="Ministry of Works and Transport (Construction) and Uganda Revenue Authority (Operationalise OSBP)" target_group="Importers, Exporters, Transporters, Cross Border Traders, Travellers, Border Officials" project_value="USD 2.5 million" implementation_period="2018- 2022" download_btn_text="Download Project PDF" download_btn_link="https://www.trademarkafrica.com/download/58532/"]The Goli/Mahagi border between Uganda and DR Congo is characterised by dilapidated infrastructure and border inefficiency which results in a poor environment for handling and processing goods and people.  DR Congo is key trading partner for Uganda, with a significant amount of manufactured goods being exported to DR Congo. Furthermore, informal trade between Uganda and DR Congo is high, in FY 2017/18 DR Congo was the main informal partner with total informal export trade of USD 291.48 million. DR Congo has also expressed interest in joining the East African Community which will further strengthen its ties with Uganda and the EAC region. What: The project will address the challenges at the Goli/Mahagi border by constructing a one stop border post, implementing an integrated border management system including procedural and regulatory reforms How: TMA, with funding from the United Kingdom Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), is financing the construction of the Goli OSBP and the integrated border management system. Contact: Programme Manager OSBPs: Michael Ojatum michael.ojatum@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"]The project is expected to: Upgrade the Non-Tariff Barrier monitoring and reporting system. Increase identification and resolution of Non-Tariff Barriers Strengthen the National Monitoring Committee [/single_project_block_2][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row disable_element="yes"][vc_column][project_single_ele_3_container heading="More Project Insights." sub_heading="Projects Highlights From A Glance"...

[vc_row][vc_column][custom_inner_menus select_menu="project"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][single_project_block_1 heading="Gulu Logistics Hub" implementor="Ministry of Works and Transport Uganda and Uganda Railways Corporation" target_group="Importers, Exporters, Transporters" project_value="USD 8.4 million" implementation_period="2018- 2022" download_btn_text="Download Project PDF" download_btn_link="https://www.trademarkafrica.com/download/58531/"]In recent years Uganda has played a vital role as a distribution hub for South Sudan and the Eastern DR Congo. However, importers in South Sudan and DRC keep supplies (exports and re-exports) in bonded facilities in Kampala which increases the cost due to the distance the goods must travel. The route to South Sudan and DRC passes through Northern Uganda, despite the large volume of goods en-route to these markets, there is no distribution hub in Northern Uganda. The northern region depends on Kampala and Jinja distribution hubs. The operationalisation of the Gulu Logistics Hub is therefore expected to address some of the issues that hamper distribution of cargo in Northern Uganda, South Sudan, parts of DRC. What: The Gulu Logistics Hub will respond to the logistics needs to the northern region by providing functions such as container and break-bulk, handling and storage facilities including bonded and non-bonded warehouses, space for stakeholders dealing with freight transport and the provision of accompanying services such as customs inspections, tax payment, maintenance and repair, banking, and information communication technology connections. The Gulu Logistics Hub envisages the construction of bonded and non-bonded warehousing facilities through private sector investment. How: TMA, with funding from the United Kingdom Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) (USD 3.2 million) and the European Union (USD 5.2 million) is financing the construction of...