Who We Are

TradeMark (Trade and Markets) East Africa is an aid-for-trade organisation that was established in 2010, with the aim of growing prosperity in East Africa through increased trade. TMA operates on a not-for-profit basis and is funded by the development agencies of the following countries: Belgium, Canada, Denmark, European Union, Finland, France,  Ireland, Netherlands, Norway, United Kingdom and United States of America.

TMA works closely with regional intergovernmental organisations, including the African Union (AU), East Africa Community (EAC), Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), Common Market for East and Southern Africa (COMESA), Southern Africa Development Community (SADC), national governments, the private sector and civil society organisations.

TMA, with an annual expenditure of approx. US$80 million, is now a leading aid-for-trade facility in the world.

The first phase of TMA (2010-2018) delivered exceptional results which contributed to substantial gains in East Africa’s trade and regional integration in terms of reduced cargo transit times, improved border efficiency, and reduced barriers to trade.

We are now in the second phase (2018-2024) where we will focus on:

  1. Reducing barriers to trade; and
  2. Improving business competitiveness.

We believe this will deliver large-scale impact in job creation, poverty reduction and enhanced economic welfare.

In a bid to mitigate the impacts of Covid-19 on trade for the good of the economy and their citizens, TMA has created a US$32 million Safe Trade Emergency Facility (STEF) to support Eastern African governments to undertake critical measures along the transport and trade routes that will ensure trade continues safely while protecting livelihoods.

TMA has its headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya, with successful operations and offices in EAC-Arusha, Burundi (Bujumbura), Democratic Republic of Congo (Bukavu), Djibouti (Djibouti), Ethiopia (Addis-Ababa), Horn of Africa (Hargeisa), Malawi (Lilongwe), Rwanda (Kigali), South Sudan (Juba), Tanzania (Dar es Salaam) and Uganda (Kampala).

Our Mission

To promote rapid advances in East Africa’s integration, trade and global competitiveness for all East Africans.

Our Vision

A united East Africa with flourishing trade, strong investment and less poverty.

Our Core Values

Collaboration.

We are partner centric, flexible and responsive to our stakeholder needs.

Inclusiveness.

We embody diversity, maintain respectful relationships with our employees and partners and promote equal opportunity for all.

Innovation.

We empower our employees and partners to create sustainable solutions.

Integrity.

We are transparent, honest and ethical at all times.

Professionalism.

We are enthusiastic in delivering excellence in everything we do.

Results Driven.

We focus on improving the livelihoods of Eastern Africans by implementing effective and efficient interventions.

Theory of Change

TMA’s theory of change recognises that barriers to trade raise the costs of doing business, thus reducing demand for imports and exports within the region, and between the region and the world. Targeted interventions in select key areas of trade can reduce these costs.

Theory of change