TradeMark Africa

#SAVETHEDATE The Trade Development Forum is back in #Kigali, Rwanda. #December 2 – 3, 2024. #Theme: Digital Trade This premier event lives up to its billing of convening Heads of States, global policymakers, private sector leaders, government ministers, heads of regional economic communities, multilateral banks and development actors to shape Africa’s trade into a transformative force that is beyond mere transactions. Amidst Africa’s youth vibrant calls for economic independence and careers that forge paths of prosperity, the #TDF provides a platform where policy makers, practitioners and youth voices resonate, bringing lessons from afield, defining innovative solutions and committing to actionable plans that position trade as a catalyst for prosperity in Africa. #SaveTheDate and stay tuned for more event details. Allen Sophia Asiimwe Anthe Vrijlandt Ann Shiro M. Dave Beer Sylviah Luseno - MCIPR, MPRSK, PRSK Warrior Awardee Anataria Uwamariya Njoki Mungai Gloria Atuheirwe Christian Nibasumba African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat Ministry of Trade and Industry RWANDA KRA(KENYA REVENUE AUTHORITY) Rwanda Revenue Authority Aime Nzoyihera Ahmed Farah HSC Monica Hangi Elibariki Shammy Anna Nambooze Kwamina Sagu Ekremet Mathew Maiyo, CFA, FRM, FCCA Eng. Hannah Ngugi, PhD. Wambũi Mũrĩmi African Development Bank Group Rosine Uwamariya David Butera Eugene Torero Mark Priestley Eunice Ambiyo Konyango B.Comm, MBA, CPA (K) Alfred Ombudo K'Ombudo Erick Sirali John Kulova Joanita Nakimuli Josepha Ndamira Josepha Manyinda

TradeMark Africa (TMA) today hosted a delegation from South Sudan to discuss priorities for enhancing cooperation in various areas of trade facilitation to reduce trade bottlenecks in #SouthSudan and neighbouring countries in the East African Community. The meeting brought together officials from South Sudan’s Ministry of East African Community Affairs (MEACA), South Sudan National Revenue Authority, South Sudan National Bureau of Standards, Ministry of Transport and Roads, and the National Cross-border Women Traders Association. Led by Beny Gideon Mabor, Undersecretary General at MEACA, and TMA CEO Dave Beer, the two delegations explored opportunities for deeper collaboration, including: 1). Re-establishing a National Oversight Committee (NOC) to strengthen coordination and oversight of trade facilitation initiatives supported by TMA. 2). Prioritising completion and full operationalisation of the Nimule One Stop Border Post #OSBP to improve cross-border trade and customs clearance efficiency. Phase 1, which included construction of the truck parking yard and inspection shed was completed in 2020. Phase 2 works, encompassing construction of staff quarters and administration blocks, are pending. 3). Enhancing Standards, Sanitary, and Phytosanitary (SPS) Measures to enhance compliance with regional standards and boost access to markets for products made in the region. 4). Addressing Non-Tariff Barriers #NTBs to reduce trade costs and improve the flow of goods along the Elegu-Nimule-Juba Corridor, and within the EAC. 5). Strengthening institutional capacity for South Sudan's National Bureau of Standards and the private sector in addressing technical barriers to trade. 6). Enabling Women Traders by providing them with training and support to increase their participation in local and export market opportunities. TMA started operations in South Sudan in 2013, facilitating various projects that enhanced institutional capacity and drove trade reforms. Such included implementation of a customs reform programme. Allen Sophia Asiimwe Benedict Musengele Joanita Nakimuli Josepha Ndamira Leah Kihara-Mugambi Ann Shiro M. Anthe Vrijlandt Andrew Edewa Eugene Torero David Baziwane Dr. Monica Hangi (Ph.D hc) Anna Nambooze KPMG Sylviah Luseno - MCIPR, MPRSK, PRSK Warrior Awardee

The Government of Zambia, TradeMark Africa, UK Government representatives in Zambia and other partners, have launched the $10.5 million Nakonde OSBP improvement project at a groundbreaking ceremony held today in Nakonde, and presided over by Zambia’s Minister of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development, Charles Milupi. Once completed, the modern OSBP will enhance the smooth flow of goods and people along the Dar es Salaam Corridor by improving customs procedures and reducing cargo clearance times. The project will involve upgrades to roads at the border post, construction of a truck parking yard and warehouses, establishment of additional office buildings, installation of a modern X-ray cargo scanner and implementation of smart gates. These interventions will reduce truck dwell times by up to 84%, from the current 64 hours to less than 10 hours. “Nakonde border, along with its twin border of Tunduma of the Republic of Tanzania, is one of the busiest entry and exit points for cargo not only in and out of Zambia but for the region as a whole. It plays a vital role in facilitating international trade and transportation of essential goods such as food, fuel, fertiliser, mining equipment and exports of minerals,” the minister said. “This project, is therefore, timely as it will resolve the challenges experienced at this critical border and allow it to operate efficiently as a one-stop-border post.” “Drawing on TradeMark Africa’s experience in establishing over 15 OSBPs in East Africa, we are cognisant of the impact that integrated and efficient border facilities have on reducing the time and cost of cross-border trade, as well as catalysing regional integration and economic growth,” noted Jovin Mwemezi, Director, Southern Africa Region at TradeMark Africa. The UK Government has remained at the forefront of supporting efforts to improve the infrastructure and systems to enhance border efficiency for the seamless flow of trade in the region. “This is yet another important milestone in the partnership between the UK and Zambia. The UK is committed to economic growth and this One Stop Border Post will reduce the time and costs of trade. By implementing these hard and soft infrastructure projects, we are laying a strong foundation for increasing trade and prosperity in a more interconnected Africa,” the acting Development Director at @British High Commission in Lusaka, Berni Smith, said. The Nakonde border upgrade comes in the wake of the UK-funded construction of Tunduma OSBP in Tanzania, which also included installation of cargo x-ray scanners, leading to a 40% reduction in cargo processing time between Tanzania and Zambia. Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office in Lusaka Dave Beer Allen Sophia Asiimwe Duncan Onyango Rudahunga Vincent Dr. Monica Hangi (Ph.D hc) The World Bank Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation Antoinette Tesha Ann Shiro M. Anthe Vrijlandt Noel Sangole Memory Kanga Sylviah Luseno - MCIPR, MPRSK, PRSK Warrior Awardee

We truly value our partners, whose collaboration drives forward our shared mission of nurturing prosperity through trade. Malawi Country Programme, one of the newer additions to our network, has shown promising progress and we are encouraged by the strengthening partnerships with the Government of Malawi and other development allies. Together, we look forward to a future where Malawi increases the value and quality of its exports and taps into new markets; in addition to supporting trade systems that bring prosperity to all. Allen Sophia Asiimwe Anthe Vrijlandt Noel Sangole Mwemezi Jovin

In collaboration with the Rwanda Inspectorate, Competition, and Consumer Protection Authority (RICA), TradeMark Africa (TMA) has officially launched a six-month training program for meat inspectors to strengthen food safety standards and ensure market access for both local and export meat products.   The 40 private meat inspectors will undergo an intensive hands-on training on all aspects of meat inspection for the first month, and thereafter immerse themselves in practical experience at local abattoirs for five months. The program will feature on-going assessments and coaching sessions to ensure that participants gain the necessary skills and knowledge for meat inspection. This exercise will not only enhance compliance with both domestic and international standards but also create job opportunities, especially for young people, within the meat industry value chain. The initiative is part of the Value-added Initiative to Boost Employment (VIBE), implemented by TradeMark Africa in partnership with the International Trade Centre (ITC) and Mastercard Foundation. The program is designed to increase formal employment opportunities, especially for women, refugees, and vulnerable groups in the meat, poultry, dairy, and horticulture sectors. Rwanda Development Board (RDB) Private Sector Federation (PSF) David Butera Doreca Musenga William Niyitanga Rosine Uwamariya Allen Sophia Asiimwe Eugene Torero Dave Beer Ann Shiro M. Anthe Vrijlandt #FoodSafety #TradeDevelopment #Rwanda #SPSCompliance #VIBEProgram

We are thankful for the support from the UK in Kenya and the partnership with the Government of Kenya as we empower local SMEs to enhance the quality and value of their exports. This boosts job creation and injects more money into our economy. Anne Nalo Dr. Eng. Hannah Ngugi Allen Sophia Asiimwe Kenya Association of Manufacturers Anthe Vrijlandt

🎉 🎉 We were honoured to host USAID Missions from Djibouti, DRC, Ethiopia, Somalia, US Mission to the Africa Union, Kenya/East Africa Regional Mission, and Uganda over two days for a Pause and Reflect session where we reviewed implementation of the Economic Recovery and Reform Activity (ERRA) over the last two years. We collaboratively surfaced what worked and lessons learnt. Workplans for Year 3 will focus on accelerating gains on job creation along targeted value chains, reducing the time and cost of trade at border posts, strengthening standards and quality infrastructure, and boosting resilient and inclusive (persons with disabilities, women and youth) trade. We look forward to future Pause and Reflect sessions, this time with USAID Burundi joining the fold! Feed the Future #trade #intraAfricatrade #WiT #WomenInTrade #resilientagriculture #inclusiveagriculture #crossbordertrade #SPS Mark Priestley Mimi Steward Marianne Smallwood Eunice Ambiyo Konyango B.Comm, MBA, CPA (K) Robert Kilonzo Joe Sanders Hubert Nkaotuli Apankanga Andrew Edewa Hellen Mwarey Erick Sirali Mohamed Said Abdillahi yetmgeta girma Jay Musyoka Josiah Muriuki Ngira Nguru Ann Shiro M. Lee Birir Aime Nzoyihera John Kulova Trizer Omugar Edna Mategwa Eugene Torero Christian Nibasumba Anna Nambooze Emilly O. Benedict Musengele Elizabeth Kamunyu Catherine Nanzigu Gloria Atuheirwe Mathews Wanjala Anataria Uwamariya

Today at the Economist Impact 4th Annual Global Supply Chain Summit, Allen Sophia Asiimwe, Deputy CEO & Head of Programmes at #TMA, discussed how trade can not only survive but also thrive amidst global uncertainties. Reflecting on TMA’s inventive responses during the COVID-19 pandemic, she underscored how collaboration between governments and the private sector paved the way for innovative crisis management solutions. A standout initiative she highlighted was the Regional Electronic Cargo Tracking System which issued registered long distance truck drivers with regionally recognised COVID-19 health certificates; on whose strength governments re-opened borders allowing for the movement of goods. Allen also delved into broader strategies for fortifying trade operations against the backdrop of ongoing global challenges such as climate change, geopolitical tensions such as what we have witnessed in the Red Sea, and regulations on carbon emissions and deforestation. Her insights underscored the importance of crafting resilient crisis plans complemented by practical solutions and innovations to predict risks and protect supply chains. Also, strategic partnerships are central to getting this right. Erick Sirali Anna Nambooze Eugene Torero Rosine Uwamariya Anataria Uwamariya Martha Bande Maureen Rumadi

Earlier today at the KRA(KENYA REVENUE AUTHORITY) Africa Customs and Trade Conference in Nairobi, CEO Dave Beer engaged in a lively discussion on navigating the corridors of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). He made a compelling point that shifting policies alone won't deliver a borderless Africa; we must also embrace digitalisation and fundamentally revamp cross-border trade processes. Digital services, he noted, help ensure transparency and minimise the risk of irregular practices. While policies will continue to shape trade processes and procedures, it’s important that these guidelines are integrated both regionally and nationally to ensure they're effectively implemented where it matters most—on the ground. The KRA(KENYA REVENUE AUTHORITY) conference has brought together trade experts, government agencies, policymakers and everyone who needs to be onboard to bring this vision of a #BorderlessAfrica to life. Duncan Onyango Allen Sophia Asiimwe Ann Shiro Mbiruru Anthe Vrijlandt Anataria Uwamariya

🚀 As part of the ongoing TMA West Africa Programme, we had insightful engagements with Sector Commanders and Customs officials at the Aflao and Kodjoviakope borders. Our discussions focused on enhancing trade facilitation through customs-customs information exchange using SIGMAT, upgrading border infrastructure, and ensuring inclusive trade for vulnerable groups, especially women, youth, and persons with disabilities (PWDs). 🌍 We also visited the vibrant Assigamé market in Lomé, Togo, where 80% of small-scale cross-border traders (SSCBTs) are women (UNCTAD, 2022) 👩🏽🦱👩🏾🦰. These traders, many of whom are youths, export a variety of goods like clothing, shoes, and hair products to Ghana, Côte d'Ivoire, and Liberia. 🇬🇭🇨🇮🇱🇷 By walking through the entire trading process—including border clearance—we have identified innovative, solution-driven interventions to support them through our West Africa Women in Trade Programme. ✨ We are excited to play our part in creating real impact and empowering these entrepreneurs to thrive! 💪🏽💼 #TradeFacilitation #InclusiveTrade #WestAfricaWomenInTrade #TMAWestAfrica Harriet Odhiambo TradeMark Africa Wilfred Essuman (PMP) Anthe Vrijlandt Christian Nibasumba Benedict Musengele Allen Sophia Asiimwe Ann Shiro M. Erick Sirali John Kwatia