Trade Catalyst Africa

TCA and TradeMark Africa are leading a collaborative initiative to tackle urgent #infrastructure challenges at critical #EastAfrican borders, such as Namanga/Namanga, Mutukula/Mutukula, Elegu/Nimule, Katuna/Gatuna, and Goli/Mahagi. These borders, upgraded between 2010 and 2018, now operate at full capacity, slowing trade flows and increasing costs. Working with governments and private-sector associations in Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Uganda, we’re developing innovative solutions. Recognising the need for #sustainable financing in a changing global economic landscape and the shrinking grant funding, we're introducing a "Cost Recovery Model” – a practical approach to funding border upgrades without depending on grants or government debt. This returnable capital model for border facility enhancements will leverage modest, affordable user fees. We are initiating a prefeasibility study to refine this model and ensure it meets the region’s growing #trade demands.  Our ultimate goal is to transition from two border posts to single, efficient, One-Stop Border Posts (OSBPs) and eventually to seamless, #nostopborders. This initiative is funded by the European Union European Investment Bank (EIB) Stay tuned for more updates as we build more efficient and sustainable #tradeinfrastructure. Duncan Onyango Antoinette Tesha Kevin Mbugua Eve Muthoni Eunice Ambiyo Konyango B.Comm, MBA, CPA (K) Abhishek Sharma KRA(KENYA REVENUE AUTHORITY) Rwanda Revenue Authority Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) TANZANIA REVENUE AUTHORITY Freight Forwarders Tanzania Ltd. Freight Forwarders Rwanda Ltd. tahafresh

TradeMark Africa (TMA) and Trade Catalyst Africa (TCA), last week had productive engagements with Uganda Revenue Authority's (URA) Commissioner General John Musinguzi Rujoki and his team, alongside TMA Board Director Sanjay Rughani. Spearheaded by Anna Nambooze, TMA’s Country Director for Uganda & South Sudan, and Duncan Onyango, CEO of TCA, the meeting focused on accelerating Uganda’s trade facilitation and regional integration through various cross-border trade enhancement initiatives. Some of the main areas of discussion included: ✅ Aligning TradeMark Africa's trade facilitation strategy with Uganda’s national priorities. ✅ Articulating Trade Catalyst Africa's 2025 continental outlook, which seeks to, among other things, position Uganda as a major player in regional trade. ✅ Operationalizing the Gulu Logistics Hub, which will strengthen Uganda’s transport network and opening new pathways for landlocked neighbours like South Sudan and parts of the DRC ✅ Advancing the Global Corridor Gateway and border posts cost recovery mechanisms, with the support of the Uganda Revenue Authority. ✅ Strengthening of UK-Uganda trade relations, with the British Chamber of Commerce Uganda chapter lauding the current UK-Uganda collaboration. The engagements underscore the partners' shared commitments to enhance trade efficiency and drive sustainable economic growth in Uganda and the East African region. Dave Beer Anthe Vrijlandt Allen Sophia Asiimwe Ann Shiro M. Dr. Monica Hangi (Ph.D hc) Eugene Torero Josepha Ndamira Catherine Nanzigu Elibariki Shammy Aime Nzoyihera Antoinette Tesha

Seeing the positive impacts of smart investments in trade infrastructure firsthand is always inspiring. As our sister company TradeMark Africa expands continental wide to support interventions that make it faster and cheaper to trade across borders, we are excited about exploring innovative financing models for infrastructure development and access to finance for SME's to keep the momentum going; with a commitment to building strong partnerships that will sustain and expand benefits of trade across Africa. British High Commission Nairobi Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Kenya EU in Kenya Duncan Onyango Antoinette Tesha Ann Shiro M. Eve Muthoni Allen Sophia Asiimwe Dr. Eng. Hannah Ngugi Abhishek Sharma

For over a decade, the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) has been a valuable partner in TradeMark Africa’s work at the Port of Mombasa. Through our partnership, we have promoted trade and enhanced the port’s global competitiveness. With about $120 million invested—primarily from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office - we have ensured that trade continues to thrive while improving the lives of over 250 million people served by the port. It is for this reason that yesterday, the @British High Commission Nairobi’s High Commissioner Neil Wigan led a delegation on a tour of the port, hosted by TMA CEO Dave Beer, Ag. Kenya Country Director, Dr. Eng. Hannah Ngugi and KPA GM of Operations, Dr. Sudi Mwasinago. The visit showcased BHC-supported projects that are modernising operations, strengthening resilience to climate change and promoting sustainability. The results have been impressive. Travel time on Mombasa’s roads has decreased by an average of 54%. Container yard capacity has expanded, adding 600 ground slots and increasing the annual capacity to 170,000 TEUs. Additionally, the port now generates 760 kW of green solar energy for workshops, reducing reliance on non-renewable sources. The removal of asbestos has improved worker safety, while land stabilisation efforts using eco Terra phasing have strengthened port infrastructure. Ship offloading time has been reduced from 11 days to 5.5 days following the introduction of eco-hoppers and mobile harbour cranes. Later, TMA participated in the British Chamber of Commerce Kenya and British High Commission roundtable, where we shared our vision for expanding trade opportunities under the UK-Kenya Strategic Partnership. Leigh Stubblefield Richlove Mensah Joy Keiru Anne Nalo Allen Sophia Asiimwe Ann Shiro M. Simon Konzolo Elizabeth Gathogo Job Wanjohi Muriithi, HSC Wambũi Mũrĩmi Anthe Vrijlandt Ann Shiro M. Dr. Monica Hangi (Ph.D hc) Martha Bande

EASETRADE, a digital trade finance platform, will provide uncollateralized loans to increase access to trade finance for SMEs in key export-oriented sectors, such as horticulture, textiles, and agro-processing. Stay tuned for more updates on #EASETRADE. Trade and Development Bank Group - TDB Group Mastercard Foundation Solv Kaleidofin Private Limited Faulu Microfinance Bank IIRR

#ProcurementPipeline #TenderOpportunities

As another year draws to a close, we at Trade Catalyst Africa extend our warmest wishes for a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year! 🎄✨ We're incredibly grateful for your support and partnership throughout the year. Here's to a new year filled with even greater achievements in promoting trade, empowering SMEs across Africa, and celebrating shared success! 🥂 #Catalyticfinance #Economicprosperity TradeMark Africa USAID Duncan Onyango Antoinette Tesha Kevin Mbugua Eve Muthoni

TCA has committed $1.3 million in subordinated debt to develop what could be Africa's first "greenest and cleanest" textile and apparel warehouse in Athi River, Kenya. This investment is part of a blended finance approach that has leveraged an additional $1.13 million from Container Technology Ltd, Gatsby Africa, and TradeMark Africa's USAID-funded Economic Recovery and Reform Activity. During a recent site visit, TCA, TMA, and USAID representatives observed the construction progress. The project, constructed from upcycled shipping containers, is poised to set a new global benchmark for sustainable building practices. Lead contractors CONTECH and Urban Green are diligently working to complete this pioneering project by May 2025. The warehouse has environmentally friendly features, including  - a large underground tank for rainwater harvesting,  - advanced insulation to enhance cooling and innovative sanitation solutions to minimise waste and  - strategic energy-saving designs that maximise natural lighting, reducing the dependency on artificial light.   Notably, the project has gained recognition, receiving a Preliminary EDGE Advanced Certification in October 2024 for its energy—and water-efficient design. It aims for net-zero carbon emissions. Most importantly, upon completion, the project is anticipated to create 2,000 full-time jobs, proving how sustainable practices can successfully align with #economicgrowth and #jobcreation. #KeepAfricaTrading #TextileAndApparel #TextileTrade #CatalyticInvestment #GreenTrade USAID Feed the Future Robert Kilonzo Dave Beer Allen Sophia Asiimwe Joe Sanders Duncan Onyango Antoinette Tesha Kevin Mbugua Eve Muthoni Ann Shiro M. Sylviah Luseno - MCIPR, MPRSK, PRSK Warrior Awardee Alex Kimani

🎉 Huge congratulations to Duncan Onyango, CEO, Trade Catalyst Africa, on being named one of the Top 100 Kenyans in 2024! 🌟 What an incredible achievement to cap off the year. The TCA team is proud to be on your ship, Captain! Hats off to you! TradeMark Africa Eve Muthoni Antoinette Tesha Kevin Mbugua Sylviah Luseno - MCIPR, MPRSK, PRSK Warrior Awardee Ann Shiro M.

#ICYMI, Uganda Development Bank's CEO Patricia Ojangole, highlighted the Bank's role in supporting the Government of Uganda in increasing #regionalintegration and development by leveraging #finance at the just concluded #ATDF2024. Catch the insightful discussions from the TCA Investment Conference here: https://lnkd.in/dC5hCFSB