Reviewing the progress towards simplification of export procedures in Rwanda

The forum facilitated informed discussions, knowledge-sharing and consensus-building on current as-is processes and allow crafting to-be business processes

Sonia Umurungi, Managing Director, Green Dreams Ltd believes there is a real need to simplify the process for exporting coffee, avocado, and horticulture products in Rwanda: “Simplifying export procedures is crucial for farmers, as the current complexities negatively impact our competitiveness in the global market. This workshop is essential for…

Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Financing Gateway Platform launched in Uganda

By providing MSMEs with the resources they need to succeed, this platform will help create jobs, boost economic activity, and contribute to Uganda’s overall prosperity

In a significant step forward in supporting the growth and development of Uganda’s MSME sector, the MSME Financing Gateway Platform was recently launched in Uganada. By providing MSMEs with the resources they need to succeed, this platform will help create jobs, boost economic activity, and contribute to Uganda’s overall prosperity.…

The Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Financing Gateway launched in Kenya

The Gateway will be instrumental in supporting MSMEs to thrive and contribute to the economic development of their communities

The MSME Financing Gateway, a revolutionary digital platform tailored to address the unique challenges faced by MSMEs in securing financing was also launched in Kenya. The International Trade Centre (ITC) developed the MSME Financing Gateway for the East African Community (EAC) under the first phase of the EU-EAC Market Access…

Small businesses in Benin set to tap into African free trade area

As Benin moves closer to the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), small businesses are learning how they can prepare to take advantage of new opportunities

More than 100 local enterprises went through the ‘How to Export with the AfCFTA’ workshop, which the International Trade Centre (ITC) has rolled out across the continent. As part of the workshop in Cotonou, 20 Beninese trainers also learned how to conduct their own workshops, so that they can continue…

Sierra Leone launches plan for sustainable development

The framework set strategic priorities for the partnership between the United Nations and the Government of Sierra Leone

Sierra Leone marked a significant step towards sustainable development with the launch of the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework 2025-2030. The International Trade Centre (ITC) made noteable contributions to the framework. At the launch, ITC also highlighted how small businesses have benefitted  from its projects in the country funded…

International Trade Centre (ITC) and West African Association for Cross-Border Trade (WACTAF) partner to enhance cross-border trade data and facilitation in West Africa

Under this agreement, ITC and WACTAF will continue to collaborate on advisory services, better use of data, supporting informal traders, and enhancing trade obstacle reporting systems

Informal traders account for a significant share of commerce among West African countries. Better data collection, digital tools and on-the-ground support can help their businesses thrive. That's the goal of the latest collaboration between the International Trade Centre (ITC) and the West African Association for Cross-Border Trade (WACTAF). Working together…

Apply now for the 2024 National Quality Awards

Submissions for the quality awards in Tanzania are open until 31 August 2024

The National Quality Awards aim to recognize and reward outstanding achievements in quality and standards across the country. The winners will later compete at the regional level on the EAC Regional Quality Award that will bring winners from all East African Community (EAC) partner states to compete. As part of…

Pioneering research shows how to improve the environment at Ghana-Togo border

When traders bring their goods between Aflao, Ghana and Lomé, Togo, they cross one of the busiest borders in West Africa. Delays at the border have a financial cost, but also an environmental cost. Better waste management, energy efficiency, streamlined trade processes and upgraded infrastructure can go a long way…

National Coordination meetings to boost leather sector development and regional integration in East African Community countries

Participants emphasized the importance of regional integration and collaboration, highlighting the exchange of best practices and improved trade conditions among EAC countries

The East African Community (EAC) countries are committed to developing a competitive national leather sector, with the goal of driving significant economic growth and fostering regional development. National Coordination Committee Meetings were held in July in Kenya, Rwanda, and the United Republic of Tanzania, under the leadership of the EAC,…

Taking Resource Efficiency and Circular Production in East Africa to the next level

Professionals from environmental sustainability, energy and the coffee sectors attend Training of Trainers workshops in Kenya and Rwanda

Eric Matabaro from Real Bridge Systems, a Rwanda advisory firm that supports sustainable agriculture practices expressed excitement at gaining new insights: “I will use the knowledge gained to train my clients in coffee who are implementing circular food system in their operations.” And, Mijele Washington from the State Department of…