Ghana National Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s Post

How TradeMark East Africa is Streamlining Business TradeMark East Africa (TMEA) is revolutionizing trade across the continent by enhancing logistics, shaping trade policies, and fostering regional integration. Streamlining Trade Logistics: TMEA’s One-Stop Border Posts (OSBPs) merge customs processes of neighboring countries, reducing clearance time from days to hours. The Malaba OSBP on the Kenya-Uganda border is a prime example. Facilitating Trade Policies: The Simplified Trade Regime (STR) empowers small-scale traders by reducing documentation and duties. This initiative has particularly benefited women traders in the East African Community (EAC). Fostering Regional Integration: TMEA’s improvements on the Northern Corridor, from Mombasa to the Democratic Republic of Congo, have reduced transport costs and increased trade speed, making it one of Africa’s most efficient routes. Economic Impact: Intra-EAC trade grew by over 60% from 2010 to 2020, thanks to TMEA’s efforts. Companies like Bidco Africa and Sameer Africa have expanded their market reach within the region. TMEA is creating a more efficient and prosperous trading environment in Africa, inspiring businesses and policymakers alike. #TradeAfrica #TMEASuccess #EconomicGrowth #RegionalIntegration #AfricanTrade #BusinessInnovation #TradeLogistics #EconomicDevelopment #IntraAfricanTrade

Attending the 2024 Central African Economic and Monetary Community (CEMAC) dinner in Douala was an enriching experience. Themed ''Defining innovative approach for a better policy coordination towards the promotion of the private sector'', this event brought together a diverse group of legal practitioners, tax and custom officials, government regulators, and the business leaders in CEMAC Member States to discuss the policies shaping the private sector in a bid to drive sustainable economic growth in the sub-region.  The three-day event featured insightful sessions on the latest trends, challenges, and innovations in: intra-CEMAC trade, intra-African trade and transportation, the role of financial institutions in private sector development, customs and tax administrations in the promotion of sub-regional integration. Driven by my perpetual curiosity and keen interest in advancing intra-African trade, I engaged in comprehensive colloquial discussions with the Senior Trade Policy Advisor and Regional Director of the Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council (CWEIC) for Cameroon, Gabon & Togo, CHAM Etienne BAMA who shared valuable insights on the CEMAC Customs Union in the context of Regional Economic Integration in Africa, the Import-Substitution concept currently being developed in CEMAC, the interplay with Free Trade Agreements ratified by CEMAC member states, as well as the ongoing and planned export operations under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) within the framework of the Guided Trade Initiative at the level of the Cameroon National Shippers' Council (CNSC). In all, it was a valuable platform for learning and reconnecting with esteemed legal practitioners, inhouse corporate counsels, C-Suite Executives, fostering professional growth and collaboration for Africa’s progress. #CEMAC #trade #investment #network #Cameroon #Africa #CWEIC #CNSC #economicdevelopment

The European Union-Africa Chamber of Commerce and Agence Côte d’Ivoire Export sign a partnership for tangible results in support of Ivorian exports The European Union-Africa Chamber of Commerce (EUACC) and Agence Côte d’Ivoire Export have signed a strategic partnership agreement focused on concrete and measurable actions to accelerate the development of Ivorian exports This significant agreement, officially signed on December 9, 2024, reflects a shared commitment to strengthening international trade, financing, and the competitiveness of Ivorian businesses in European and global markets.... read more https://lnkd.in/eFPdUmM4 #trade #cotedivoire #Logistique #Logistafrica

The Ras Al Khaimah Chamber of Commerce and Industry has entered into a strategic agreement with the Argentine Chamber of Commerce and Services (CAC) to bolster economic cooperation and amplify trade and investment flows. This partnership aims to enhance the business communities of Ras Al Khaimah and Argentina, fostering stronger ties and mutual growth. #TradePartnership #EconomicCooperation #RAKChamber #ArgentineChamber #BusinessGrowth #InvestmentOpportunities #TradeMissions #GlobalTrade #EconomicDevelopment #InternationalRelations #RAK #Argentina

𝗟𝗲𝘁'𝘀 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘄𝗲𝗲𝗸 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘁𝗼𝗽 𝗻𝗲𝘄𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗔𝗳𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗱𝗲  𝗞𝗲𝗻𝘆𝗮 & 𝗘𝗨: 𝗔 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗱𝗲 𝗗𝗲𝗮𝗹 𝗧𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗠𝗮𝗸𝗲𝘀 𝗪𝗮𝘃𝗲𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗔𝗳𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗮❗ 🇰🇪🇪🇺 Exciting news for African trade! Kenya and the European Union have signed a landmark Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA). Here's what this means: Duty-free access for Kenyan goods: Kenyan businesses can now export to the massive EU market without facing import duties, making their products more competitive. 📌 Reduced tariffs for EU goods: Over time, Kenya will gradually lower tariffs on European imports, fostering a balanced trade flow. 📌 Economic boost for Africa: Experts predict a surge in intra-African trade, leading to: 📌 New markets: African businesses gain access to broader customer bases. 📌 Lower consumer prices: Increased competition drives down costs for consumers. 📌 Stronger economies: Increased trade fosters overall economic growth across Africa. This deal is a major step forward for African trade, paving the way for increased investment, job creation, and a more connected continent. #AfricaRising #AfCFTA #Trade #EconomicGrowth #Matta P.S. Matta can help businesses navigate the complexities of international trade. Learn more at https://matta.trade/

The UK International Development team and TradeMark Africa (TMA) convened in Kinshasa to evaluate progress and set priorities for their trade reform partnership in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The meeting outlined a strategic vision for the next phase, focusing on infrastructure, digital systems, and cross-border trade (CBT) frameworks. Achievements to date: ✅ Mahagi OSBP: Border delays reduced by 40%, digital systems enhanced transparency, and small-scale traders with many of them women, gained market access and formalised businesses. ✅ Kalundu Port: Cargo capacity increased fivefold, offloading times halved, and connections established with Burundi, Tanzania, and beyond. To build on these achievements, the UK has proposed funding opportunities of £5–10 million for 2025/26. The plan includes replicating the successes of Mahagi, scaling digital trade systems, and advancing cross-border trade frameworks. These initiatives align with broader UK-supported reforms, including £40 million funding at Matadi Port to enhance operational efficiency and competitiveness. As the partnership evolves, its focus on aligning DRC trade systems with regional frameworks, including the African Continental Free Trade Area, positions the country as a regional trade player, driving growth and inclusion. ⚡ ♥️ #UKInternationalDevelopment #FCDO #UKTMAImpactinDRC #SustainableTradePractices #InclusiveTradeForAll #KeepAfricaTrading Dave Beer, Allen Sophia Asiimwe. Dr. Monica Hangi (Ph.D hc), Anthe Vrijlandt, Njoki Mungai, Aime Nzoyihera, Gladys Kalombola Fatuma, Patrick ABEDI, Ann Shiro Mbiruru, Sylviah Luseno - MCIPR, MPRSK, PRSK Warrior Awardee

#UKFreeports have untapped potential to support the UK’s global trading relationships, bringing together our global maritime gateways, other key infrastructure and actors to drive greater trade activity. Whether with our closest and deepest trade partners such as the EU or emerging nations in the #GlobalSouth, such as Zambia, #UKFreeports have a footprint and focus on beneficial trade that is unique in the UK. Freeport East aims to work with ambitious businesses looking to develop or expand their footprint in the UK. The same applies at the country level – our growing relationships with countries like #Turkey, #India and #Australia demonstrate the wider appeal of working with #UKFreeports to deliver mutual benefits on trade and investment. For that reason it was a pleasure to meet last week with Her Excellency, Macenje Mazoka, Zambian High Commissioner to the UK to discuss how the UK and our Freeports can act as critical sponsors and friends on improving trade efficiency and access for countries in #Africa. Zambia is a high priority development and economic partner for the UK in Africa – allowing Zambia to trade more effectively and efficiently with the UK is a key means of supporting their economic growth and that of neighbouring countries in the region. What works for #Zambia will also help many other countries benefit from strengthened trade partnerships with the UK and act in our national interest. #UKFreeports #trade #netzero Ivan Henderson Lesley Wagland Professor Francis Davis Jito Kayumba Frank Matsaert MBE The Chartered Institute of Export & International Trade Richard Ballantyne OBE Department for Business and Trade UKTPO Centre for Inclusive Trade Policy (CITP) TradeMark Africa Eugene Nizeyimana Steven Wilson British Ports Association UK Major Ports Group Marco Forgione MCIEx Tom Newman-Taylor John Lucy Vichaya Chungu John Humphrey

TradeMark Africa: Ratification of tripartite agreement will boost pan-African trade With a trade potential of exports in worth over $1.7 billion available for countries to leverage and grow their trade, East African nations are being urged to harmonize standards, processes and remove trade barriers. According to a study conducted by trade facilitation agency TradeMark Africa, Kenya, Tanzania and the DRC are tipped to gain the most from cross-border trade following the ratification of a tripartite agreement bring together, COMESA, EAC and SADC. CNBC Africa’s Aby Agina spoke to Allen Asiimwe, Deputy CEO, Trademark Africa for more. https://lnkd.in/eJ2gHSYQ

The Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry is keenly interested in the visit of the Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi to Nigeria on January 8, 2025, which serves to strengthen bilateral relations. Nigeria remains China's largest trading partner in Africa, and China plays a crucial role in the country's economic landscape. In the third quarter of 2024, trade between the two nations reached N3.57 trillion, accounting for 24.36% of Nigeria's total imports.   Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s visit reaffirms China's commitment to deepening ties with Nigeria through the Belt and Road Initiative, focusing on infrastructure, trade, and security cooperation. This visit is a strategic step towards reinforcing Nigeria's position as a central hub for trade and investment in Africa, enhancing economic growth and regional influence. LCCI is poised to play a crucial role in facilitating business and trade between Nigeria and China. By organizing trade delegations, investment forums, and business-to-business (B2B) matchmaking events, LCCI aims to create a conducive environment for fostering partnerships in key sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, and technology. E.g. the Canton Fair Sensitization Session will be held at the Commerce House on 25th February 2025. Through these forms of support and advocacy, LCCI will help Nigerian businesses navigate trade barriers, promoting economic development and mutual prosperity between the two nations. For inquiries, please contact -         Mrs Temitope Akintunde, Director, International Relations. -         Dr Sunnie Omeiza-Michael, Director, Advocacy and Research   #lcci #nigeriachinarelations #bilateraltrade #economicgrowth

TradeMark Africa (TMA) announces the appointment of H.E. Hailemariam Desalegn Boshe, former Prime Minister of Ethiopia, as its new Board Chair. H.E. Desalegn is succeeding Ambassador Erastus Mwencha, who has concluded his eight-year term, and joins TMA at a time when the organisation has set its sights on ambitious goals including boosting African exports, supporting implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), and expanding its operational reach from Eastern to West and Southern Africa, working closely with Regional Economic Communities, national institutions, the private sector and international partners. As a senior political leader with experience on both national and continental stages, H.E. Desalegn’s expertise and experience will be central to guiding TMA through its new seven-year strategy. The 2023-2030 strategy focuses on continuing to reduce the time and cost of transporting goods across borders and improving market access for SMEs by improving the value and quality of traded goods, while addressing the trade-related challenges of the future for the continent. This includes positioning Africa as a global pioneer in green trade, leveraging commercial capital for greater multiples of investment in trade infrastructure, and ensuring that trade benefits accrue to the poorest, in particular women and youth. H.E Desalegn’s tenure as Prime Minister of Ethiopia from 2012 to 2018 was marked by a visionary approach to economic and diplomatic engagements, under which Ethiopia saw sustained double-digit economic growth. His experience in fostering trade agreements and promoting economic integration during his tenure as Chair of Africa Union from 2013 to 2014, is particularly relevant as TMA intensifies its efforts to support African governments in defining and negotiating their trade policy.