A new regional scheme is set to unlock the potential of agribusinesses within the East African Community (EAC) by investing €40 million (approx. Rwf51 billion) to this end, according to information from the regional bloc and the European Union.
The initiative called EU-EAC Market Access Upgrade Programme (MARKUP II), is funded by the EU.
It was launched in Arusha by the EAC and the EU delegation in Tanzania on October 3.
According to the EU delegation, MARKUP II will strengthen EAC’s small agribusinesses through enhanced regional and international trade in close partnership with the East African Business Council, EAC Partner States, business support organisations, and local institutions.
It is implemented by the International Trade Centre (ITC) in collaboration with the EAC Secretariat.
A statement from the EU delegation to Tanzania and EAC indicates that building on the successes of MARKUP I, this new phase will focus on EAC priority sectors including avocado, cocoa, coffee, essential oils, French beans, horticulture, leather, packaging, spices, and tea – with an emphasis on processing, value addition, diversification, investment, and export linkages.
Under MARKUP II, the inclusion of packaging as a standalone and crosscutting value chain is a new feature, which addresses the unique challenges facing micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in the EAC.
The initiative will take into account the inclusion of women and youth in trade, while a regional Steering Committee chaired by the EAC Secretariat, which will include representation from relevant national ministries, will provide overall direction for the programme, officials indicated.
Speaking at the launch of the initiative, the Ambassador of the Delegation of the EU to Tanzania and the EAC, Christine Grau, said: “MARKUP II demonstrates the EU’s commitment to supporting East African companies, fostering sustainable growth, and creating decent job opportunities.”
EAC Secretary General Peter Mathuki, underscored the importance of the initiative by highlighting the outcomes of its previous phase.
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