Market Access Upgrade Programme (MARKUP) II kicks off in Arusha



The East African Business Council (EABC) participated in the 1st Regional Steering Committee for Market Access Upgrade Programme (MARKUP) II in Arusha. The programme aims to drive the economic development of the East African Community through increased sustainable intra-African and EU Africa trade.


In collaboration with the East African Community (EAC) Secretariat, the International Trade Centre (ITC), and the European Union, EABC's MARKUP II initiative seeks to address challenges faced by MSMEs, particularly concerning low awareness of export procedures, food safety, standards, and high compliance costs.

In his opening remarks John Bosco Kalisa, CEO of EABC, underscored the significance of the initiative, emphasizing the pressing challenges faced by MSMEs and the collaborative effort to address them. He highlighted the program's aim to foster sustainable growth and job creation by reducing trade barriers, increasing awareness, and establishing market linkages across various sectors.

Key focus areas include enhancing market access and export competitiveness for MSMEs in Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda, across value chains such as coffee, tea, cocoa, fruits, vegetables, and essential oils.

Under the previous MARKUP I initiative, EABC successfully developed the Private Sector Self-Regulation Framework for Coffee, Fresh Fruits, Vegetables, and Coffee in 2023, promoting adherence to safety standards and enhancing competitiveness in international and regional markets.

EABC reaffirms its commitment to organizing regional engagements, promoting quality compliance and standards, facilitating value chain reviews, and fostering export opportunities for MSMEs.

The launch of MARKUP II signifies a continued partnership between EABC, the EAC, ITC, and the European Union to drive economic development and create tangible and sustainable results for MSMEs in East Africa.

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