The East African Community (EAC) Secretary General, Dr. Peter Mathuki, along with esteemed guests, officially commenced Phase II of the EAC Market Access Upgrade (MarkUp) Program. This visionary initiative aims to enhance the competitiveness and market access of the EAC's agricultural products, fostering trade with both the European Union and East Africa.
During the launch, EAC Secretary General, Mathuki, underscored the pivotal role of harnessing the EAC's potential to contribute to global production, especially amid prevailing global challenges. He expressed a strong commitment to refining the policy framework, thereby encouraging intra-EAC trade and facilitating international commerce.
The Ambassador of the European Union to Tanzania and EAC,Christine Grau, emphasized that Mark-Up Phase II is designed to cultivate market linkages between the EU and EAC countries, focusing on diminishing restrictions and trade barriers.
Executive Director of the International Trade Center, Pamela Coke, highlighted Mark-Up Phase II's core objective of upscaling Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), with a particular emphasis on empowering women and youth in agriculture and horticulture to enhance export competitiveness. She acknowledged the steadfast partnership of the EU in this initiative, emphasizing that the EAC bloc offers valuable best practices for the continent, especially in light of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), to deepen integration.
Executive Director of the East African Business Council (EABC), John Bosco Kalisa, acknowledged the EAC as the fastest-growing economic bloc in Africa, experiencing an impressive growth rate of 5.1%. He advocated for robust public-private partnerships to bolster the competitiveness of critical value chains such as coffee, tea, spices, and gum Arabic, underscoring the significance of value chain transformation for the prosperity of East Africans.
EAC Deputy Secretary General, Annette Ssemuwemba, pledged a steadfast commitment to coordinating the new project to positively impact the livelihoods of East Africans.
The launch event witnessed active participation from 40 stakeholders, including representatives from the East African community, East African Women in Business, youth representatives, media, and other key stakeholders.
This initiative marks a significant stride towards promoting agricultural trade and fostering economic growth within the East African region
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