West African advisers to boost agribusiness e-commerce
To close this gap, the International Trade Centre trained national advisors and support institutions to help agribusinesses go digital and sell across borders.
Many small agribusinesses in West Africa face barriers to reaching broader markets due to poor digital skills, low online visibility, and little access to e-commerce. These challenges hold back their potential to scale and engage in regional trade.
To help close this gap, the International Trade Centre (ITC), under its ECOWAS Agricultural Trade (EAT) programme, organized a regional training of trainers in April in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire. The five-day workshop brought together six newly appointed e-commerce advisors (three from each country) and eight representatives from business support organizations in Nigeria and Côte d'Ivoire. They received the tools and knowledge to support 30 agribusinesses—15 in each country—to trade online across the region.
The participating advisors were selected for their potential to act as national champions for e-commerce capacity building. They were joined by eight representatives from four partner business support organizations: the National Association of Nigerian Traders (NANTS) and the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Côte d'Ivoire (CCI-CI) and the National Chamber of Agriculture of Côte d'Ivoire (CNA-CI). This diverse mix fostered strong cross-border peer learning and established the foundation for sustained collaboration between national institutions.
'In my view, agro-processors will need this hands-on training to increase their visibility," said Ibrahima Bamba, Agricultural Advisor at the National Chamber of Agriculture of Côte d'Ivoire.
Anuoluwapo Odubanjo, e-commerce Advisor for Nigeria added: 'Thanks to this training, I'm ready to support agribusinesses in developing tailored e-commerce strategies—from choosing the right platforms to managing online sales—so they can scale up their operations."
The training covered digital marketing, online payment systems, shipping logistics, and customer service. Using interactive tools such as real-life case studies and peer learning, the sessions fostered collaboration and built confidence among participants.
The impact is evident: 11 participants reported a significant improvement in their skills, and many left with action plans to support small businesses in their communities. From training rural entrepreneurs to helping businesses list on e-commerce platforms, the new advisors are ready to make a tangible impact.
Since its launch in 2018, the programme has worked to bridge digital gaps and promote trade-ready agribusinesses in West Africa. By investing in local expertise, ITC's EAT programme is laying the groundwork for a more inclusive and digitally connected agricultural economy in West Africa.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of International Trade Centre.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Zawya
7 minutes ago
- Zawya
Mideast Stocks: UAE gains on trade optimism, earnings hopes; Saudi slips in volatile trade
Gulf equities were mixed on Monday, with UAE markets tracking global gains on trade optimism, while Saudi markets edged down amid mixed earnings and several blue-chip stocks trading ex-dividend. The United States and the European Union on Sunday struck a framework trade agreement that will impose a 15% import tariff on most EU goods, half the previously threatened rate. Meanwhile, senior U.S. and Chinese officials will meet in Stockholm later on Monday to try to extend their tariff truce before an August 12 deadline. Saudi Arabia's benchmark index retreated 0.7%. Banque Saudi Fransi and Arab National Bank dropped 5.3% and 3.8%, respectively, after their shares traded ex-dividend. Petrochemical giant Saudi Kayan reversed early gains to close slightly lower as its second-quarter loss, though halved from a year earlier, was wider than analysts expected. Arabian Cement slid more than 3% after its second-quarter profit fell short of estimates. "A potential rebound hinges on continued positive earnings announcements and a recovery in oil prices", said George Pavel, general manager at Middle East. Dubai's benchmark index rose as much as 1.4%, before paring gains to end up 0.3% at its highest close in 17-1/2 years. That was the fourth straight day of gains, supported by strong second-quarter earnings and global trade optimism, led by a 2.3% gain in Emirates NBD Bank. The Abu Dhabi index edged up 0.2%, supported by a nearly 2% jump in heavyweight ADNOC Gas. Qatar's benchmark index eased 0.4%, as traders locked in profits following a recent rally, with most sectors closing in the red, led by a 2.3% decline in Qatar Islamic Bank. Investors are now looking ahead to the next wave of corporate results this week, after a strong run in bank earnings helped lift sentiment across the region, Pavel noted. Outside the Gulf, Egypt's blue-chip index edged down 1.4% following a record peak in the previous session, with Talaat Moustafa Group declining over 3.5%. SAUDI ARABIA dipped 0.7% to 10,885 ABU DHABI added 0.2% to 10,362 DUBAI rose 0.3% to 6,168 QATAR retreated 0.4% to 11,205 EGYPT fell 1.4% to 34,076 BAHRAIN gained 0.1% to 1,951 OMAN advanced 0.1% to 4,743 KUWAIT slid 0.7% to 9,174
Khaleej Times
an hour ago
- Khaleej Times
State of play in Trump's tariffs, threats and delays
Dozens of economies including India, Canada and Mexico face threats of higher tariffs Friday if they fail to strike deals with Washington. Here is a summary of duties President Donald Trump has introduced in his second term as he pressures allies and competitors alike to reshape US trade relationships. Global tariffs US "reciprocal" tariffs -- imposed under legally contentious emergency powers -- are due to jump from 10 percent to various steeper levels for a list of dozens of economies come August 1, including South Korea, India and Taiwan. The hikes were to take effect July 9 but Trump postponed them days before imposition, marking a second delay since their shock unveiling in April. A 10 per cent "baseline" levy on most partners, which Trump imposed in April, remains in place. He has also issued letters dictating tariff rates above 10 percent for individual countries, including Brazil, which has a trade deficit with the United States and was not on the initial list of higher "reciprocal" rates. Several economies -- the European Union, Britain, Vietnam, Japan, Indonesia and the Philippines -- have struck initial tariff deals with Washington, while China managed to temporarily lower tit-for-tat duties. Certain products like pharmaceuticals, semiconductors and lumber are excluded from Trump's "reciprocal" tariffs, but may face separate action under different authorities. This has been the case for steel, aluminum, and soon copper. Gold and silver, alongside energy commodities, are also exempted. Excluded too are Mexico and Canada, hit with a different set of tariffs, and countries like Russia and North Korea as they already face sanctions. Canada, Mexico Canadian and Mexican products were hit by 25 percent US tariffs shortly after Trump returned to office, with a lower rate for Canadian energy. Trump targeted both neighbors over illegal immigration and fentanyl trafficking, also invoking emergency powers. But trade negotiations have been bumpy. This month, Trump said Canadian goods will face a higher 35 percent duty from August 1, and Mexican goods will see a 30 percent level. Products entering the United States under the USMCA North American free trade pact, covering large swaths of goods, are expected to remain exempt -- with Canadian energy resources and potash, used as fertilizer, to still face lower rates. China focus Trump has also taken special aim at China. The world's two biggest economies engaged in an escalating tariffs war this year before their temporary pullback. The countries imposed triple-digit duties on each other at one point, a level described as a trade embargo. After high level talks, Washington lowered its levies on Chinese goods to 30 percent and Beijing slashed its own to 10 percent. This pause is set to expire August 12, and officials will meet for further talks on Monday and Tuesday in the Swedish capital Stockholm. The US level is higher as it includes a 20 percent tariff over China's alleged role in the global fentanyl trade. Beyond expansive tariffs on Chinese products, Trump ordered the closure of a duty-free exemption for low-value parcels from the country. This adds to the cost of importing items like clothing and small electronics. Autos, metals Trump has targeted individual business sectors too, under more conventional national security grounds, imposing a 25 percent levy on steel and aluminum imports which he later doubled to 50 percent. The president has unveiled plans for a 50 percent tariff on copper imports starting August 1 as well and rolled out a 25 percent tariff on imported autos, although those entering under the USMCA can qualify for a lower rate. Trump's auto tariffs impact vehicle parts too, but new rules ensure automakers paying vehicle tariffs will not also be charged for certain other duties. He has ongoing investigations into imports of lumber, semiconductors, pharmaceuticals and critical minerals that could trigger further duties. Legal challenges Several legal challenges have been filed against the tariffs Trump invoked citing emergencies. The US Court of International Trade ruled in May that the president had overstepped his authority, but a federal appeals court has allowed the duties to remain while it considers the case. If these tariffs are ultimately ruled illegal, companies could possibly seek reimbursements.
Khaleej Times
an hour ago
- Khaleej Times
UAE: GCC countries shielded from ‘first-order effects' of US tariffs
Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries are largely insulated from the first-order effects' of US tariffs due to their low exposure to goods trade with the United States, according to S&P Global. 'As we approach the August 1 tariff deadline, uncertainty continues to weigh on global markets,' said Sapna Jagtiani, director and lead analyst for the Middle East at S&P Global Ratings. 'As of July 11, there have been 31 tariff-related rating actions — 25 in North America, four in Europe, and two in Asia-Pacific. (In contrast) The GCC remains relatively insulated from the first-order effects of tariffs given the minimal exposure to US goods trade and the low tariff rates applicable to the countries," she added. However, Jagtiani warned of potential indirect effects. 'Slower global demand and softer investment flows could primarily hit the region, particularly through fluctuations in oil prices and supply dynamics." Richard Boxshall, partner and chief economist at PwC Middle East, echoed this sentiment, noting that the recently announced 10 per cent universal US tariff (announced on April 2) is expected to have limited short-term consequences for Gulf economies. Despite this, certain sectors within the GCC could still feel some pressure. According to the Al Jazeera Centre for Studies, the US has maintained a 25 per cent tariff on aluminium and steel — key exports for countries like the UAE and Bahrain. Meanwhile, regional economic ties with the US remain strong. During President Trump's recent visit, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar announced over $1 trillion in investments into the US. Elsewhere, in a bid to ease trade tensions, the US and European Union on Sunday reached a deal that imposes a 15 per cent tariff on most EU goods — avoiding a broader trade war. The EU also plans to invest around $600 billion in the US, said US President Donald Trump. Dh954 billion non-oil fiscal revenue Despite global uncertainties, GCC countries have made notable progress in diversifying their economies. Jagtiani noted that non-oil fiscal revenue in the region has doubled over the past decade, reaching an estimated $260 billion (Dh954.2 billion) in 2025 — accounting for 36 per cent of GDP. According to FAB Market Insights and Strategy, the US trade tariffs are clearly set to have a dampening effect on the outlook for global economic activity. 'We currently expect global economic growth of 2.7 per cent this year, followed by a modest improvement, but only to 3.0 per cent in 2026. Within this scenario, we still see structural, tariff-generated inflation pressures as a main hawkish impediment to higher levels of economic expansion,' it said in a note. On the geopolitical front, S&P's Jagtiani said the current ceasefire between Israel and Iran has alleviated immediate credit stress in the region. 'Nonetheless, we view the ceasefire as fragile, with a potential for re-escalation. The duration and involvement of key actors will be crucial in assessing the potential impact of any renewed conflict,' she added.
