Latest news with #MARKUPII
Zawya
30-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Avocado sector platform in Uganda to propel growth and unlock global market opportunities
Key public and private sector stakeholders convened in Kampala to validate the national avocado sector roadmap and action plan for the next three years. The milestone marks the culmination of a series of collaborative efforts led by the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF), with support from the International Trade Centre (ITC) through the European Union (EU)-funded EU-East African Community (EAC) Market Access Upgrade Programme (MARKUP II). Building on the first consultative meeting held in November 2024, two informal meetings were held in February and March 2025 to review and refine the roadmap. The platform's formalization under MAAIF leadership reflects strong public-private commitment to transforming Uganda into a competitive avocado exporter. Key steps have been taken to operationalize the platform, including preparation of a draft secretariat budget and exploration of funding opportunities. A public-private partnership model is envisioned, with MAAIF hosting the platform and private sector partners supporting the secretariat. An Expression of Interest for the secretariat was shared with industry associations and will be soon finalized. MAAIF will officially activate the platform and convene its first formal meeting to elect a Chair, finalize the work plan, set key performance indicators for the platform. The Uganda Avocado Roadmap prioritizes several transformative actions.: Improved Hass seedling distribution at preferential rates; Promotion of GAP certification through avocado associations; Establishment of a hub-and-spoke model with commercial farmers and cooperatives to serve as input supply, aggregation, and learning centers; Creation of an avocado export consortium for collective international representation and standards compliance; Investment in affordable packaging solutions and cold-chain for fresh exports; Possible development of an avocado oil refinery and valorization of waste (e.g., seed husks, pulp residue) into animal feed. The validated roadmap sets a clear direction for the sector, positioning Uganda to increase avocado exports, enhance farmer livelihoods, and contribute to agro-industrial transformation. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of International Trade Centre.
Zawya
16-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
East African Community (EAC) Regional Leather Platform Meeting held in Kampala to Unlock Leather Sector Potential
The East African Community (EAC) Secretariat convened an EAC Regional Leather Platform Meeting from 3–5 April 2025 in Uganda. The meeting was held with support of the East African Business Council (EABC), and the International Trade Centre (ITC) through the EU-funded EU-EAC Market Access Upgrade Programme (MARKUP II). This hybrid event aimed to accelerate the implementation of the EAC Leather and Leather Products Strategy 2020-2030 and identify key priority interventions for 2026-2027. The meeting brought together representatives from Partner States, national leather apex bodies, private sector stakeholders, and development partners to address barriers and define priority initiatives for the region's leather industry. With growing regional demand for leather products, discussions centered on transforming the sector by scaling up domestic production capabilities, boosting value-added production, expanding market opportunities, and driving sustainable industrialization. The leather sector in East Africa holds important market potential for manufacturers, driven by abundant raw materials in the EAC, which accounts for 4% of the world's cattle and 6% of small ruminants. However, despite the region's abundant resources, there remains untapped potential to enhance value addition, particularly in transforming hides and skins into higher-value products such as wet blue, finished leather, and leather goods. Key challenges, including access to quality hides, limited industrial infrastructure, and high production costs, hinder progress. Addressing these barriers presents a significant opportunity to strengthen African sourcing, boost local manufacturing, and position the continent as a competitive player in the global leather market. Public and private stakeholders should work together to enhance quality, invest in processing facilities, and drive sustainable growth in this promising sector. The meeting opened with remarks from key officials, underscoring the sector's promise and bold interventions. The Chairperson of the Leather Platform for this year (Kenya Representative) Mr. Jimmy Odhiambo from Ministry of Investments, Trade and Industry emphasized that 'the leather sector is a vital economic driver, and through the Leather Platform, we're uniting the industry to push for quality and policy harmonization to compete globally.' Mr. Jean Baptiste Havugimana, Director of Productive Sectors at the EAC Secretariat, declared that 'The leather industry has deep historical roots in East Africa, yet despite a vast supply of raw materials from over 500 million livestock, the sector faces persistent challenges, including low value addition, limited processing, and inadequate infrastructure. The EAC Secretariat is committed to tackling these issues through regional strategies focused on value addition, technology, and market access. Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) will be key in driving infrastructure development and fostering innovation, alongside greater investment in research and collaboration to enhance the global competitiveness of East African leather products.' Mr. Simon Kaheru, Vice Chairperson of EABC, asserted that "The leather sector holds immense potential, with the opportunity to create 500,000 direct jobs and generate $1.5 billion in annual export revenue. Expanding market access for SMEs, promoting locally made leather goods, and mobilizing investments are critical to driving sectoral transformation. EABC remains committed to supporting the Leather and Leather Products Platform to turn this potential into tangible economic benefits for East Africans.' The meeting reinforced key priorities to transform the EAC leather sector: improving quality of hides and skins, strengthening local manufacturing, attracting investments, and building globally competitive industries. Aligning with ongoing regional efforts, the public-private EAC Regional Leather Platform will amplify the industry's voice, harmonize policies, and drive investment into processing and manufacturing—meeting growing demand for quality leather goods and footwear. These efforts are part of EAC Leather and Leather Product Strategy implementation. As part of the meeting, participants visited a leather production site, a Ugandan impact-driven fashion brand specializing in handcrafting stylish and customizable leather products, as well as the Department of Leather and Textile Technology at Kyambogo University to gain practical insights into local innovations, training, and value addition efforts. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of International Trade Centre.
Zawya
02-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Celebrating Resilience and Enterprise: International Women's Day in South Sudan
Women entrepreneurs made sales worth thousands of dollars at a mini bazaar. 'Despite the challenges of poverty in our community, I have become more self-reliant through the skills I've gained from ITC initiatives. I no longer struggle to afford basic necessities, and I am determined to succeed in all my business plans.' – Betty Poni, Nile Organics Ltd. 'I've lived in fear every moment of my life due to the countless conflicts, but I won't let that stop me from running my business and maintaining my records. As a proud beneficiary, I made $2,800 in cash sales today!" – Mama Awuro, New Dawn Life Ltd. On March 7, 2025, two determined women— Mama Awuro and Betty Poni—stood tall among a cohort of women entrepreneurs at the International Women's Day (IWD) Market made possible through the EU-funded MARKUP II programme and ITC SheTrades. For Betty Poni, the journey was one of transformation. A passionate producer of South Sudanese gum arabic and coffee, she had the product but lacked the skills and knowledge to market it effectively. Like many small business owners, Poni struggled with branding, packaging, and reaching new customers. Through MARKUP II, she received targeted training on product presentation, brand visibility, and customer engagement—learning how to create packaging that resonated with buyers and told her story. These tools not only elevated her business but also boosted her confidence. At the IWD Market, she sold $3,100 worth of her products and, more importantly, left with something money can't buy: belief in her ability to grow and compete. Mama Awuro's story was shaped by a different struggle—decades of conflict, uncertainty, and survival. She had built a business in the face of adversity, selling local food products like jam, okra, shea butter, and tea. But she often operated in the shadows, unsure of how to scale or keep financial records, and constantly wary of what tomorrow might bring. MARKUP II helped her unlock that next level. She was coached on record-keeping, pricing, and refining her product presentation. For the first time, she felt in control of her business. On March 7th, she confidently displayed her goods, connected with buyers, and achieved a staggering $2,800 in sales. 'I refuse to let fear stop me,' she declared. Their stories reflect the broader impact of the International Women's Day Market 2025, held at the European Union (EU) compound in Juba. Organized under the ITC SheTrades initiative and MARKUP II, the one-day market brought together 18 women-led enterprises, showcasing a rich variety of locally made products—gum Arabic, leather goods, coffee, and more. The event provided a critical platform for women entrepreneurs to sell directly to buyers from the diplomatic corps, NGOs, and the private sector. Collectively, participants earned over $10,000 in sales, building valuable trade linkages and gaining insights into customer preferences. Officially opened by EU Ambassador Timo Olkkonen, the exhibition sent a powerful message about the role of women in South Sudan's economic development. Ambassador Olkkonen acknowledged the barriers women face—security concerns, cultural norms, and limited infrastructure—but praised their resilience: 'We admire the strength and determination of South Sudanese women. Despite the odds, you are building, creating, and contributing to this country's future.' Lucy Okello, ITC's SheTrades Coordinator, shared, 'Packaging has long been a barrier for women. Through MARKUP II, we're offering hands-on support and equipping entrepreneurs with the skills and resources they need to grow.' She also pointed to the untapped potential in South Sudan's leather industry, noting that most animal hides are discarded rather than processed, representing a missed opportunity for economic growth. The day was filled with more than just transactions—it was a marketplace of learning and connection. Participants interacted with branding experts, gained exposure to product standards, and networked with fellow entrepreneurs and international buyers. As one entrepreneur shared, 'Branding is about quality, not quantity—something we had not previously understood until today.' Yet, even as the market celebrated its successes, it cast a spotlight on the ongoing challenges women face in South Sudan: Access to finance remains limited due to high interest rates and lack of collateral. Infrastructure gaps, such as unreliable electricity and inadequate roads, hamper business operations. Cultural norms and insecurity continue to restrict women's mobility and opportunities. Many women lack technical and digital skills necessary for business expansion. Market access, especially to regional and international buyers, is still a major hurdle. Despite these barriers, the energy and impact of the IWD Market 2025 signaled something deeper as Poni Olive from Corner Stone Wall Ltd., another successful participant, put it: 'We can proudly say that we have gained the skills and knowledge needed for success. Knowledge is power—that's why I felt confident making great sales today. We made it! And what better way to celebrate than on this year's International Women's Day? Thank you to the EU and ITC for making this possible.' Distributed by APO Group on behalf of International Trade Centre.
