EU–EAC initiative enhances market access, export competitiveness for small businesses

DAR ES SALAAM: TWO Tanzanian leather companies—Himo Tanners and Fay Fashion are set to participate in the upcoming Africa Sourcing and Fashion Week (ASFW) set to take place from April 24-26, 2025, in Nairobi, Kenya.

These companies will join a regional delegation of 17 leather businesses in footwear and accessories from Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, and South Sudan, availing new opportunities for business development, and industry exposure on an international scale.

Recently, the International Trade Centre through the European Union funded EU- East African Community (EAC) Market Access Upgrade Programme (MARKUP II) project also supported the launch of the EAC Regional Quality Awards 2025 that is expected to build upon the success of the inaugural 2024 edition. It is worth mentioning that last year, three Tanzanian companies won awards in various categories.

The winning companies were CAPS Limited – Tanzania, Said Salim Bakhresa Company Ltd. – and Bwana Sukari (brown sugar) – Kilombero Sugar Ltd.
These details were revealed on Thursday this week during a media briefing held in Dar es Salaam, showcasing how the European Union (EU)-funded EU–East African Community Market Access Upgrade Programme (EU–EAC MARKUP II) is helping to unlock the country’s full economic potential in various sectors.

The International Trade Centre is implementing the project in collaboration with the EAC Secretariat and national partners in the recipient countries.

Tanzania, the second-largest livestock producer in Africa, predominantly exports raw hides and low-value leather products.

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The programme is working to strengthen value addition, improve market access, and build the capacity of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in key value chains—including leather, avocado, coffee, packaging, and spices.

The MARKUP II’s intervention spans Tanzania mainland and Zanzibar, targeting MSMEs operating in the avocado, coffee, leather, and packaging sectors, with special emphasis on spices.

As a broader platform for dialogue and progress, the International Trade Centre (ITC) will host a Global SME Ministerial Meeting from 22–24 July 2025 in Johannesburg, South Africa. This landmark event will bring together ministers and key stakeholders to address the pressing challenges facing MSMEs and create actionable solutions for inclusive, sustainable growth.

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