Call for Expression of Interest
This Expression of Interest (EOI) invites applications from experts in continuous improvement of processes (Lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, Kaizen and others) based in one of the 6 countries of MARKUP II programme to participate as trainer and coach in the MARKUP II initiative focused on the packaging suppliers.
The MARKUP II programme will provide comprehensive support to Packaging Manufacturers and Distributors:
- Operations: Capacity to produce and sell small batches of good quality materials at affordable price to SMEs and in an economic viable way.
- Customer relationship: Ability to deal with SMEs from a business development and customer services perspective, meaning developping processes that fit with the characteristics of SMEs’ procurement process.
Interested organizations are invited to submit an Expression of Interest by clicking on the link below or scanning the QR code, and responding to questions before 7th January 2026
EU-EAC MARKUP II Academy
Welcome to the European Union (EU) East African Community (EAC) Market Access Upgrade Programme (EU-EAC MARKUP II) Academy! A learning space to support SMEs improve their competitiveness and access to export markets.
Enrol and access for free training programmes and resources to strengthen SMEs competencies, capabilities and processes for improved competitiveness and access to market.
Through this learning space you can access courses for self-paced e-learning, a knowledge depository and, for BSOs, resources to organize scalable workshops. Some of the courses target all types of SMEs while others are targeting specific sectors such as coffee or packaging.
Participants also have access to a virtual learning space where they can exchange experiences, tips and business ideas among themselves and interact with trade professionals.
Ready to expand your business globally?
The programme is designed to improve livelihoods, create employment opportunities and enhance export competitiveness for MSMEs in select value chains across Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda.

What you will get:
- Export readiness training
- Branding and digital skills training
- Access to international markets
- Access to financial advisory services
- Mentoring with international experts and so much more!
EAC Regional Quality Awards 2025
BE RECOGNISED AS A CHAMPION OF QUALITY IN EAST AFRICA
The process for the 2025 EAC Regional Quality Awards, the region’s highest recognition for excellence in quality performance, was launched on 14th April 2025 in Arusha, Tanzania.
The primary objective of the EAC Regional Quality Awards is to foster a culture of quality within the East African Community by encouraging the adoption of standards and quality management practices across EAC enterprises. This, in turn, enhances competitiveness and stimulates trade.
The EU-EAC MARKUP II — is a regional development initiative that promotes economic growth in the East African Community (EAC) through private sector development and export promotion.
Unlocking MSMEs' potential through value addition and promoting their access to markets
Our Feed
🌟 MARKUP II Update! 🌟
— EAC MARKUP (@eacmarkup) December 10, 2025
As we wrap up the year, we are excited to share this inspiring video featuring key insights on :
🔹 strengthening value chains,
🔹 empowering MSMEs, and
🔹 advancing sustainable trade across East Africa.
🎥 Watch the video here:https://t.co/enB1CmsqNZ pic.twitter.com/kSHdMpE9NO
📢 MARKUP II invites Lean/Six Sigma experts based in Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, or Uganda to support packaging companies through training and coaching on process excellence.
— EAC MARKUP (@eacmarkup) December 10, 2025
🗓 Deadline: 7 Jan 2026
👉 Apply: https://t.co/q7bXe4UyfF
#EAC #Lean #SixSigma pic.twitter.com/m1WoZEyYhd
🌍✨ What an inspiring session at the #AUEU25 🇦🇴 @ITCnews side-event brought together policymakers and entrepreneurs for a exchange on strengthening SMEs competitiveness.
— EAC MARKUP (@eacmarkup) November 27, 2025
"With ITC's support on quality we’re now reaching new customers across the world” Mr. Hamza AMIMZA LTD pic.twitter.com/tVNlWCUYVd
🚀 Today marks the launch of #AUEU25 here in 🇦🇴
— EAC MARKUP (@eacmarkup) November 24, 2025
Tomorrow @ITCnews will host a side event on Private Sector Driving Intra-African & Africa–EU Trade through the #ATCMA
📍 Diamante 2
🕘 9:00–11:00
Join us to discuss how SMEs can shape stronger continental & EU-Africa trade ties https://t.co/aMcUtkdWu2 pic.twitter.com/SSFYm6WNiT
Since September, @eawibp and #SheTrades delivered MARKUP II communication trainings across six East African countries.
— ITC SheTrades (@ITC_SheTrades) November 21, 2025
Trained Master Trainers supported 110 women-led businesses to present their products, build workable pitches and speak to buyers with confidence.@ITCnews |… pic.twitter.com/vhqQ4IWztX
Weekend plan in Nairobi?
— EAC MARKUP (@eacmarkup) November 14, 2025
Swing by our booth at Uhuru Gardens for the 25th MSME Trade Fair!
We’re here till 16 Nov. Don’t miss out! pic.twitter.com/gEZJk8ujIR
Who won the 2025 EAC Regional Quality Awards held in Nairobi ? 🏆
— EAC MARKUP (@eacmarkup) November 14, 2025
Find out here — and enjoy a few glimpses from the ceremony! https://t.co/WHHaIDNynV pic.twitter.com/cO8sBKFOwa
East African SMEs, your verified packaging suppliers directory vetted by @ITCnews is here!
— EAC MARKUP (@eacmarkup) November 14, 2025
Now you can access high-quality, cost-effective packaging solutions.
We are at Uhuru Gardens in Nairobi until 16 Nov. to tell you more or you can explore it here :https://t.co/W6epZwbOIW pic.twitter.com/8o6AvlJLO6
The EAC Regional Quality Awards 2025 are happening today in Nairobi!
— EAC MARKUP (@eacmarkup) November 10, 2025
Meet the nominees—national award winners from across East Africa—competing for regional excellence in quality, innovation, and performance.@KEBS_ke @EUinTZ @jumuiya @EUinKenya https://t.co/Uku6AocUui
New Course Alert! 🚀
— SME Trade Academy (@SMEtradeacademy) November 4, 2025
The @eacmarkup Academy presents "Smart Financing for Business Growth".
👉 Explore Smart Financing for Business Growth: https://t.co/VaSWJmDPBc
👉Discover our full course catalogue: https://t.co/P61gJCs6aI#MARKUPII #SMEs #Startups #Finance pic.twitter.com/kEdn6dHeLV
Top-quality chocolate from Uganda is a hit in Paris!
— EAC MARKUP (@eacmarkup) October 30, 2025
Five Ugandan brands — Equator Chocolate, Nile Chocolate, Artisans Farm Africa, CocoMata, and HAST Manufacturers are showcasing their creations Oct 29 – Nov 2 at Salon du Chocolat 2025, attracting strong interest from buyers. pic.twitter.com/yZYDqb4akm
Great progress at the EAC Regional Trade Facilitation events!https://t.co/lSTFjSbCRY pic.twitter.com/4MLvCH8M6w
— EAC MARKUP (@eacmarkup) October 28, 2025
National workshops are building soft skills for women in 6 East African countries.
— EAC MARKUP (@eacmarkup) October 22, 2025
Tanzania 🇹🇿 : 30 women-led businesses have already benefited from training in leadership, communication & negotiation. pic.twitter.com/bfhnQLmSlW
Don't miss this webinar to learn about opportunities and challenges in applying a circular economy model using different coffee byproducts. Click here for more https://t.co/FEQx9sFRw4 pic.twitter.com/wmkFGBJPWj
— EAC MARKUP (@eacmarkup) October 3, 2025
On this #InternationalCoffeeDay, meet the passionate coffee entrepreneurs from across EAC who showcased the region’s finest brews at #WorldofCoffee2025 in Geneva. @SpecialtyCoffee @EUinTZ @EUinKenya
— EAC MARKUP (@eacmarkup) October 1, 2025
Proudly putting East African coffee on the global map!https://t.co/zy0WwLnS4G
Information sharing, open dialogue, and demonstrations! 25-26 September
— EAC MARKUP (@eacmarkup) September 26, 2025
Keeping Tanzania‘s coffee sector compliant & competitive under the #EUDR @EUinTZ pic.twitter.com/SEX97rGDjr
Bright future of leather sector!
— EAC MARKUP (@eacmarkup) September 10, 2025
32 participants mastered new skills and techniques attending our Leather Manufacturing Training organized with @kirdi_kenya pic.twitter.com/gvmxi67hFc
12 standout trainers—chosen from 1,000+ applicants—are mastering coaching, pitching & negotiation in Nairobi to empower women-led businesses across Africa .
— EAC MARKUP (@eacmarkup) September 10, 2025
Their mission? Train the trainers. Spark growth. Scale impact. @ITC_SheTrades & @eawibpIn pic.twitter.com/orioqGzLvz
🇺🇬 Uganda Taste of Harvest – Robusta Edition is here!
— EAC MARKUP (@eacmarkup) September 8, 2025
Starting Sept 15 in Kampala, the 2025–26 #TasteOfHarvest will showcase Uganda’s finest Robusta coffees!
Winners go to AFCA #TasteOfHarvestauction to connect with global buyers. #UgandaCoffee pic.twitter.com/1VasUZOAEN
Building competitive, sustainable, & gender-responsive coffee supply chains!
— EAC MARKUP (@eacmarkup) September 8, 2025
6 Ugandan SMEs trained with @ITC_SheTrades to embed gender equality — from inclusive hiring to farmer support.
Each SME now has a tailored plan to strengthen inclusivity, targeting over 3,000 farmers. pic.twitter.com/EJxpacDgSy