The mention of aflatoxin contamination often brings in mind maize, especially because it is this grain that is associated with food security, and therefore, receives a lot of attention. However, aflatoxin affects other value chains as well, resulting to health risks among consumers, business loss...

Obtaining certifications that are internationally recognized is key for increasing export value. International Trade Centre has developed an Internal Management System (IMS) model that draws on the requirements across different voluntary standards – a one size model that helps SME’s that , intend...

Tanzanian Spices Secure their Spot in the World Spice Market On 9 July 2021, the Tanzania Spices Label will be officially inaugurated in conjunction with the Saba Saba International Trade Fair. The launch will be hosted by the Ministry of Industry and Trade together with Tanzania Trade Development...

On June 27 every year, the world celebrates Micro, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises Day. This day is dedicated to raising awareness of the importance of small and medium-sized businesses for economic development worldwide. It is a celebration of the huge contribution smaller companies make to the...

There is no doubt that East African Partner States have great potential to grow their sales of various horticultural products domestically and for export. While still a recent entrant into the avocado market, Rwanda’s avocados currently make up 30% of the horticultural exports to the European Union...

Learn more about the impact of the Quality Champions programme in the EAC Region On June 23, from 13-16 East African time (EAT), the International Trade Centre (ITC) under MARKUP will host a Webinar to showcase the impact of the Quality Champions (QCs) programme in the East African Community (EAC). Since...

Coffee experts improve their coffee cupping and sensory skills in a quality evaluation training Jessica Teta was thrilled when the National Agriculture Export Development Board (NAEB) in Rwanda hired her as a professional coffee cupper. She got the job soon after successfully completing a training...

A series of trainings organised for 19 future trainers from national standard bodies and 142 stakeholders across sectors including academia, the private sector and government institutions have been held across East African countries to address a recognised knowledge gap in standards harmonisation. The...

The International Trade Centre (ITC) has developed the MSME Financing Gateway for the East African Community (EAC) under the EU-EAC Market Access Upgrade Programme (MARKUP). ITC invites apex organisations that serve the MSME business community in Burundi, Uganda, Rwanda, and Tanzania and who would...

On June 7, the world marks World Food Safety Day, which was established by the United Nations General Assembly on December 12, 2018. This year’s theme is “Safe food now for a healthy tomorrow”, stressing that the production and consumption of safe food have immediate and long-term benefits for people,...

What is MARKUP all about and who is behind this programme? How does MARKUP work? Who can benefit from it? What can MARKUP do for my business? How can I contact MARKUP? The MARKUP information brochure provides an answer to these questions. An updated version is now available for download here. For...

From 10 to 14 May 2021, ITC under MARKUP organised a training workshop on Good Manufacturing Practices for the five Office du Thé du Burundi (OTB) factories managers, their tea makers, and staff in charge of quality. The workshop was also attended by staff from Prothem in charge...