Embassy of Ireland enhances partnership with TradeMark East Africa
News
12 August 2021
On 23rd July 2021, TradeMark East Africa (TMEA) and the County Government of Busia launched the construction of a Safe Trade Zone at Soko Posta Grounds in Busia County. The project is part of TMEA’s wider response to the Covid-19 pandemic that has adversely affected cross-border traders in the country.
Ireland’s funding of €100,000 in 2020 supported the establishment of a Safe Trade Market at Soko Posta grounds in Busia County. The safe trade zone will provide for hygienic and safe trading environment for small-scale cross border traders in compliance with COVID-19 Pandemic Protocols issued by the Government.
The project is being funded by a consortium of donors, among them the development agencies of Canada, European Union (EU), Netherlands and Ireland through regional trade agency, TradeMark East Africa (TMEA) and is expected to take 4 months to construct.
The project was launched by Principal Secretary in the State Department of East African Community Dr. Kevit Desai and Busia County Governor, H.E. Sospeter Ojaamong.
Jill Clements, Deputy Head of Mission and Head of Cooperation, Embassy of Ireland said the continued partnership with TradeMark East Africa focusing on women in trade is part of Ireland’s commitment to gender equality.
The Safe Trade Zones are part of The Safe Trade Emergency Facility (Safe Trade) by TMEA. The US$23 million program is supporting East African governments mitigate the pandemic’s economic impacts and respond to health risks it poses.