Reducing Barriers to Trade
Transit Corridor Efficiency
The high cost of transport is one of the key barriers to trade on the African continent. In fact, a recent World Bank study found that a 10% reduction in the cost of transport on the continent would lead to a 25% increase in trade. While transport prices in East Africa are lower than in West or Central Africa, it still twice as expensive as it is in the United States, even with the low cost of labor. Read more
Trade Policy
Time-consuming bureaucratic procedures, red tape and contradictory trade policies that differ from country to country make it difficult for companies to trade good across the region. Sanitary and Phytosanitary standards and other quality standards also vary from country to country. Read more
Access to Finance
Producers, processors, manufacturers and traders in value chains are integral to regional economic development. Often they do not have adequate access to finance. This is especially true for small producers and Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), which account for the largest number of businesses. Read more