MSEA CEO Henry Rithaa and the management team hosted Trade Law Center (Tralac) Executive Director Trudi Hartzenberg to explore collaboration and partnership opportunities to enhance MSME participation in international trade.
The team held discussions focused on building the capacity of MSMEs in key areas such as import and export procedures, rules of origin, and the simplified trade regime. Additionally, they examined ways to enhance MSMEs’ understanding of trade opportunities under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement.
The team proposed multi-stakeholder training sessions to simplify international trade concepts and support the localization of AfCFTA policies. With support from IDRC, Tralac is implementing a project aimed at fostering an inclusive AfCFTA by mainstreaming gender and empowering youth and MSMEs to seize opportunities under the AfCFTA and the Guided Trade Initiative (GTI).
MSEA remains committed to empowering MSMEs to take advantage of available trade opportunities, expand market access, and thrive in the AfCFTA framework. The project will initially be rolled out in four countries: Kenya, Rwanda, Cameroon, and South Africa.
