Over 100 participants tuned into a joint STDF/EIF/COMESA/AGRA webinar on 24 Sep 2021 to learn from experts, government representatives and development partners about the results of STDF's framework to prioritize SPS investments for market access (P-IMA) applied in Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda, under an STDF/EIF project led by COMESA and supported by AGRA.
Panellists from the three countries shared their experiences on how this evidence-based approach drives public and private collaboration for SPS capacity development and helps to inform resource allocation under national frameworks to unlock regional trade. Development partners discussed the relevance of prioritizing SPS investments for other regional economic communities and countries, including the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Given that the AfCFTA brings new trade opportunities, the P-IMA work could feed into upcoming programming and resource allocations at a national, regional, and continental level.
Organizing Partners:
- COMESA
- STDF
- EIF
- AGRA
Keynote presentation:
Isaac Gokah, Regional Programme Officer -Food Trade, AGRA
Panellists:
- Stanley Ahimbisibwe, Assistant Commissioner, Ministry of Trade, Industry and Cooperative – Uganda
- Eric Ruganintwali, Quality Assurance & Regulatory Division Manager, National Agriculture Export Development Board (NAEB) / Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources (MINAGRI) – Rwanda
- Stephen Odongo, Quality Food Safety and Markets Manager, Meru Greens Horticulture EPZ Ltd- Kenya
- Apollos Nwafor, Vice President, Policy and State Capability, AGRA
- Mukayi Musarurwa, SPS/TBT Coordinator, COMESA Secretariat
- Daniel Njiwa, Head, Regional Food Trade, AGRA
- Annette Ssemuwemba, Deputy Executive Director, EIF
- Martha Byanyima, Chief of Party, Land O Lakes
Moderator(s):
- Marlynne Hopper, Deputy Head, STDF Secretariat
- Providence Mavubi, Director, Industry and Agriculture Division, COMESA Secretariat
