East Africa Trade Corridor Program (EATCP)
Develop and operationalize trade corridors linking Somaliland ports (Berbera) with Ethiopia, Djibouti, and Kenya through logistics hubs and customs harmonization.
Pillar 02
Regional Economic and Trade Development
Accelerate inclusive economic growth, expand financial access, and strengthen enterprise ecosystems.
Main Focus Categories
Where we advise and deliver
01
Regional Trade Facilitation
Strategic Focus
Streamline cross-border trade through harmonized customs, logistics corridors, and digital documentation systems.
Expected Outcomes
Reduced trade barriers, faster clearance, and increased regional exports.
02
Investment and Market Systems Development
Strategic Focus
Strengthen MSMEs and regional value chains through investment readiness, market linkages, and business climate reforms.
Expected Outcomes
Enhanced competitiveness and private-sector growth across East Africa.
03
Industrial and Free Zone Development
Strategic Focus
Support establishment and optimization of industrial parks, free zones, and export hubs.
Expected Outcomes
Increased manufacturing capacity and regional employment.
04
Financial Inclusion and Trade Finance
Strategic Focus
Expand access to trade finance, guarantee schemes, and digital payment systems for SMEs.
Expected Outcomes
Improved liquidity and participation of small enterprises in regional trade.
05
Policy, Research, and Regional Integration
Strategic Focus
Conduct policy analysis and advocacy for harmonized trade regulations and regional cooperation frameworks.
Expected Outcomes
Evidence-based policy reforms and stronger institutional coordination.
06
Digital Economy and Innovation
Strategic Focus
Promote e-commerce, fintech, and digital trade platforms to connect regional producers and buyers.
Expected Outcomes
Increased digital transactions and innovation-driven trade growth.
Strategic Objective
Accelerate inclusive economic growth, expand financial access, and strengthen enterprise ecosystems.
Flagship Programmes
Six programmes, one pillar
MSME Growth & Export Readiness Accelerator
Training, certification, and market access support for micro, small, and medium enterprises to meet export standards.
Regional Investment Facilitation Platform (RIFP)
A digital platform connecting investors, exporters, and service providers with verified opportunities and compliance tools.
Free Zone & Industrial Cluster Development Initiative
Supporting governments and private developers in designing and managing free zones and industrial clusters with sustainable infrastructure.
Trade Finance & Digital Payment Integration Project
Partnering with banks and fintechs to design trade finance products and mobile payment systems for SMEs.
Regional Policy & Research Hub
A think tank for trade policy harmonization, market intelligence, and regional integration studies.
Scalable Project Models
From pilot to regional replication
Develop and operationalize trade corridors linking Somaliland ports (Berbera) with Ethiopia, Djibouti, and Kenya through logistics hubs and customs harmonization.
Scalability
Expandable to multiple corridors across the Horn of Africa.
Training, certification, and market access support for micro, small, and medium enterprises to meet export standards.
Scalability
Replicable across regional chambers of commerce and trade associations.
A digital platform connecting investors, exporters, and service providers with verified opportunities and compliance tools.
Scalability
Scalable to national investment agencies and regional blocs.
Supports governments and private developers in designing and managing free zones and industrial clusters with sustainable infrastructure.
Scalability
Adaptable to multiple economic zones across East Africa.
Partners with banks and fintechs to design trade finance products and mobile payment systems for SMEs.
Scalability
Expandable through regional financial institutions and mobile operators.
Establishes a think tank for trade policy harmonization, market intelligence, and regional integration studies.
Scalability
Can evolve into a regional center of excellence for trade and development.
Cross-Cutting Themes
Four themes run through every programme and model in this pillar, not as add-ons but as design requirements.
- Gender-inclusive trade and entrepreneurship
- Youth participation and innovation in regional commerce
- Climate-smart industrialization and green logistics
- Governance, transparency, and anti-corruption in trade systems
Integrated Programming
This pillar connects to…
Pillar 01
Human Capital & Social Development
Employment pathways graduates feed directly into MSME and market systems programmes.
Pillar 03Climate Change Resilience
Green jobs and climate-adaptive livelihoods extend our enterprise and finance tools into new sectors.
Pillar 04Peace-Making & Institutional Building
Investment climate improvements depend on the institutional reforms this pillar advances.
Pillar 05Clean Water & Sustainable Green Energy Access
Trade corridors and industrial clusters depend on the water and energy infrastructure this pillar builds.