Arusha-In a groundbreaking achievement, East African coffee exports to the European Union (EU) have more than doubled in just four years, marking a significant milestone for the region’s agricultural sector. This substantial growth, attributed to a robust agribusiness project supported by the EU, resulted in record-breaking volumes of coffee bean exports, earning the EU a staggering 1.1 billion euros in revenue last year, a significant leap from 488 million euros in 2018.
Additionally, earnings from avocado exports originating from the East African Community (EAC) partner states witnessed a commendable increase, rising to 112.4 million euros in 2022 from 85.5 million euros in 2018, showcasing the diversification and strength of the region's agricultural exports. These impressive figures were unveiled during the launch of the second phase of the EU-supported Market Access Upgrade Programme (MARK-UP) held in Arusha on Tuesday. This ambitious project, set to unfold over the next four years, comes with a substantial investment of 40 million euros. It serves as a continuation of the successful first phase (2018–2022) for which the EU provided an initial grant of 40 million euros.
EU Ambassador to Tanzania, Ms Christine Grau, emphasized that MARK-UP II underscores the EU’s unwavering commitment to supporting East African companies, fostering sustainable growth, and creating substantial employment opportunities. Both phases of this multi-million Euro initiative are a collaborative effort involving the EU, the EAC, and the International Trade Centre (ITC), as highlighted by ITC Executive Director Ms Pamela Coke-Hamilton.
The first phase of MARK-UP, which empowered 37,819 small and medium enterprises, enabled these businesses to enhance their competitiveness on the global stage. During this period, more than 115 companies achieved a remarkable collective sales and export revenue of $16 million, with over 70 small businesses attracting a significant $1 million in investments. Addressing the gathering, EAC Secretary General Peter Mathuki expressed his optimism about the second phase of MARK-UP. He stated that this extension project would unlock the full potential of agribusinesses within the EAC, strengthening small businesses and facilitating enhanced regional and international trade. Dr. Mathuki highlighted that the new phase would prioritize key sectors including avocado, cocoa, coffee, essential oils, and French beans. Moreover, there will be a focus on value addition and processing for products such as gum Arabic, horticulture, leather, packaging, spices, and tea. Diversification, investment, and export linkages will be at the core of this initiative.
Crucially, the success of MARK-UP II will hinge on the continued inclusion of women and youth in trade, ensuring that the benefits of this transformative program are accessible to all segments of society. As East Africa moves forward, this initiative stands as a testament to the region’s commitment to sustainable agricultural practices and economic growth, setting a promising course for its future.