AGMARK, in its ongoing commitment to empowering cross-border traders across East and Southern Africa, conducted a dynamic 3-day training and stakeholder engagement program, from 16-18 June, at the Namanga border between Kenya and Tanzania. The training, part of the Cross Border Trade Association (CBTA) capacity-building project, aimed to strengthen the role of youth and women traders through practical training in structured trading systems, policy awareness, and business development.
The training also featured strategic stakeholder engagements, including border agencies, regulatory authorities, and financial institutions, all coming together to support more inclusive and efficient grain trade at one of the region’s most vibrant and active trade corridors
The training also featured strategic stakeholder engagements, including border agencies, regulatory authorities, and financial institutions, all coming together to support more inclusive and efficient grain trade at one of the region’s most vibrant and active trade corridors
Mobilizing Youth and Women from Kenya and Tanzania
Using the leadership structures of CBTAs in Namanga, Kenya and Tanzania, AGMARK mobilized a diverse group of participants for training. Special attention was given to young traders and women engaged in grain trading across five key value chains. Employees of trader businesses and established women-led enterprises were also included.
The recruitment drive received strong support from theTanzania Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture (TCCIA), whose local official not only helped identify participants but also actively took part in the three-day training.Eligibility criteria focused on:
The recruitment drive received strong support from theTanzania Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture (TCCIA), whose local official not only helped identify participants but also actively took part in the three-day training.Eligibility criteria focused on:
- Active engagement in grain trading at Namanga border
- Priority for youth and women
- Stakeholders with experience in the Simplified Trade Regime (STR) and operations of the One-Stop Border Post (OSBP)
- Financial institutions willing to educate traders on accessible financial services
Structured Training for Structured Trade
The training took place at the AIC Namanga Church Conference Hall, which accommodated two classes: one for Kenyan traders and the other for their Tanzanian counterparts. AGMARK deployed a bilingual team of five trainers from both countries, ensuring contextual relevance and clear delivery. Topics covered included:
The final day of training featured interactive sessions with key stakeholders, allowing participants to ask questions, share experiences, and learn directly from regulatory and commercial actors.Before closing, an evaluation was conducted to gather feedback and insights from participants. The results will be compiled and analyzed to shape future training programs.
- Structured trading systems
- Trade facilitation via the STR and OSBP
- Access to finance and financial products
- Quality and standards in grain trade
- Cross-border business collaboration
The final day of training featured interactive sessions with key stakeholders, allowing participants to ask questions, share experiences, and learn directly from regulatory and commercial actors.Before closing, an evaluation was conducted to gather feedback and insights from participants. The results will be compiled and analyzed to shape future training programs.
Stakeholder Engagement: A Multi-Agency Approach
One of the highlights of the Namanga engagement was the active involvement of border officials and institutional partners, including:
These partnerships brought depth and relevance to the training, particularly in discussions around compliance, finance, and regional market opportunities.
- Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA)
- Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA)
- Agricultural and Food Authority (AFA)
- Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS)
- Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB), Namanga Branch
- Representatives from farmer organizations and major buyers from Arusha and Kilimanjaro
These partnerships brought depth and relevance to the training, particularly in discussions around compliance, finance, and regional market opportunities.
Tanzania Youth Cross Border Association Formed
Tanzanian youth participants formed a new Youth Cross-Border Traders Association and advocated for a designated market space on the Tanzania side of Namanga to conduct their trade activities.AGMARK followed up with District Commissioner Abdalla Salum Kalli (Longido District) to support this request. The government is reviewing the proposal.
Local government support is essential to make the new Youth CBTA chapter in Tanzania fully operational and effective in its advocacy.AGMARK will continue to monitor the progress and development of the youth-led association and explore how future programming can support its goals.
A Cross-Border Trade Future Led by Youth and Women
The Namanga training exemplified the power of inclusive trade training. By bringing together youth and female traders, border officials, and institutional partners, AGMARK continues to champion a collaborative and sustainable grain trade ecosystem across East Africa.This initiative not only equips traders with the tools they need, it gives them a platform to organize, advocate, and thrive in a competitive regional market.
