AFDB TO OFFER GRANT TO PACCI, IGAD

The African Development (AfDB) held a Preparatory Meeting with the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) and the Pan African Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PACCI) on September 19 and 20th, 2019 to design and implement measures that improve trade flows and competitiveness through better participation and capacity of the private sector, notably the micro and small enterprises along Ethiopia’s Addis Djibouti and other transport corridors within the neighboring countries.
The three-year trade facilitation support commitment will provide up to USD 300 thousand to identify key impediments to trade along the Ethio-Djibouti corridor and quantify their impacts in order to inform the development of trade facilitation and business climate reforms along the corridor . Close to USD 400 thousand will also be used to enhance the capacity of private sector bodies (notably chambers of commerce, and trade/sector associations) as well as businesses to influence public policy, and improve the competitiveness of business and industry. The objectives are to eliminate barriers, cross border barriers, to trade and facilitate cross border movement, and goods, and services, and promote conditions of fair competition and race on a regional, continental as well as global basis.
The new program, which is strongly aligned with and complementary to a number of national and applicable regional integration strategies and trade policies along the corridor, brings together for the first time PACCI, a private sector support organization, the African Development Bank (AfDB), and a IGAD, a regional economic community – to improve trade facilitation environment in East Africa.
Kebour Ghenna, Executive Director of PACCI, said the project brings us into shared purpose across national borders, working to address common needs. Trade, Kebour said is about people. It’s about creating the best possible conditions for growth, for jobs, for prosperity for individuals. It’s an adhesive, working to connect people even when political differences may push in the other direction. He stated, we are very pleased to work on this project with our financier the AfDB and our implementing partner IGAD.
PACCI is the implementing agency of the project, and in consultation with IGAD and the Bank, will shortly submit a work plan and budget approved by a Project Steering Committee that will form the basis for implementation and monitoring.
PACCI, the largest membership based business association in Africa, has steadily been increasing its footprint in Africa. It is committed to making a difference in the business community by supporting business and industry associations who share its vision to reduce trading costs, increase business and help Africa be more competitive in the global marketplace.