Desiderio Consultants

Desiderio Consultants, a think-tank and network of international development consultants aiming at improving customs & trade regulation and procedures in Africa

[Danilo Desiderio @DesiderioCons]

QUESTIONNAIRE on ENTERPRISE READINESS to the AFCFTA (IGAD REGION)Why participate? Companies that complete this questionnaire will have the opportunity to be considered for participation in a training programme on trading under the AfCFTA:https://t.co/rrnA3hgdfn

[Danilo Desiderio @DesiderioCons]

Historically, regional integration processes have followed a linear hierarchical logic: create supranational institutions, sign trade agreements, remove tariffs and then integration will happen. This article argues that this logic does not apply to Africa: https://t.co/4zlVhtvQ9H

[KAM @KAM_Kenya]

Intra-African trade remains one of the continent's greatest opportunities for economic growth. Yet despite the progress made through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), many manufacturers continue to face barriers that limit the full benefits of regional trade.

Kenya has been at the forefront of championing the implementation of AfCFTA, with more than 400 consignments traded under the preferential agreement. The country has successfully exported products including clean cooking stoves, tea, coffee, vehicle batteries, electric bicycles, textiles, steel, plastic products, confectionery, and biscuits, demonstrating the potential for Kenyan manufacturers to access new markets across the continent.

Even so, there is significant room for growth. Currently, trade under AfCFTA accounts for 11% of Kenya's intra-African trade, compared to 15% within the East African Community (EAC) and 13% within COMESA. This underscores the important role that Regional Economic Communities (RECs) continue to play as the building blocks of continental integration, with trade within the East African region remaining stronger than Kenya's trade with other parts of Africa.

Today, the Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM) today hosted a delegation comprising of Ismael Guyo, Head of Trade and Industry at the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (@IGADsecretariat ), Andrew Mold, Director at the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (@ECA_OFFICIAL ), with Board Director Ashit Shah among the KAM officials in attendance for a consultative session on the private sector's experience with intra-African trade and the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

The discussions highlighted the gap between policy and implementation. While regional trade agreements provide a strong framework for market integration, manufacturers continue to face non-tariff barriers, logistical constraints, limited access to market information, complex documentation requirements, and other cross-border trade challenges that increase the cost and complexity of doing business across the region.

The engagement provided KAM members with a valuable platform to share their firsthand experiences with policymakers and regional institutions driving Africa's trade agenda. The dialogue underscored the need for practical, coordinated solutions to address implementation of bottlenecks and ensure that AfCFTA and other regional trade frameworks deliver tangible benefits for businesses.

The meeting also reaffirmed the importance of sustained collaboration between governments, regional institutions, and the private sector to strengthen regional value chains, improve the ease of cross-border trade, and unlock the full potential of intra-African commerce.

#KAMAdvocacy

[Trade Kenya @Trade_Kenya]

Kenya has concluded the final national trade consultation under the Horn of Africa Initiative (HoAI), bringing together government agencies, the private sector and development partners to validate priority actions aimed at strengthening regional trade facilitation ahead of the Horn of Africa Trade Ministers’ Meeting scheduled for September in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

The Kenya National Trade Facilitation Committee (NTFC), meeting in Nairobi, reviewed the Horn of Africa Initiative Trade Facilitation Roadmap, a strategic framework designed to reduce the cost and time of doing business across the region while promoting seamless cross-border trade and deeper regional economic integration.

The Kenya consultation marked the culmination of a series of national trade missions undertaken across Somalia, Djibouti, Ethiopia, South Sudan and Kenya to identify country priorities and build consensus on practical interventions that will enhance regional trade.

The roadmap proposes a series of strategic interventions, including strengthening collaboration mechanisms for the identification, reporting and resolution of non-tariff barriers (NTBs), modernising border posts and establishing dedicated fast-track lanes for compliant traders, perishable goods and priority cargo to facilitate faster clearance of goods.

Other proposed measures include the development of a regional electronic cargo tracking system, an integrated IT-based road management system, stronger regional and bilateral trade agreements and a regional payment system to support faster, secure and more cost-effective cross-border transactions.

National consultation outcomes will be consolidated at the Regional Validation Workshop and presented to HoAI Trade Ministers for consideration and adoption in Addis Ababa.

[Horn of Africa Initiative @hoainitiative]

Kenya National Trade Consultation Marks Final In-Country Mission Ahead of Regional Validation

The Horn of Africa Initiative (HoAI) successfully convened the Kenya National Trade Consultation, the final in-country trade mission in a series of national consultations conducted across Somalia, Djibouti, Ethiopia, South Sudan, and Kenya in preparation for the upcoming HoAI Trade Ministers' Meeting scheduled for September in Addis Ababa.

The consultation was officially opened through virtual remarks delivered on behalf of the Chair of the Horn of Africa Initiative, H.E. @BihiEgeh, Minister of Finance of the Federal Republic of Somalia, by the Head of Secretariat Mr. @LibanObsiye reaffirming the collective commitment of HoAI member countries to advancing regional trade facilitation and economic integration.

The mission brought together representatives from government institutions and representatives from the private sector to identify priority actions for strengthening the region's trade facilitation agenda. Discussions focused on enhancing policy and regulatory cooperation, reducing barriers to trade, and improving regional connectivity to support increased intra regional trade.

The outcomes of the national consultations will be consolidated during the forthcoming Regional Validation Workshop before being presented to the HoAI Trade Ministers for consideration and adoption in Addis Ababa.

The HoAI Secretariat expresses its appreciation to the Governments of HoAI countries, the national technical teams, Development Partners, and all stakeholders for their valuable contributions. Special appreciation is extended to Germany for its technical leadership and continued support throughout the consultation process.

Together, HoAI member countries continue to advance practical solutions that promote regional integration, facilitate trade, and foster sustainable economic growth across the Horn of Africa.

@MoF_Somalia @KeTreasury @MoFP_SSD @MoF_Ethiopia @mefidjibouti @worldbankgroup
@AfDB_Group @EU_Commission @BMZ_Bund
@FCDOGovUK @FreddiFritz

[Trade Kenya @Trade_Kenya]

Kenya is committed to deepening economic cooperation among countries in the Horn of Africa as a pathway to advancing regional peace, stability and shared prosperity.

Through stronger trade partnerships with Ethiopia, Somalia, Sudan, Djibouti and Eritrea, Kenya is working to unlock greater economic opportunities for the region.

The Cabinet Secretary for @MITIKenya Lee Kinyanjui together with the Principal Secretary for Trade Regina Ombam met with a technical team of the Horn of Africa Initiative to review progress in strengthening regional trade and investment.

The CS underscored the importance of strategic investment in transport infrastructure, trade facilitation and efficient logistics corridors to unlock the full potential of intra-regional trade.

He noted that the Lamu Port and the LAPSSET Corridor, which connect Kenya to Ethiopia and the wider Horn of Africa region, are transformative projects that are reshaping trade and enhancing regional connectivity.

The Horn of Africa Initiative delegation was led by Friederike Hemker.
@hoainitiative @Djibouti_Hoai

[Horn of Africa Initiative @hoainitiative]

Day One of the Kenya Trade Mission

As part of preparations for the forthcoming HoAI Trade Ministers' Meeting in Addis Ababa, a meeting was held today with Hon. @GovLeeKinyanjui, Cabinet Secretary for Investments, Trade, and Industry of Kenya, to discuss priorities for advancing regional trade and economic integration.

The meeting, led by the Deputy Head of Development Cooperation of the German Embassy in Nairobi, was attended by representatives from the EU Commission, World Bank, UK Embassy in Nairobi, KfW (Germany Development Bank) and a Horn of Africa Initiative (HoAI) delegation, alongside senior officials from the Government of Kenya and other key trade stakeholders.

Discussions focused on strengthening transport and logistics corridors, improving border efficiency, promoting strategic infrastructure investments, and fostering stronger partnerships among governments, development partners, the private sector, and local communities.

Participants highlighted Kenya's growing role as a logistics hub and discussed opportunities to enhance value chains integration in the region, creating sustainable economic activities along key trade corridors. They also emphasized the importance of addressing logistics bottlenecks and encouraging greater investment.

Hon. Lee Kinyanjui reaffirmed Kenya's commitment to working with regional partners and development partners to facilitate trade, strengthen regional connectivity, and promote investments that support sustainable economic growth across the Horn of Africa.

The Kenya Trade Mission marks the culmination of a series of national consultations that will shape the Horn of Africa's regional trade facilitation agenda ahead of the Trade Ministers' Meeting in Addis Ababa, where participating States will agree on shared priorities and the way forward.

@KeTreasury @MoF_Somalia @MoFP_SSD
@MoF_Ethiopia @mefidjibouti @worldbankgroup
@AfDB_Group @EU_Commission @BMZ_Bund
@FCDOGovUK

[Danilo Desiderio @DesiderioCons]

https://t.co/svCS9lBSBU

[Danilo Desiderio @DesiderioCons]

Sometimes the most valuable innovation is not a new product or service. It is a new way of organising trade. https://t.co/seCKefNHJu

[Desiderio Consultants @dandesiderio]

https://t.co/NWbkG8MCa4

[HESPI Kenya @HespiKenya38024]

HESPI team delivers successful training on OSBPs and coordinated border management practices to border agencies in Tog-Wajaale

[Horn of Africa Initiative @hoainitiative]

Today, 3 June 2026, the HoAI National Advisers met with trade experts supporting the identification of trade facilitation measures aimed at advancing regional integration across the Horn of Africa. The meeting was chaired by Germany and served to plan the launch of a series of in-country missions scheduled for June–July 2026 in all HoAI participating countries.

The primary objective of these missions is to gather stakeholder input and identify priority trade facilitation interventions that can strengthen regional economic integration. The findings will be used to update the HoAI Trade Facilitation Roadmap and develop a package of short-term trade facilitation measures for implementation at the regional level.

Both the revised Roadmap and the proposed short-term measures are expected to be presented to Horn of Africa Trade Ministers for endorsement at a ministerial meeting planned for early September 2026.

@MoF_Somalia @MoF_Ethiopia @KeTreasury
@mefidjibouti @worldbankgroup @AfDB_Group
@EU_Commission @BMZ_Bund @FCDOGovUK

[Horn of Africa Initiative @hoainitiative]

Somalia National Trade Consultation Advances Regional Trade Facilitation Agenda

The Somalia National Trade Consultation on Regional Trade Facilitation concluded successfully today, marking another important milestone in the Horn of Africa Initiative's efforts to strengthen regional trade and economic integration.

Delivering the closing remarks, H.E. @BihiEgeh, Minister of Finance of the Federal Government of Somalia and current Chair of the Horn of Africa Initiative (HoAI), officially closed the successful three-day consultation in Mogadishu and emphasized that meaningful regional integration can only be achieved through strong technical engagement and sustained collaboration among participating countries.

He highlighted the critical role of government institutions, trade experts, and practitioners in translating regional commitments into tangible reforms that facilitate trade and improve connectivity.

The HoAI Chair also expressed appreciation to development partners for their continued support in advancing the region's trade facilitation agenda. He underscored that the ongoing national consultations across HoAI member countries are ensuring that national priorities, practical challenges, and country-specific opportunities are fully reflected in the updated Regional Trade Facilitation Roadmap.

In concluding the consultations, H.E. Bihi reaffirmed the Horn of Africa Initiative's commitment to building a more connected, competitive, and prosperous region through country-led reforms, stronger regional cooperation, and concrete actions that reduce barriers to trade and unlock new economic opportunities for businesses and communities across the Horn of Africa.

#HoAI #TradeFacilitation #RegionalIntegration #HornOfAfrica #Somalia #EconomicDevelopment #TradeAndConnectivity

@MoF_Somalia @MoF_Ethiopia
@KeTreasury @mefidjibouti @worldbankgroup @AfDB_Group @EU_Commission @BMZ_Bund
@FCDOGovUK

[Horn of Africa Initiative @hoainitiative]

Somalia Launches National Trade Consultation Ahead of the HoAI Trade Ministers Meeting

H.E. Gamal M. Hassan, Minister of Commerce and Industry of the Federal Government of Somalia, together with Mr. Liban Obsiye, Head of the HoAI Secretariat, acting in representation of the Minister of Finance and Chair of the Horn of Africa Initiative (HoAI), H.E. Bihi Iman Egeh, officially launched the Somalia National Trade Consultation on Regional Trade Facilitation.

The three-day consultation brings together government institutions, development partners, including the World Bank, the European Union, and Germany, as well as regional stakeholders to review progress under the existing Regional Trade Facilitation Roadmap and identify priorities for its update.

In his opening remarks, H.E. Minister Gamal emphasized the need to move beyond dialogue and policy commitments toward concrete actions that facilitate trade and drive economic growth. He called for a prioritized pipeline of regional trade integration projects and highlighted the importance of delivering tangible outcomes, including improved trade infrastructure, border facilities, and cross-border connectivity.

The consultation will help shape Somalia's contributions to the updated Regional Trade Facilitation Roadmap and inform discussions at the upcoming HoAI Trade Ministers Meeting, advancing regional trade, connectivity, and economic integration across the Horn of Africa.

#HoAI #TradeFacilitation #RegionalIntegration #Somalia #HornOfAfrica #EconomicDevelopment #TradeAndInvestment

@MoF_Somalia @MoF_Ethiopia @KeTreasury
@mefidjibouti @worldbankgroup @AfDB_Group
@EU_Commission @BMZ_Bund @FCDOGovUK

[Danilo Desiderio @DesiderioCons]

AfCFTA As A Coordination Architecture For African Integration: From Institutional Design To Interface-Based Interoperability – Analysis: https://t.co/rvzMuTYZRj

[Desiderio Consultants @dandesiderio]

I’m glad to see our ideas gaining traction in Latin America. Many thanks to the Bolivian outlet La Patria for publishing it: https://t.co/ly51GI9mlz

[Eurasia Review @EurasiaReview]

https://t.co/3IKasTNJSY

[Danilo Desiderio @DesiderioCons]

Liquid Institutionalism, Open-Source Geopolitics, and the Unbundling of Global Order: https://t.co/nWNULANrPz

[Desiderio Consultants @dandesiderio]

Geopolitical reflections on Africa–Latin America integration pathways (Latinoamérica21): https://t.co/L68riGJbY3

[Danilo Desiderio @DesiderioCons]

Fragmented Integration in a Multipolar Trade Order: Latin America, Africa and the Search for Convergence: https://t.co/lXmE7wF6dl