Development Reimagined (DR) and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) have established a partnership that began on 22nd February 2023 after the signing of a joint MOU at the ECA office in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
The purpose of the ECA and DR partnering is to leverage their networks and expertise to promote African-made products (brands) in China by empowering African SMEs. Thus, boosting sustainable development and economic growth in the continent through fostering job creation and supporting the value-addition of Africa’s exports within and outside the continent. The partnership will, in particular, focus on supporting Aftican SMEs with selling their products through China’s digital commerce (e-commerce) platforms.
This partnership was established in line with the AfCFTA and the broader African Union Agenda 2063 vision for improving value added African trade and manufacturing on the continent, as well as the UN SDGs.
The specific objectives of the partnership are centred on:
- To boost Africa to China value-added trade;
- Empower African SMEs to produce high-quality, value-added products;
- Export African-made products to China;
- Strengthen capacity of African countries to drive more benefits from inclusive global trade through effective use of the Chinese cross-border e-commerce platforms such as Alibaba and Jing Dong;
- Promote Africa-made products to the wider range of Chinese consumers.
Initial steps in the partnership will include the ECA and DR prioritising and providing bespoke information for key sectors for engagement, to complementing national and regional AfCFTA strategies, engaging in the third China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo in June 2023 and relevant pan-African initiatives such as the African Trade Exchange (ATEX).
Established by the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) of the United Nations (UN) in 1958 as one of the UN’s five regional commissions, the ECA’s mandate is to promote the economic and social development of its member States, foster intra-regional integration, and promote international cooperation for Africa’s development.
Made up of 54 member States, and playing a dual role as a regional arm of the UN and as a key component of the African institutional landscape, ECA is well positioned to make unique contributions to address the Continent’s development challenges.
Development Reimagined (DR) is a pioneering independent and international development consultancy, and the first Kenyan Wholly Foreign Owned Enterprise (WFOE) with headquarters in Beijing, China. DR believes the new complexities of global poverty require new ideas and new solutions. Made up of development, diplomacy, environmental, and public relations experts around the globe, DR is on a mission to deliver sustainable development and poverty reduction in a dynamic and complex world.
Africa Reimagined (AR) is a flagship program of DR. AR is a China market entry service platform and consultancy. It provides services for specifically premium and sustainable African brands that keep their entire supply chain and value-added within Africa.
For more information on how Africa Reimagined can support your brand or business with entering into the Chinese market in partnership with the ECA, please book a free consultation or contact a member of our team.
