MARKUP II Launched at EAC Business Summit to Boost SME Exports
By Peace Muthoka
Nairobi, February 25, 2026 — The second phase of the Market Access Upgrade Programme, MARKUP II, has been officially launched during the high-level East African Business and Investment Summit, signaling renewed efforts to strengthen small and medium enterprises across the region.
The €40 million programme is funded by the European Union and implemented in partnership with the International Trade Centre. It seeks to promote sustainable economic development by making SMEs more competitive and reducing trade barriers within the East African Community and beyond.
Speaking during the launch, MARKUP II National Coordinator Anne Chepkoech said the programme builds on the successes of phase one, which ran from 2019 to 2022.
During the first phase, the programme developed several tools to support businesses seeking to expand into new markets. Now, phase two will scale up those gains by introducing more digital solutions to enhance market access, particularly through Non-Tariff Measures tools.
Chepkoech explained that the NTM tools will help traders identify specific requirements in their target markets. Instead of relying on guesswork, exporters will access clear, step-by-step guidance on required documents, sanitary and phytosanitary standards, and other trade regulations.
“Most of our traders rely on guesswork when exploring new markets,” she said. “These tools will reduce the time and cost spent searching for information and guide businesses on how to comply with regulations.”
She added that the tools will enable businesses to pinpoint market opportunities and align their products with specific requirements. As a result, the region expects smoother trade processes and improved market access for SMEs.
Mr. Sagoh Djete, Programme Manager for Regional Cooperation–Infrastructure at the EU Delegation to Tanzania and the EAC, said the launch reflects the EU’s broader commitment to strengthening private sector growth in the region.
He noted that the overall €40 million investment aims to enhance the export readiness of SMEs and prepare them to compete in both regional and international markets.
“This initiative allows exporters to go online, select their product, and instantly access all the regulations and requirements for a specific market,” Djete said. “They will know the rules before shipping their goods, which reduces the risk of rejection at the border.”
He emphasized that the programme targets a wide range of beneficiaries, including exporters, potential exporters, women-owned businesses, and other private sector players across the EAC.
According to Djete, the long-term goal is to build capacity, increase competitiveness, and help SMEs navigate complex export procedures with confidence.
With the launch of MARKUP II at the regional summit, officials now urge SMEs to take advantage of the digital tools and position themselves for greater participation in regional and global trade.
