The initiative, called the ‘UK-Kenya Trade Logistics Information Pipeline’ (TLIP), aims to eliminate paperwork and introduce better visibility in the supply chains flowing between the UK and Kenya.
TLIP’s system uses blockchain technology to link all those in a supply chain to enable fast logistic clearance and easier trading.
A Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the parties this afternoon at the Kenya High Commission in London, providing the framework for collaboration on TLIP.
TMEA is a not-for-profit organisation founded in 2010 to promote prosperity in Eastern and Southern Africa through increased trade.
The creation of TLIP follows the trade agreement (Economic Partnership Agreement) signed in December 2020 between the UK and Kenya, setting out the two countries’ future trading relationship.
That agreement came after the inauguration in January 2020 of the ground-breaking AfCFTA free trade alliance between 54 of the African Union’s 55 countries, aimed at stimulating intra-Africa trade.
Trade between the UK and Kenya has been growing, in both directions, for more than two decades. TMEA and IOE&IT believe that TLIP has the potential to further accelerate this growth through:
Reductions in:
TLIP promises to cut costs for Kenyan firms producing goods like green vegetables and cut flowers for export to the UK, reducing prices for UK consumers, importers and retailers.
UK exporters will also be able to benefit from better access to one of Africa’s fastest growing markets.
TLIP is the first digital trade corridor to be established between the UK and a developing country since the UK’s exit from the European Union in 2020.
IOE&IT director general Marco Forgione said: “We’re proud to be partnering in the TLIP project. We believe it can deliver substantial benefits, not only to traders in the relevant supply chains, but also to the UK in terms securing its position as a global leader in digital trade.
“Provisions to improve digital delivery are an increasingly important part of trade agreements – and it is initiatives like this that will make them succeed.”
TMEA chief executive, Frank Matsaert, said that TMEA was “excited to be expanding our homegrown digital solution and expanding TLIP to the UK which will create a transparent, efficient and cost-effective way of managing trade information to support and boost trade efficiency between the two countries.
“TLIP is also expected to support trade within the AfCFTA, growing trade within the continent and supporting global trade.”
TMEA and IOE&IT will collaborate on what the partners are calling TLIP’s ‘three engines’:
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