International Trade Centre

Uzbekistan and Tajikistan are speeding up cross-border trade by transitioning to electronic certificates of origin. Following a bilateral agreement signed in March 2026, experts recently met in Tashkent to finalize the technical setup. The result? Less paperwork, faster processing, and smoother border crossings. This initiative is funded by the European Union as part of the Global Gateway strategy and implemented by ITC. Learn more: https://bit.ly/3SiWFzV

At Biashara Afrika, the AfCFTA's flagship business forum, 12 ITC-supported small businesses joined over 100 exhibitors with a clear message: African businesses are ready to scale intra-regional trade. As the single continental market continues to develop, seeing these businesses actively preparing for seamless cross-border trade is a strong indicator of practical progress. The ATCMA programme is funded by the EU as part of Global Gateway and implemented by ITC, UNIDO, the AU and the Regional Economic Communities. Learn more: https://bit.ly/4vU5b6V

In Northern Uganda, small businesses are transforming communities. We equip agribusinesses with the practical tools they need to scale, export, and empower women and youth to take the driver's seat. Here is what targeted business support looks like in action: 🌿 Blessed Organic Release: With ITC support, the business secured its first $80,000 certified organic export deal. Today, this woman-led enterprise works with 6,000 farmers, producing 10 tonnes of shea butter annually for global cosmetics brands. 🚜 Agrimarks Farm Supplies: Following ITC gender inclusion training, Agrimarks redesigned its credit schemes, enabling women to access high-quality seeds without collateral. 🌳 Youth for Life Tree Planting: With ITC support, this cooperative grew its revenue by nearly 30% in just one year, empowering farmers to build homes and reliably pay school fees. This initiative is funded by KOICA. Learn more: https://bit.ly/4xACJIO

Sustainable trade is not only about what is produced, but how goods move across borders. Digital tools, smarter customs systems, and greater supply chain transparency can make trade more sustainable and inclusive for small businesses. At a regional sustainability summit, we contributed to discussions on resilient supply chains, circular economy implementation, and climate resilience, highlighting the importance of digital and customs systems for more sustainable trade. This ITC initiative is funded by the European Union. Read more: https://bit.ly/4ovzkHg

🌍 How are SMEs using AI and digital trade to reach international markets? Join us for an upcoming webinar with Alibaba.com bringing together perspectives from international trade experts, digital trade platforms, and exporters already growing their businesses across borders. 🎥 How AI Empowers B2B Cross-Border Business 📅 Wednesday 17 June 2026 🕒 11:00 AM GMT Artificial intelligence is changing how businesses identify opportunities, connect with buyers, and expand internationally. At the same time, digital trade platforms are making it easier for SMEs to access markets that were previously difficult to reach. In this session, you'll hear from: 🔹 James Howe, Head Digital, Markets and Connectivity, International Trade Centre 🔹 马浩博 Nasri Ma, Business Manager, Middle East & Africa, Alibaba.com 🔹 Irene Simon, CEO, Mrembo Naturals Limited 🔹 @Michael Tiemo Nyoni, Managing Director, PELVEA COMPANY LIMITED Together, they will share practical insights on: ✔ How AI is supporting B2B cross-border business development ✔ How SMEs can leverage digital trade platforms to expand internationally ✔ Real-world exporter experiences and lessons learned ✔ Opportunities for businesses looking to reach new markets 👉 Register here: https://lnkd.in/eS2aiV_3 #DigitalTrade #CrossBorderTrade #AI #SMEs #Export #Alibaba #eCommerce #InternationalTrade #ecomConnect

At the first-ever UN dialogue dedicated to trade and climate action, in Bonn, ITC delivered a key message, climate action must make business sense. As the UN agency that guides small businesses through the green transition, we recognize the mounting pressures they face from both climate impacts and evolving sustainability requirements. Here is how our expertise turns these challenges into green competitiveness: ✅ We equipped West African cocoa farmers with climate-smart tools to sustainably boost their incomes. ✅ We helped Caribbean entrepreneurs transform invasive sargassum seaweed into profitable, eco-friendly products. Discover how ITC is championing the voice of small businesses at the UN Trade and Climate Dialogue: https://lnkd.in/emg346a9

ITC and Ministry of Commerce, China (MOFCOM) renew partnership to promote economic and trade cooperation between developing countries and support sustainable development under the Belt and Road Initiative. ITC Executive Director Pamela Coke-Hamilton said the new agreement strengthens the agency's capacity to support small businesses, drive innovation, and expand opportunities for developing countries to strengthen their presence in regional and global markets. Learn more: https://bit.ly/449dpMD

Mo Ibrahim Foundation fellow Tapiwa Ronald Cheuka has brought passion and dedication to his work at ITC, helping us make small businesses more competitive and resilient. As we bid his farewell, we warmly welcome the incoming fellow, Malineo Seboholi!