Nairobi, Kenya | 19 January 2026 — The East African Business Council (EABC), with the support from The International Trade Centre (ITC), under the EU–EAC Market Access Upgrade Programme Phase II (MARKUP II) funded by the European Union and the Association of Quality Professionals (AQP), successfully convened a national webinar on “Navigating Quality Requirements with the EAC Quality for Trade Platform.” The webinar strengthened the capacity of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to comply with quality standards and enhance their competitiveness in regional and global markets.
In his Opening Remarks, Mr. Adrian Njau, Acting Executive Director of EABC, emphasized the critical role of MSMEs in driving inclusive economic growth, job creation, and regional integration across East Africa. He noted that despite their potential, many SMEs continue to face significant challenges related to quality compliance, standards certification, and regulatory requirements, which limit their ability to access export markets.
“Quality compliance is no longer optional for businesses seeking to compete regionally and globally,” said Mr. Njau. “SMEs must adopt a proactive approach by leveraging available digital tools, engaging quality experts early, and aligning their production processes with market requirements.”
Ms. Margareta Funder, Lead – Quality Champions Programme, Export Quality Management, International Trade Centre, stated that the EAC Quality for Trade Platform is a free digital tool designed to help businesses identify mandatory regulations, standards, and market preferences for priority products. Through live demonstrations, participants were guided on how to use the platform’s key features, including Quality Compass, which provides step-by-step guidance on quality requirements; Quality Connect, which links SMEs to certified quality professionals; and Quality Success, which shares practical experiences and lessons from successful exporters.
Mr. Josh Olson, Associate Management and Programme Analyst · International Trade Centre, together with Experts from the Association of Quality Professionals (AQP), delivered hands-on demonstrations and shared insights on practical support services available to SMEs. These included coaching on food safety management systems, standards compliance, traceability, labeling, and export readiness—particularly for SMEs operating in the coffee, tea, and avocado value chains supported under the EU–EAC MARKUP II Programme.
The interactive session enabled participants to engage directly with quality experts, ask questions, and gain practical knowledge on how to reduce export rejections, improve product credibility, and meet buyer requirements in demanding markets such as the European Union.
The webinar concluded with a strong call to action for SMEs to embrace digital solutions, continuously improve quality management practices, and collaborate with quality professionals to unlock new market opportunities. EABC reaffirmed its commitment to working with development partners, national institutions, and the private sector to strengthen quality infrastructure and support SMEs in fully benefiting from regional and global trade frameworks.