Bujumbura, Burundi — The East African Business Council (EABC), in partnership with the International Trade Centre (ITC) and national quality institutions, convened a national webinar on “Navigating Quality Requirements with the EAC Quality for Trade Platform.” The session aimed to strengthen the capacity of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to comply with regional and international standards and improve their competitiveness in export markets.
The webinar brought together SMEs, Business Membership Organizations, regulators, and quality experts to enhance awareness of market requirements and the practical tools available to support businesses in meeting them.
Speaking during the opening session, EABC emphasized the vital contribution of MSMEs to economic growth, employment, and regional trade. Participants were encouraged to adopt a culture of quality, make use of digital solutions, and engage experts early to reduce the risk of rejected consignments and lost market opportunities.
Representatives from the International Trade Centre (ITC) introduced the EAC Quality for Trade Platform, a free online resource designed to guide businesses in identifying applicable standards, technical regulations, and buyer requirements in target markets. Demonstrations highlighted key tools including:
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Quality Compass – step-by-step guidance on mandatory and voluntary requirements;
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Quality Connect – access to a network of verified quality and certification experts;
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Quality Success – practical experiences and lessons from exporters.
National quality institutions and partner organizations also shared insights on available support services, certification procedures, testing infrastructure, and advisory mechanisms to help enterprises transition from domestic production to regional and global trade.
Participants welcomed the practical nature of the webinar, noting that a better understanding of standards, traceability, labeling, and conformity assessment will significantly enhance their export readiness.
The session concluded with a call for stronger collaboration between the private sector, quality infrastructure institutions, and policymakers to ensure that East African products and services meet international benchmarks while remaining competitive.
The webinar forms part of broader regional efforts to build sustainable trade capacity and unlock new opportunities for SMEs across priority value chains.
