IOTA’s Game-Changing Role: Empowering Cross-Border Trade in East Africa

• Trademark Africa’s collaboration with Sanitary and Phytosanitary regulatory agencies in the EAC and the IOTA Foundation aims to create a robust information-sharing platform using IOTA technology.
• This initiative addresses challenges in Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) data exchange, leveraging TLIP to standardize food safety and plant health regulations across EAC borders.

Earlier this week on Monday, December 18, the IOTA Foundation reported that Trademark Africa has partnered with Sanitary and Phytosanitary regulatory agencies in the East African Community (EAC) to enhance the exchange of food safety and plant health-related documentation in international trade.

This collaboration aims to establish a robust information-sharing platform, utilizing IOTA technology to facilitate seamless exchange of Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) trade documents across EAC borders. The initiative addresses challenges in SPS data exchange, leveraging the Trade Logistics Information Pipeline (TLIP), a digital infrastructure by Trademark Africa and IOTA, to ensure a standardized approach to food safety and plant health regulations.

Real world adoption, with real impact across Africa#IOTA https://t.co/fWWkdrOyET

— Dominik Schiener (@DomSchiener) December 18, 2023

The Trade Logistics Information Pipeline (TLIP) plays a pivotal role in promoting transparency and compliance in Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) measures. In a recent workshop held in Rwanda, plans were outlined for a specialized digital platform designed for SPS certificates. This initiative aims to address regulatory challenges, fostering a more efficient, secure, and interconnected East African trading community. The workshop sets the foundation for a digitalized future in regional trade.

Efficient and secure data exchange is essential for global trade, especially in Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) measures, crucial for food safety. Real-time, trustworthy information is vital for preventing the spread of plant pests and animal diseases. Challenges like diverse regulatory frameworks, varied information systems, and the necessity for timely communication present obstacles in SPS-related data exchange.

Revolutionizing the SPS Processes

In a recent workshop, key stakeholders discussed the potential of the Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) platform to enhance trade processes and tackle challenges within the East African Community (EAC). Representatives from the IOTA Foundation, Trademark Africa, and the EAC Secretariat contributed expertise to address issues like regulatory diversity, disease threats, and infrastructure limitations.

The suggestions encompass enhancements such as upgrading national systems for smooth integration with the SPS system, integrating traders into the SPS platform, and broadening the scope of notifications and alerts to cover perishable goods.

The collaborative effort focuses on restructuring and automating trade processes, including the issuance of trade documents. With a roadmap established, the initiative aims to integrate the Trade Logistics Information Pipeline (TLIP) with SPS measures, fostering transparency and efficiency in East African trade.

The incorporation of SPS measures into TLIP represents a significant enhancement of the trade data accessible through the TLIP infrastructure. The next steps involve implementing recommendations and designing a pilot for seamless integration with existing systems.

Industry stakeholders and the public at large are urged to stay tuned for updates and announcements from the IOTA Foundation, Trademark Africa, and the EAC regarding the collaborative impact on cross-border trade.