Elegu, Uganda — TradeMark Africa has officially taken the lead as the implementing partner for a transformative €9.9 million (about 41 billion shillings) cross-border market in Elegu, a pivotal step toward building a more resilient and inclusive trade hub on Uganda’s border with South Sudan. The project, funded by the European Union and Denmark, directly aligns with TradeMark Africa’s core mission to foster sustainable and inclusive intra-African trade.
The initiative is designed to address critical vulnerabilities that have long plagued traders in the region, particularly the devastating effects of annual flooding. The new market, which broke ground recently, will be constructed on an elevated foundation and incorporate a suite of climate-resilient features, including reinforced drainage, permeable paving, and solar power. TradeMark Africa’s role extends beyond mere construction, focusing on creating an environment where trade can thrive without interruption from environmental hazards.
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In her keynote address, the Rt. Hon. 1st Deputy Prime Minister, Rebecca Kadaga, praised the collaboration, stating, “This partnership with European Union and the Embassy of Denmark, under Global Gateway, and TradeMark Africa, demonstrates what can be achieved when development is both collaborative and visionary.”
According to Allen Asiimwe, Deputy CEO at TradeMark Africa, the initiative is more than a construction project. “We are not only building physical infrastructure but enabling economic opportunity and dignity for thousands of informal traders, particularly women and vulnerable groups,” Asiimwe said.
With women constituting 63% of the informal traders at the border, the project includes specific facilities designed to support their economic participation. The new market will feature a daycare center, modern sanitation blocks, and an on-site banking facility to provide affordable credit. These additions are projected to increase the participation of women and persons with disabilities by 30% and boost women’s income by an estimated 15% to 25%.
The project’s focus on inclusive growth was a key point for donors as well. Sanne Willems, Head of Green Transition and Private Sector for the EU Delegation to Uganda, said the initiative shows how “climate adaptation, gender inclusion, and trade development can go hand in hand.” The Ambassador of Denmark to Uganda, Signe Winding Albjerg, agreed, saying, “By putting climate resilience and those who are often left behind, like women, youth and persons with disabilities at the forefront, the project reflects Denmark’s commitment to green and inclusive growth and employment in Uganda.”
TradeMark Africa’s implementation plan also includes significant logistical improvements, such as the construction of a new 450-meter access road connecting the market to the main highway, and clearly demarcated loading bays and storage facilities. These efforts are aimed at streamlining the movement of goods and reducing post-harvest losses.
Micheal Lakony, the LC V of Amuru District, expressed his appreciation for the project, noting, “For years, our traders have suffered the consequences of inadequate infrastructure… Today’s groundbreaking is a commitment to change.”
Through these comprehensive efforts, TradeMark Africa is working to establish a model for cross-border trade that is both economically viable and socially equitable, setting a new standard for development projects in the region.
