Development Reimagined (DR) and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA)
have established a partnership that began on 22nd February 2023 after the signing of a joint
MOU at the ECA office in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
The purpose of the ECA and DR partnering is to leverage their networks and expertise to
promote African-made products (brands) in China by empowering African SMEs. Thus,
boosting sustainable development and economic growth in the continent through fostering
job creation and supporting the value-addition of Africa’s exports within and outside the
continent. The partnership will, in particular, focus on supporting Aftican SMEs with selling
their products through China’s digital commerce (e-commerce) platforms.
This partnership was established in line with the AfCFTA and the broader African Union
Agenda 2063 vision for improving value-added African trade and manufacturing on the
continent, as well as the UN SDGs.
The specific objectives of the partnership are centred on:
• To boost Africa to China value-added trade;
• Empower African SMEs to produce high-quality, value-added products;
• Export African-made products to China;
• Strengthen capacity of African countries to drive more benefits from inclusive global
trade through effective use of the Chinese cross-border e-commerce platforms such
as Alibaba and Jing Dong;
• Promote Africa-made products to the wider range of Chinese consumers.
The partnership will begin with the ECA giving DR permission and offering DR support with
the opening of their ‘Africa Reimagined’ e-commerce store on Jing Dong. The ‘Africa
Reimagined e-commerce store will house African brands from all African countries and a
range of sectors including (Food & Beverage, fashion and jewellery, cosmetics and homeware).
Established by the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) of the United Nations (UN) in 1958
as one of the UN’s five regional commissions, the ECA’s mandate is to promote the economic
and social development of its member States, foster intra-regional integration, and promote
international cooperation for Africa’s development.
Made up of 54 member States, and playing a dual role as a regional arm of the UN and as a
key component of the African institutional landscape, ECA is well positioned to make unique
contributions to address the Continent’s development challenges.
Development Reimagined (DR) is a pioneering independent and international development
consultancy, and the first Kenyan Wholly Foreign Owned Enterprise (WFOE) with
headquarters in Beijing, China. DR believes the new complexities of global poverty require
new ideas and new solutions. Made up of development, diplomacy, environmental, and
public relations experts around the globe, DR is on a mission to deliver sustainable
development and poverty reduction in a dynamic and complex world.
Africa Reimagined (AR) is a flagship program of DR. AR is a China market entry service platform
and consultancy. It provides services for specifically premium and sustainable African brands
that keep their entire supply chain and value-added within Africa.
For more information on how Africa Reimagined can support your brand or business with
entering into the Chinese market in partnership with the ECA, please book a free consultation
or contact a member of our team.
