Development Reimagined and the UN ECA sign MOU to boost value-added trade between China and Africa

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.

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