Cooperation agreement signed between COLEAD and ACTESA/COMESA: A new strategic partnership for regional agriculture in Eastern and Southern Africa

COLEAD has recently signed, through the FFM+ programme, a Memorandum of Understanding with the Alliance for Commodity Trade in Eastern and Southern Africa (ACTESA), a specialised agency of COMESA. This partnership aims to strengthen cooperation to support smallholder producers, improve market access and promote sustainable agricultural practices in 21 COMESA member states and 7 East African Community (EAC) countries.

This collaboration is based on a shared vision of agricultural development as a driver for a more resilient, equitable and prosperous future. Key areas of cooperation include support to agricultural policies, development of market services, facilitation of investment and capacity building for sector stakeholders.

First strategic action with the CEHA

The first concrete initiative under this partnership is the support to CEHA (COMESA-EAC Horticulture Accelerator). COLEAD is currently supporting CEHA in finalising its regional strategy for 2025-2035, which aims to strengthen the horticulture sector and improve smallholder farmers’ access to markets, finance and certification. This joint effort reflects the commitment of both organisations to move quickly into action.

A framework for innovation, sustainability and impact

This MoU establishes a flexible yet ambitious framework for collaboration, based on mutual respect, complementary approaches and a shared ambition to strengthen agricultural ecosystems. It represents a new milestone in COLEAD’s ongoing commitment to build more inclusive, innovative and sustainable agri-food value chains with its partners.

This activity is supported by the Fit For Market Plus (FFM+) programme, implemented by COLEAD within the Framework of Development Cooperation between the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) and the European Union. This publication receives financial support from the European Union and the OACPS. The content of this publication is the sole responsibility of COLEAD and can in no way be taken to reflect the views of the European Union or the OACPS.