NAIROBI, Kenya, September 6, 2024 — TradeMark Africa (TMA) has announced the appointment of H.E. Hailemariam Desalegn Boshe, the former Prime Minister of Ethiopia, as its new Board Chair. Desalegn takes over from Ambassador Erastus Mwencha, whose eight-year term has come to an end. This leadership change comes as TMA embarks on an ambitious new strategy to expand its work across Africa and strengthen intra-African trade.
Desalegn, who served as Ethiopia’s Prime Minister from 2012 to 2018, is renowned for his visionary economic policies and commitment to regional integration. Under his leadership, Ethiopia experienced robust economic growth, and his tenure as Chair of the African Union from 2013 to 2014 saw him championing trade agreements and fostering deeper cooperation among African nations. His new role at TMA is expected to build on this legacy, as the organization seeks to support the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and boost African exports.
Reflecting on his appointment, Desalegn expressed his enthusiasm: “It is a privilege to join an organisation that is at the forefront of transforming trade across Africa. I am thrilled at the opportunity to steer TMA towards impactful milestones and contribute to Africa’s trade success story.” He emphasized his intent to build on the strong foundation laid by his predecessor, aiming to unlock Africa’s vast trade potential.
TMA, which operates in 14 countries across East, West, and Southern Africa, has made significant strides in improving trade efficiency across the continent. The organization has been instrumental in reducing cross-border transit times, facilitating market access for small and medium enterprises (SMEs), and working towards sustainable trade practices. Under its new seven-year strategy (2023-2030), TMA will focus on reducing the time and cost of moving goods across borders, promoting green trade initiatives, and ensuring that trade benefits Africa’s most vulnerable populations, including women and youth.
David Beer, CEO of TMA, highlighted the importance of Desalegn’s appointment: “His extensive experience and understanding of both the challenges and opportunities in intra-African trade make him an invaluable leader for TMA’s next phase. His appointment is testament to our commitment to driving sustainable and inclusive economic growth across the continent.”
Desalegn will lead TMA’s Board through a critical period as the organization expands its operations beyond East Africa, with new regional hubs planned in West and Southern Africa. His leadership will also play a key role in TMA’s upcoming flagship event, the Trade Development Forum (TMA-TDF), scheduled for December 2-3, 2024, in Kigali, Rwanda. This forum will focus on the future of digital trade in Africa, a central theme in TMA’s agenda under Desalegn’s guidance.
In addition to his political and economic expertise, Desalegn brings a strong academic background, holding degrees in water and environmental engineering from Tampere University of Technology in Finland and organizational leadership from Azusa Pacific University in California. He has served in various governmental roles, including Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Governor of Ethiopia’s Southern Regional State, and continues to be active in several international organizations.
TMA, established in 2010, is a leading African Aid-for-Trade organization. It is funded by a range of international partners, including the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the European Union, and the governments of the United States, the United Kingdom, and several European nations. TMA works closely with regional economic communities, national governments, and private sector partners to promote inclusive and sustainable trade development in Africa.
Desalegn’s appointment signals a new era for TMA, as the organization aims to deepen its impact and support Africa’s economic transformation.
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