On Thursday September 17, 2020 TFO Canada celebrated the virtual launch of the Women in Trade for Inclusive and Sustainable Growth (WIT) project. The project affirms its to contribute to inclusive growth and women’s economic empowerment by increasing the number of women from developing countries involved in international trade and by increasing the share of exports generated by women-owned and led Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). Thanks to funding from Global Affairs Canada, the Women in Trade for Inclusive and Sustainable Growth (WIT) initiative will work with public and private sector Trade Support Institutions (TSIs) in 24 countries to promote export opportunities for women owned and led SMEs in the Canadian and other International markets. The project will benefit more than 13,000 women-led and men-led SMEs and over 24 TSIs, with the aim of generating $15 million in new export sales while improving the representation of women within supporting institutions.
To read the full press release click here
COVID Regional Updates
The coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak has caused a global health pandemic and a global economic slowdown. This has impacted international trade and development, and will no doubt have consequences for many of our partner countries. Each month we will share current COVID-19 updates from the countries we work with that might be your partners or clients in hopes to provide some insights on the markets you are importing from.
This month our bulletin will cover some of the countries we work in within the Africa Region. Please find the updates below:[vc_column_inner width="1/3"][vc_column_text]
Egypt
Boarder Closure
All travelers must present a negative RT-PCR test certificate on arrival, and the test must have been taken no more than 72 hours before departure of their last direct flight to Egypt.
Passengers are subject to temperature checks, must fill out a Public Health Card, and show proof of a valid health insurance policy.
Curfew
No curfew
Required Isolation
No
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Ethiopia
Boarder Closure
Passengers must have a medical certificate with a negative PCR COVID-19 test result that has been issued no more than 5 days prior to arrival,
Will be tested again upon arrival
Passengers without a negative PCR test result will be quarantined for 7 days in government-designated hotels, tested, and then required to self-isolate for an additional 7 days at home.
Curfew
No Curfew
Required Isolation
14 day mandatory self- isolation[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="1/3"][vc_column_text]
Ghana
Boarder Closure
Commercial flights have resumed
Passengers must have a negative result from a COVID-19 PCR test taken no more than 72 hours before departure and will be subject to a second test on arrival.
See the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority for more details.
Curfew
No Curfew
Required Isolation
Individuals who test negative for COVID-19 upon arrival in Ghana will not be required to quarantine.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner]
Benin
Boarder Closure
Entry to Benin is restricted to “extreme necessities”.
COVID-19 testing is mandatory for all arrivals.
After the first test proves negative, a second test will be mandatory on day 14.
Passengers must leave their passports with immigration police for up to 72 hours until the first test results are received
All travelers who stay in Benin longer than 15 days must undergo a third COVID-19 test. The test can be performed at the Palais des congrès in Cotonou or at routine screening sites throughout the country.
Curfew
No curfew
Required Isolation
Travelers who test positive to the rapid TDR test are expected to self-quarantine while awaiting the results of the PCR test.
All travelers are encouraged to self-isolate for a period of 14 days.
Travelers who test positive for COVID-19 may be subject to government-mandated isolation measures. This may include quarantine in a government-designated hotel at the traveler’s expense.
Burkina Faso
Boarder Closure
All international travelers must present a negative COVID-19 test certificate dated no more than 5 days prior to departure
Curfew
No Curfew
Required Isolation
Must quarantine for 14 days. COVID-19 testing is free in Burkina Faso.
Cote D’Ivore
Boarder Closure
Entry is only permitted for Ivorian nationals and ECOWAS foreign nationals with residency or people with visas valid for entry.
Curfew
No Curfew
Required Isolation
Arriving passengers are encouraged to quarantine at home for two weeks and self-monitor for COVID-19 symptoms.