Monthly Report Template for COMPETE Grantees

The report highlights the progress made in implementing the grant agreement, which focuses on four main results: leadership provided in the implementation of the COMESA CTC strategy, improved regional business environment, institutional capacity of ACTIF strengthened, and value-added products and services developed. ACTIF has made significant progress in implementing the COMESA CTC strategy, with the establishment of an implementation committee and the development of an implementation roadmap. The committee has held its first meeting, and a second meeting is scheduled for August 2012. ACTIF has also engaged with the Southern Africa Trade Hub (SATH) to align the regional strategy focus areas and actions, and has generated a raft of proposals for collaboration. In terms of improving the regional business environment, ACTIF has conducted an analysis of the revised rules of origin under the EU EPA and has developed an ACTIF/industry negotiation and advocacy position. However, this activity is still ongoing, and ACTIF is awaiting updates from the COMPETE Trade Policy Component. ACTIF has also prepared a statistical trade report on EAC regional trade potential and has reviewed EAC FTA rules of origin to establish industry recommendations. ACTIF's institutional capacity has been strengthened through the development of an internal assessment manual, which has been availed to the staff. The development of ACTIF's business plan in line with its strategic plan has also kicked off, with the support of USAID COMPETE. Initial meetings were held with a consultant to develop the business plan. In terms of value-added products and services, ACTIF has expanded market access and trade opportunities for its members under AGOA by collaborating with the ECA Trade Hub. ACTIF has also collaborated with COMPETE to conduct an EU end-market analysis to establish an alternative market option and to spread market risk. However, this activity is still pending, and ACTIF is awaiting information from the COMPETE Trade Policy team. ACTIF has also made progress in developing its market information system, with the review meeting held and an updated upgrade report compiled. The online French version of the Cotton Africa Magazine has been developed for Issue 3, and the development of Issue 4 is currently ongoing. An online textile directory has also been established, incorporating HS code classification features, to be the catalyst for increased inter-regional trade. Overall, ACTIF has made significant progress in implementing the grant agreement, with a focus on leadership, business environment, institutional capacity, and value-added products and services. However, some activities are still pending, and ACTIF is awaiting updates from the COMPETE Trade Policy Component.