On 22–23 July 2026, SHIWAKUTA successfully organized and conducted a high-level exposure visit focusing on African Agroecological Entrepreneurship (AAEs), Territorial Markets (TMs), and Cross-Border Trade. The visit brought together representatives from five Government ministries, Members of Parliament, and members of the Parliamentary Committee on Agriculture, Livestock, Trade and Industry, led by Hon. Yustina Rahhi.

The delegation comprised representatives from key government institutions, including the Office of the Vice President; the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries; the Ministry of Trade and Industry; the Prime Minister’s Office through the Regional Administration and Local Government (TAMISEMI); and the Ministry of Agriculture. Other participating institutions included the Tanzania Plant Health and Pesticides Authority (TPHPA), Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA), and Tanzania Bureau of Standards (TBS).

The main objective of the programme was to provide participants with first-hand insights into the realities of agroecological enterprises and observe the practical implementation of agroecological activities. The visit focused on understanding production systems, market operations, value chains, available opportunities, benefits, and challenges affecting agroecological actors, particularly those engaged in cross-border trade.

Beyond learning about trade procedures, the exposure visit aimed to create an inclusive platform for dialogue among farmers, traders, policymakers, and government representatives. This platform enabled stakeholders to discuss and address key challenges affecting the agroecological sector, especially those related to market access and cross-border trade.

The visit sought to strengthen collaboration among stakeholders, identify practical solutions, and promote supportive policies that enhance sustainable agroecological practices, market development, and cross-border trade opportunities.

The key areas visited by the distinguished high-level delegation included Kilombero, Oldonyosambu markets, Mbauda Cereal Market, agroecological production sites, land restoration areas, and the Namanga border point. These visits provided the delegation with practical insights into agroecological production systems, market linkages, and cross-border trade processes while engaging directly with stakeholders to better understand the opportunities and challenges affecting the sector.

In addition to visiting these important sites, the exposure visit focused on generating practical recommendations and resolutions aimed at supporting traders to advance their businesses more effectively while addressing existing challenges and reducing barriers that hinder trade. Discussions emphasized the need for improved policies, stronger stakeholder collaboration, and practical solutions to create a more enabling environment for agroecological traders, particularly those involved in cross-border trade.

SHIWAKUTA will continue to play a key role in amplifying the voices of smallholder farmers and traders by presenting their challenges to policymakers, facilitating evidence-based policy dialogue, and advocating for solutions that improve agroecological trade, cross-border trade, and market access.

SHIWAKUTA extends its heartfelt gratitude to its development partner, the Alliance for Food Sovereignty in Africa (AFSA), for supporting the important programme. Through this exposure visit, various challenges affecting traders were identified and discussed. SHIWAKUTA believes that the recommendations and resolutions generated from the visit will contribute to addressing these challenges and enable traders to conduct their businesses more efficiently and effectively.