Project partners from Kenya- KOAN, Tanzania- TOAM and Uganda- NOGAM, implementing the project titled “Strengthening Regional Trade through Compliance with the East African Organic Product Standard (EAOPS)” coordinated by Biovision Africa Trust and funded by GIZ came together in Kampala, Uganda, for a three-day workshop held from April 28th to 30th, 2025. The workshop reflects on progress, share insights, and refresh their understanding of financial and procurement procedures essential for the project’s success.
The central focus of the workshop was to ensure financial compliance and alignment of project activities with approved budgets. Participants received detailed refresher sessions on financial reporting, procurement guidelines, and documentation practices, along with practical tools to improve reporting accuracy and timeliness.
Each country’s Project officer presented updates on their progress in the project activities, showcasing milestones reached and the innovative ways they are promoting organic agriculture. They also discussed the challenges they’ve faced and strategies they’re using to overcome them. A standout outcome of the discussions was a renewed commitment to cross-border collaboration and a shared drive to enhance the visibility and market access of organic products certified under EAOPS.
“It was inspiring to see how each country is innovating to promote organic agriculture,” said Mr. Zakayo Lyadunda, a Project Officer from Tanzania. “The lessons shared here will guide how we engage with farmers and certification bodies moving forward.”
Peer learning sessions were a key highlight, giving participants the opportunity to exchange experiences on policy advocacy, organic farming practices, and working closely with smallholder farmers to meet certification requirements. These sessions reinforced the importance of a united regional approach to building a thriving organic trade ecosystem one that supports farmers, aligns standards, and improves access to regional and international markets.
The finance refresher training was especially timely, as partners await the completion of study mapping and need assessment of companies operating in the organic sector, which will guide the implementation of most project activities. GIZ facilitators led participants through essential procurement processes and budget alignment steps, placing strong emphasis on accountability, transparency, and the efficient use of funds. They also addressed specific gaps identified in previous financial reports and provided actionable recommendations for improvement.
“Our goal is to ensure that partners are not only delivering impact on the ground but also meeting the highest standards of accountability and transparency,” emphasized Ms. Dinah Amwayi, Finance Manager at BvAT.
As the workshop concluded, participants expressed appreciation for the structured and interactive sessions, noting that the exchange had strengthened both their operational knowledge and their sense of shared purpose. The training wrapped up with a call to maintain close collaboration, continue exchanging knowledge, and sustain efforts to empower smallholder farmers and grow the organic sector across East Africa.
Prepared by Mercy Zakayo
