Challenges

Horticultural value chains in Madagascar and Kenya hold great potential for inclusive growth but face serious barriers to accessing international markets. These include compliance with evolving export standards, pesticide residue regulations, lack of technical capacity, and poor organization among SMEs and cooperatives. Additionally, there are widespread decent work deficits in the sector, particularly affecting rural workers and women. The new EU regulations on food safety—such as reduced maximum residue levels—threaten the livelihoods of small farmers and exporters. At the same time, there is a global push for responsible supply chains, environmental, social and governance (ESG) standards, and alignment with international labour standards. This initiative addresses these challenges by enhancing the capacities of Malagasy and Kenyan stakeholders through a triangular cooperation mechanism with France to promote decent work, sustainable export practices, and access to European markets.

Toward a Solution

This triangular cooperation initiative between Madagascar, Kenya and France seeks to strengthen export capacities and promote decent work in the horticulture value chain. The project addresses the dual challenge of increasing access to international markets and ensuring respect for fundamental principles and rights at work (FPRW) through structured South-South and Triangular Cooperation (SSTC).

The initiative builds on ongoing ILO projects including Trade for Decent Work (T4DW), ProAgro Youth in Madagascar, and the All Hands in Kenya initiative. It also draws inspiration from the ILO-Brazil South-South Cooperation Programme (SSCP) in the cotton sector, applying lessons learned in supply chain upgrading and sustainable enterprise development.

The goal is to enable small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and cooperatives in Madagascar and Kenya to export to the European Union, particularly the Rungis market in France. The approach is inclusive and participatory. Beneficiaries are selected in collaboration with local employer and worker organizations, including the Groupement des Entreprises de Madagascar (GEM), Federation of Kenyan Employers (FKE), and local chambers of commerce.

The process begins with identifying export-readiness needs and regulatory gaps for SMEs and cooperatives. This is followed by training on responsible business conduct, ESG compliance, and FPRW based on ILO Conventions (C29, C87, C98, C100, etc.). Kenyan stakeholders share their successful practices with Malagasy peers through a South-South study visit. French experts and buyers are engaged through the ILO Office in France to facilitate market linkages and assess quality standards.

A core innovation lies in the creation and operationalization of a tailored upgrading programme. This includes the development of ESG-compliant training materials, capacity-building for business development service providers, and coaching for SMEs to meet export standards. Triangular cooperation is achieved by involving France as a technical and market-access partner, while Madagascar and Kenya lead the design and implementation.

The initiative is delivering strong outcomes:

• SMEs’ knowledge of export standards and compliance has improved.
• Tripartite stakeholders are more engaged in responsible business conduct.
• Malagasy SMEs are developing B2B partnerships for direct access to the Rungis market.
• Kenyan actors have enhanced their advisory roles and market visibility.

The practice is sustainable as it strengthens local capacity (trainers and institutions), encourages regional integration, and promotes long-term partnerships between value chain actors. It reinforces the competitiveness of SMEs by aligning their production and management systems with global ESG expectations and labour rights standards.

Replicability is high. The model can be adapted to other agri-based sectors or countries with export potential. Key conditions include strong local institutional partners, engaged private sector actors, and access to market intelligence. The lessons learned include the need for early involvement of end buyers, simplifying compliance requirements for SMEs, and aligning capacity-building with real market needs.

This initiative is a concrete example of how triangular cooperation can support the Global Coalition for Social Justice by enabling inclusive and sustainable participation of low-income producers in global value chains. Training local service providers ensured sustainability and potential replication of the approach.