By KPC Reporter
The East African Community (EAC) has convened a two-day high-level Multisectoral Dialogue in Kigali to tackle persistent trade barriers and accelerate regional integration.
The meeting brings together officials from all eight Partner States, alongside private-sector representatives, to address operational and institutional challenges that continue to hinder intra-EAC trade.
Despite legal and policy frameworks being in place, intra-EAC trade has stagnated at around 15% of total trade for over a decade, far below the region’s potential of 30–50%.
EAC Secretary General Veronica Nduva noted that while regional trade grew from US$6.42 billion in 2016 to US$15.25 billion in 2024, intra-regional exports remain modest, accounting for just 12.2% of total trade.
“Our challenge is no longer policy absence but weak implementation and enforcement,” she stressed.
A central focus of the dialogue is the elimination of Non-Tariff Barriers (NTBs), including discriminatory taxes, duplicative inspections, and inconsistent application of Rules of Origin.
Rwanda’s Minister of Trade and Industry, Prudence Sebahizi, reaffirmed his government’s commitment to “partnering with the private sector in driving EAC integration.”
Meanwhile, Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary Beatrice Askul Moe urged for “simpler, faster, and more competitive trade processes” to ease movement of goods and reduce clearance times.
Denis Karera, Vice Chairperson of the East African Business Council (EABC), called for accountability mechanisms: “We need a scorecard to track progress and ensure time-bound solutions that translate policy into real trade gains.”
The Kigali dialogue comes at a pivotal moment for the region.
Just days ahead, Nairobi will host the East African Business and Investment Summit (EABIS 2026), where ministers, CEOs, and investors will deliberate on harmonising the regional economic agenda.
The summit will spotlight infrastructure, connectivity, and innovation as key drivers of growth.
In parallel, Somalia has been cleared to adopt the EAC e-Passport, marking a significant step in its integration into the bloc.
This milestone underscores the growing momentum for deeper regional cooperation.
It is expected that Partner States will move from commitments to concrete action with the ultimate goal of a seamless, competitive, and inclusive single market that unlocks East Africa’s full trade potential.
