Leaders of the East African Community unveiled a five-point plan to tackle persistent trade barriers and boost cross-border commerce at a high-level dialogue in Kigali, Rwanda. The initiative aims to strengthen regional competitiveness and ease the movement of goods and services across East Africa.   Officials meeting under the theme “From commitment to action: scaling up regional competitiveness to unlock trade and prosperity in EAC” noted that intra-regional trade, while growing from $6.42 billion in 2016 to $15.25 billion in 2024, still accounts for only around 12 % of total exports.   “

Leaders of the East African Community unveiled a five-point plan to tackle persistent trade barriers and boost cross-border commerce at a high-level dialogue in Kigali, Rwanda. The initiative aims to strengthen regional competitiveness and ease the movement of goods and services across East Africa.  Officials meeting under the theme “From commitment to action: scaling up regional competitiveness to unlock trade and prosperity in EAC” noted that intra-regional trade, while growing from $6.42 billion in 2016 to $15.25 billion in 2024, still accounts for only around 12 % of total exports.  “This meeting is about solutions. What concrete actions can we take back to the Heads of State to show that progress is being made?” said EAC Secretary-General Veronica Nduva, highlighting the need for tangible implementation over policy talk.  Among the priority actions discussed, officials emphasised removing non-tariff barriers that continue to disrupt the free movement of goods, calling for stronger coordination, accountability and commitment to regional integration principles.  Rwandan Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Usta Kayitesi stressed that “digital trade solutions and aligned regulations can simplify cross-border payments, improve transparency and reduce border delays,” and urged accelerated investment in transport infrastructure to cut high transaction costs.  Private sector representatives, including Dennis Karera of the East African Business Council, also called for progress on labour and professional mobility, saying “mutual recognition of professionals has largely failed” and restricts services trade across borders.  Beatrice Askul Moe, Chair of the EAC Council of Ministers, added that integration must deliver real benefits for ordinary traders, especially women, youth and small businesses, noting citizens judge success by lived experience at borders and markets. 

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