Download the Publication Here  Over the past two decades, non-tariff barriers (NTBs) have emerged as the most persistent and complex challenge to international trade, with their prevalence steadily rising across the world. The East African Community (EAC) has not been immune to this trend, with NTBs continuing to evolve in form and scope, creating significant obstacles to the seamless flow of goods and services across the region. In 2021 alone, NTBs reported for the first time within the EAC accounted for over four percent of the total existing barriers, underscoring the enormity of the problem. In response to this, EAC Partner States have taken steps to address these trade impediments, including the enactment of the EAC Elimination of Non-Tariff Barriers Act, 2017. This legislation provides a structured legal framework for monitoring and resolving NTBs, supported by tools such as the Time-Bound Programme for NTBs elimination and various directives, regulations, and recommendations issued by the EAC Council of Ministers. Despite these efforts, the region has faced a longstanding challenge in quantifying the actual impact of NTBs and, more importantly, the benefits of their removal. Without this data, it is difficult to prioritise interventions and allocate resources effectively. To address this gap, a recent study has developed a model designed to estimate the impact of NTBs within the EAC, with a specific focus on those arising along the Northern and Central transport corridors. The study reviewed existing techniques for measuring the impacts of NTBs, identified specific NTBs in the region responsive to...

Click to Download the Report East Africa’s agricultural trade is evolving, with commodities such as tea, coffee, cereals, and edible vegetables driving exports across the East African Community (EAC) and Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD) regions. A new TradeMark Africa report, “Intra-Africa Agricultural Trade 2024,” notes that tea, in particular, stands out as a major export with strong global market performance, while cereals show a mixed trend, with both significant exports and rising imports—especially for staple foods such as maize, rice, and wheat—highlighting the region’s need to supplement local production. Trade within the region remains strong, with Kenya emerging as a central hub, facilitating the movement of goods across both EAC and IGAD countries. Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, and Burundi primarily engage in intra-regional trade, while Ethiopia’s exports extend beyond the EAC, reaching markets such as Somalia, Djibouti, Egypt, South Africa, and Kenya. Other important trade partners include Egypt, South Africa, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), reinforcing the interconnectedness of Africa’s agricultural markets. However, challenges persist. Trade imbalances, infrastructure gaps, and shifting market demands require urgent policy interventions. Harmonising trade policies, improving infrastructure, and building capacity among producers and exporters will be crucial for sustaining growth. Additionally, diversifying exports, strengthening climate resilience, and enhancing data-sharing mechanisms will ensure that agricultural trade continues to thrive in an increasingly competitive global landscape. With the right strategies in place, East Africa has the potential to solidify its position as a major player in agricultural trade, driving economic development and food security across...

TradeMark Africa (TMA) has reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with the Government of Côte d’Ivoire to advance sustainable and inclusive intra-African trade and to implement trade facilitation measures designed to increase exports to global markets. TMA’s Director of Strategy and Partnerships, Anthe Vrijlandt, made the remarks during the third meeting of the National Oversight Committee for TMA’s Trade Facilitation Programme in Côte d’Ivoire, held on 7 April 2025. She acknowledged the immense potential of intra-African trade within the framework of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), particularly now in the context of ongoing global economic uncertainty. Unlocking this potential, she noted, depends on two critical factors: reducing tariff and non-tariff barriers and strengthening national production and value addition capabilities. These measures would ensure that trade is not merely transactional but serves as a catalyst for inclusive economic transformation. “We stand to work closely with our partners, including the Government of Côte d'Ivoire, to roll out concrete, technical, and context-specific interventions that will enhance the trading environment in the country and in West Africa. The future of Ivorian trade is not only global—it is firmly rooted in Africa,” Ms. Vrijlandt stated. Representing the Director General of Foreign Trade, Technical Advisor Gbato Félicien said the meeting provided a timely opportunity for stakeholders to review progress made in the previous quarter, evaluate ongoing activities, and collectively address implementation challenges. He also emphasized the importance of strong collaboration among all stakeholders involved in the program and maintaining rigorous oversight of its delivery....

Mahagi, situated on the eastern border of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), serves as a vital cross-border trade hub with Uganda, where women predominantly engage in small-scale trading activities. Despite their crucial role, these women often operate under challenging circumstances marked by informality, insecurity, and limited access to protection, information, and fundamental rights. Recognizing these difficulties, TradeMark Africa (TMA), in collaboration with the DRC government and with funding from UK International Development, implemented a targeted training program at the Mahagi One Stop Border Post (OSBP). This week-long initiative brought together both women traders and border officials to address the systemic and practical obstacles hindering women's full participation in cross-border trade. The training adopted a dual approach. Women traders received education on their rights, obligations, and available mechanisms for reporting misconduct. Simultaneously, public officials underwent sensitization on their responsibilities under national and subregional gender frameworks. Delivered through five focused modules, the sessions covered crucial topics such as gender awareness, relevant legal instruments, advocacy strategies, and the monitoring of gender-responsive trade systems. This initiative fostered a significant and rare dialogue between regulators and traders, underscoring the effectiveness of collaboratively developing solutions to dismantle entrenched mistrust. A key aspect of the initiative was the creation of a platform for structured dialogue between traders and border officials, two groups whose interactions are often strained. By facilitating joint learning and promoting mutual understanding, the training contributed to rebuilding trust and establishing a foundation for more responsive and inclusive border governance. However, security remains a...

The East African Community (EAC) is poised to reap substantial benefits from enhanced trade integration across the African continent, particularly through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). A recent study, titled “Export Trade Potential of the East African Community under the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) 2024,” indicates that the region's total export potential under the AfCFTA is estimated at approximately $1.9 billion, presenting a significant pathway for economic transformation. Leveraging the International Trade Centre (ITC)’s methodology, the research pinpoints high-potential export products within EAC member states. Kenya, Tanzania, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) exhibit the most significant export potential, while South Africa, Egypt, and Zambia are identified as key African markets for EAC goods. Specific sectoral opportunities highlighted include tea from Kenya, processed cereals from Burundi, mineral products from Tanzania, and metals from the DRC. Beyond these specific product opportunities, the AfCFTA offers broader advantages encompassing improved market access, increased investments, industrial expansion, and strengthened regional cooperation. It is also expected to stimulate growth in crucial EAC sectors such as agriculture, pharmaceuticals, automotive, and logistics, while simultaneously accelerating digital trade and infrastructure development within the region. To fully realize this potential, the report recommends that EAC Member States prioritize investments in value addition to enhance product competitiveness, foster the development of industrial clusters, improve access to finance for businesses, and provide support for women traders to promote inclusive growth. Furthermore, the implementation of measures like export insurance schemes, duty remission programs, and advancements in digital...

Ministers Francis Mwebesa and Wilson Mbadi (left and second from left) with TMA Uganda Country Director Anna Nambooze and Bagonza (second from right and right) The Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Cooperatives, Uganda, and TradeMark Africa convened 190 participants drawn from government, the private sector, civil society, and international organizations on 26 and 27 March, 2025, to discuss and evaluate the current state of trade in Uganda. The Uganda Trade Review Conference 2025, themed Leveraging Trade: Towards Uganda’s 10-Fold Growth Strategy, focused on identifying challenges and opportunities in the trade sector. The conference aimed to develop actionable strategies to enhance Uganda’s trade performance, foster economic growth, and promote sustainable development by empowering local businesses to access global markets. Participants highlighted export growth and diversification beyond traditional commodities like coffee, tea, and tobacco, now including manufactured goods, processed foods, and minerals. This diversification has increased the need for industrial parks and Special Economic Zones (SEZs) to expand production capacity. Additionally, increased trade agreements within the East African Community (EAC), COMESA, and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) have significantly boosted market access. Lynette Bagonza, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Cooperatives, emphasized the importance of shifting from raw exports to processed goods that fetch higher prices in international markets. “Our manufacturing program aims to increase manufactured exports from 15 percent in 2021 to 20 percent by 2029. We must ensure our goods meet global standards and are competitive,” she stated. Regarding infrastructure development, participants identified the...

Benin is making strides to improve its trade environment with the recent unveiling of a framework that will guide the development of its National Trade Facilitation Strategy. Discussions surrounding the framework for this important strategy brought together stakeholders from various trade-related agencies. These included representatives from customs, sanitary and phytosanitary services, quality control authorities, port operators, and other relevant institutions. The deliberations took place at a workshop facilitated by TradeMark Africa (TMA) on Monday, 24 March 2025, at the Riviéra Hotel in Cotonou. The workshop was officially opened by Ambassador Benjamin Alanménou, the Technical Advisor for International Agreements to the Minister of Industry and Trade. Coordinated by the National Trade Facilitation Committee (CNFE), the stakeholders at the workshop established the foundational principles upon which the strategy will be built. In his opening address, Ambassador Alanménou provided context about the facilitating organization. “For those unfamiliar with TradeMark Africa (TMA), it is a non-profit organisation dedicated to eliminating trade barriers by modernising infrastructure, establishing digital trade systems, harmonising trade standards and protocols, and fostering public-private dialogue to support trade policy reforms,” he explained. He further emphasized the significance of the National Trade Facilitation Strategy, stating that it will form the basis for future initiatives and engagements aimed at simplifying and modernizing Benin’s trade landscape. Dr Gominan Fousséni, the Director of Foreign Trade and President of the National Trade Facilitation Committee, underscored the importance of this initiative. He remarked, “As its name suggests, this strategy is a fundamental tool underpinning all our previous...

Over the past six years, the Making Trade Work for Women in East Africa programme has significantly transformed cross-border trade practices, expanded market access, and improved the livelihoods of tens of thousands of women traders. Recently, stakeholders from across the region gathered for a two-day close-out workshop to reflect on the programme's accomplishments, consolidate the lessons learned, and explore strategies to sustain and amplify its impact throughout the continent. Cross-border trade has historically been a vital source of income for women in East Africa. However, they have faced numerous systemic barriers that have hindered their ability to fully benefit from this sector. An independent endline evaluation report highlighted the programme's success in enabling over 50,000 women to transition from informal to formal trade. This was achieved through facilitating collective trading within formal associations, advocating for supportive policies and practices, providing access to essential trade and market information, and developing their business management and networking capabilities. As a result, the average monthly trade value for participating women increased by 23%, rising from $308 in 2018 to $380 in 2023. Notably, women who formalised their businesses experienced a 33% increase in trade value, and 78% reported greater confidence and enhanced decision-making power. One aspect of the programme was the establishment of resource centres at border crossings. These centres serve as vital hubs, offering critical information, facilitating coordination with border agencies, and providing assistance to traders facing harassment. Furthermore, tele-support services were made available to traders located far from border areas. The independent...

TradeMark Africa (TMA) and the Democratic Republic of Congo’s (DRC) General Directorate of Customs and Excise (DGDA) on 18 March 2025 convened a steering committee meeting in Nairobi to review ongoing trade facilitation projects in the country. A major focus of the discussions included the integration of the Regional Electronic Cargo Tracking System (RECTS), which spans from Mombasa to Mahagi border, with the DRC’s national Electronic Cargo Tracking System (ECTS), covering Mahagi to the country’s hinterland and beyond its border in the central Africa region. The meeting was led by TMA’s Deputy CEO, Allen Asiimwe, and Director of Strategy and Partnerships, Anthe Vrijlandt, alongside DGDA’s Assistant Deputy Director, Mabaya Jean Paul, who represented the Director General. If all goes according to plan, the integration of RECTS and ECTS will represent a major step in the DRC’s trade modernisation efforts and its deeper integration into the East African Community (EAC). The RECTS system enhances cargo security along the Northern Corridor, covering trade routes from the Port of Mombasa through Uganda, Rwanda, and into the DRC. By minimising delays, it improves truck turnaround times and lowers business costs. The DRC’s national ECTS, developed and adopted following a successful pilot phase in 2019, ensures that transit goods reach their intended destinations within central Africa. This prevents cargo diversion to unauthorised locations and combats customs duty and import tax evasion. The system uses electronic trackers affixed to containers upon entry into the DRC, which are then removed upon exit, providing real-time visibility of cargo...

Le gouvernement de Côte d'Ivoire, en collaboration avec TradeMark Africa (TMA), continue de faire progresser la facilitation du commerce par le biais de divers engagements stratégiques avec des partenaires dans le pays et dans la région de l'Afrique de l'Ouest. Dans le cadre de ces efforts continus, un atelier s'est tenu à Abidjan le 12 mars 2025 pour valider une étude sur la restructuration d'un centre de commerce extérieur et d'entrepôts spécialisés aux principaux postes frontaliers. Cette initiative permettra de faciliter le regroupement, la transformation et le stockage des céréales destinées à l'exportation. Présidé par M. Serge Martial Bombo, en remplacement du directeur général du commerce extérieur, l'atelier visait à valider les conclusions de l'étude et à intégrer les points de vue des parties prenantes sur les recommandations proposées. M. Bombo, qui occupe le poste de secrétaire général du Conseil national des exportations, a réitéré la nécessité de moderniser l'infrastructure commerciale afin d'en améliorer l'efficacité et l'accessibilité. Il a indiqué que l'objectif du gouvernement était de développer des infrastructures commerciales efficaces et accessibles, conformes aux normes internationales, afin d'atténuer les pertes post-récolte, d'améliorer la logistique commerciale et de stimuler la croissance économique. Cette étude, menée par le cabinet de conseil Artelia à la demande de TradeMark Africa, reflète l'engagement du Conseil national des exportations à créer des entrepôts spécialisés aux huit frontières terrestres de la Côte d'Ivoire. Ces sites comprennent les régions du Poro, de Djuablin, de Tonpki, de Gbêkê, de la Comoé du Sud et du Tchologo, avec des...