KRA Deputy Commissioner, Border Control and Enforcement Chege Macharia celebrated witnessing the milestone event. “KRA’s biggest role and passion isn’t tax collection. It is trade facilitation. And this consignment will go a long way in
making this possible, especially through enabling the sharing of critical soft infrastructure by multiple cross border agencies. Aside from this, access to the internet will strengthen service delivery, boost efficiencies and counter bordersecurity threats that emanate from movement of people and goods.” EAC Secretariat Customs Officer in charge of Procedures and Trade Facilitation Evariste Munyampundu agreed. “Without trade facilitation, there is no development. We are proud of the consistent strong partnership we’ve had with the US government, and the American people by extension, in automatic trade processes within the region. EAC is the most dynamic Regional EconomicCommunity in Africa, and we are proud of the benefits this initiative will have on driving prosperity for future generations.” Trademark Africa Director of Trade and Customs Benedict Musengele and ERRA Chief of Party Mark Priestley celebrated the impact that increased interconnectivity, transparency and trade flows will have for East Africa. “These borders see massive movement of agricultural commodities, and digital efficiencies will heighten trading from food surplus to food deficit countries in support of Feed the Future goals.”According to recent data, agricultural product volumes moving through the Lwakhakha border from Uganda between July 2021 and June 2022 reached 5.37 million kilograms. Major items included cereals (rice, maize, beans), fruits(bananas, watermelons, avocados), vegetables (tomatoes, yams), and animal feed (rice and wheat bran). At the Loitoktok/Tarakea border between Tanzania and Kenya, goods valued at $39.2 million were cleared in 2022, primarily comprising fruits (oranges, watermelons, pineapples), vegetables (onions, potatoes), legumes (peas, groundnuts), cereals (maize, cowpeas), as well as animal feeds, wood, and LPG gas. Additionally, Tanzania imported $41.2 million worth of goods from Kenya, of which 92% were processed industrial goods and 8% agricultural products, with notable items including animal feeds, industrial household goods, juices, edible oils, and pastries.