By Naome Namusoke/ KMA Updates
BUSIA, Uganda/Kenya — Youth cross-border traders dealing in cereals and horticultural products have welcomed the launch of a Trade Information Booth at the Busia One Stop Border Post (OSBP), describing it as a critical step toward easing cross-border trade under the East African Community (EAC) Simplified Trade Regime (STR).
The traders also commended the Kenya Revenue Authority’s (KRA) e-Customs Mobile Application, calling for its full roll-out across all EAC Partner States to further streamline regional trade processes.
The remarks were made during the East African Business Council (EABC) – Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) Public–Private Dialogue (PPD) on Non-Tariff Barriers (NTBs), held from 18th to 20th December 2025 at the Busia OSBP. The dialogue brought together over 80 participants, including young cross-border traders, clearing and forwarding agents, and officials from trade facilitation agencies from both Uganda and Kenya.
The newly launched Trade Information Booth, equipped with a television and tablet, provides simplified instructional videos offering step-by-step guidance on how to trade cereals and horticultural products under the EAC Simplified Trade Regime. The booth is designed to demystify border procedures and promote formal trade, particularly among youth and women traders.
Complementing the booth is a WhatsApp Business-to-Business (B2B) platform, accessible via +255 764 520 168, which enables traders to place orders for cereals and horticultural products, access market information, and submit online reports on Non-Tariff Barriers. The platform also allows for whistle-blowing and lodging of complaints, enhancing transparency and accountability at the border.
Speaking on behalf of the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of EAC Affairs, Uganda, Mr. Matia Etedu reaffirmed the government’s commitment to promoting regional integration and facilitating cross-border trade, particularly for young entrepreneurs.
On her part, Ms. Mary Maisory, representing the Principal Secretary, Ministry of EAC, ASALs and Regional Development, State Department for EAC Affairs of the Republic of Kenya, noted that empowering women and youth traders to utilize the EAC Simplified Trade Regime enables them to trade formally, boosts intra-EAC trade, improves livelihoods, and strengthens regional food security.
Representing Mr. Adrian Njau, the Acting Executive Director of EABC, Ms. Hidaya Mkwizu stated that the Public–Private Dialogue would generate actionable recommendations aimed at addressing persistent Non-Tariff Barriers. She said the outcomes of the engagement would be submitted to the EAC Secretariat and relevant Ministries in Partner States for consideration and implementation.
During the dialogue, Mr. Ely Mutai from the Kenya Revenue Authority made a presentation on the e-Customs Mobile Application, highlighting how the system has simplified pre-arrival clearance of goods and reduced delays at the border. Meanwhile, Mr. Yorum Banyenzaki from the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) sensitized participants on the use of the EAC Simplified Certificate of Origin, a key requirement for traders operating under the STR.
The dialogue also highlighted the impact of successful advocacy efforts under the project. Notably, the Government of the Republic of Kenya scrapped a 25 percent excise duty on key agricultural products such as eggs, onions, and potatoes in the 2025/26 Finance Act. Additionally, Kenya rolled out the e-Customs Mobile Application to facilitate pre-arrival clearance of goods under the Simplified Trade Regime.
Traders noted that during a similar Public–Private Dialogue held in 2024, complex trade procedures and excise duties were identified as major barriers to cross-border trade.
Speaking during the launch ceremony of the Trade Information Booth, Mr. Gift Gabriel, EABC Research and Policy Officer Trade in Goods, said the initiative would significantly improve access to market information and trade procedures.
“The Trade Information Booth, together with the WhatsApp B2B platform, will ease access to market information, trade procedures, and practical guidance on the EAC Simplified Trade Regime,” Mr. Gabriel said.
Despite the progress made, cross-border traders raised several challenges that continue to affect their operations. These included the need for adoption of the e-Customs Mobile Application by all EAC Partner States, frequent scanner breakdowns, inadequate infrastructure leading to congestion at border points, unharmonized road user charges, exchange rate fluctuations, and unharmonized domestic taxes and levies across the region.
As part of the initiative, EABC conducted a series of capacity-building sessions aimed at strengthening the participation of youth and women in cross-border trade. The sessions focused on promoting gender-sensitive trade facilitation practices, enhancing financial literacy, strengthening business management skills within traders’ cooperatives, and improving access to credit.
Under the Business Capital Award competition, 10 young women cross-border traders dealing in cereals and horticultural products at Busia OSBP each received USD 200 to support their businesses. In addition, two cross-border traders’ associations or cooperatives were awarded USD 500 each to boost savings schemes and improve access to microloans for young traders.
BACKGROUND
The East African Business Council is the regional apex body of private sector associations and corporates from the eight EAC Partner States, established in 1997 to promote private sector participation in the regional integration process. EABC envisions a borderless East Africa that is conducive for business and investment.
AGRA, an African-led organization, focuses on placing smallholder farmers at the centre of Africa’s growing economy by sustainably increasing productivity and linking farmers to markets, with the goal of enhancing food security across the continent.
