The East Africa Trade Agreement: What You Need to Know

The East Africa Trade Agreement, also known as the EAC Trade Agreement, is a trade pact between the East African Community (EAC) member states. The EAC is a regional intergovernmental organization made up of six countries: Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, and South Sudan.

The EAC Trade Agreement was signed in 2010 and aims to increase intra-regional trade, promote economic integration, and create a common market for the member states. The agreement covers a wide range of areas, including trade in goods, services, investment, intellectual property rights, and competition policy.

One of the key benefits of the EAC Trade Agreement is the elimination of tariffs and non-tariff barriers on goods traded within the region. This helps to reduce the cost of doing business and makes it easier for businesses to access new markets. The agreement also facilitates the movement of people and labor, which is critical for businesses that rely on cross-border trade.

The EAC Trade Agreement has been successful in increasing intra-regional trade between member states. For example, the intra-EAC trade in goods increased from $2.4 billion in 2005 to $5.4 billion in 2016. This has helped to boost economic growth and create jobs in the region.

However, there are still some challenges that need to be addressed to fully realize the benefits of the EAC Trade Agreement. One of the challenges is the lack of infrastructure, which makes it difficult for businesses to move goods and services across borders. This includes poor road networks, limited access to ports, and inadequate border facilities.

Another challenge is the lack of a common approach to regulatory issues. Each member state has its own regulatory framework, which can create confusion and add to the cost of doing business. Harmonizing regulations and standards would help to reduce these costs and make it easier for businesses to operate across borders.

Overall, the EAC Trade Agreement has the potential to significantly boost trade and economic growth in the region. By eliminating barriers to trade, facilitating the movement of people and labor, and harmonizing regulations and standards, the agreement can create a more integrated and vibrant regional market. For businesses operating in East Africa, this presents exciting opportunities for growth and expansion.