KIGALI — East African business leaders are calling for faster implementation of regional integration measures, arguing that persistent trade barriers continue to increase the cost of doing business across the region.
The call was made during a business leaders’ meeting in Kigali, Rwanda, where private-sector representatives discussed ways of improving trade and investment within the East African Community.
Business leaders highlighted challenges including border delays, customs procedures, non-tariff barriers, logistics costs and differences in standards and regulations.
They argued that addressing these issues would enable businesses to access larger markets and build stronger regional value chains.
East Africa has made significant progress towards creating a common market, but businesses continue to face practical obstacles when moving goods and services between member states.
For manufacturers, traders and logistics companies, delays at borders and complex procedures can add significant costs and make locally produced goods less competitive.
The private sector has therefore been urging governments and regional institutions to focus on implementing agreements that have already been signed rather than creating additional commitments.
The discussions come as EAC member states seek to increase intra-regional trade and attract more investment into sectors including agriculture, manufacturing, tourism, logistics and technology.
Business leaders argue that a more integrated regional market would provide companies with the scale needed to compete internationally while making East Africa more attractive to investors.
The private sector is also seeking greater use of digital systems to simplify customs procedures, improve information sharing and reduce unnecessary paperwork.
Regional integration remains one of the EAC’s central objectives, with the bloc seeking to establish a larger and more competitive market for its member states.
However, differences in implementation among countries have continued to slow progress.
The CEOs said stronger cooperation between governments and the private sector would be critical to addressing these challenges.
With East African economies competing for investment, business leaders believe that reducing the cost of moving goods and capital across borders could strengthen the region’s appeal to both local and international investors.
The push for faster implementation highlights a growing view among East Africa’s business community that regional integration must deliver measurable benefits for companies and consumers.
