Have any question?
+255 736 164 141
[email protected]
RegisterLogin
DONATE
  • About Us
    • Our Story
    • What we do
    • Our People
    • Jobs & Internships
    • Annual Reports & Financials
    • FAQs
    • Contact
  • Projects
  • Training
    • Overview
    • Certifications
    • Upcoming Courses
    • Think Tank Shark Tank
    • FAQs
  • Grants + Awards
  • Forums
  • About Us
    • Our Story
    • What we do
    • Our People
    • Jobs & Internships
    • Annual Reports & Financials
    • FAQs
    • Contact
  • Projects
  • Training
    • Overview
    • Certifications
    • Upcoming Courses
    • Think Tank Shark Tank
    • FAQs
  • Grants + Awards
  • Forums
  • News+Analysis
  • Media
    • Books
    • Videos
    • Champions of Change
  • Events
  • Shop
  • Support us
  • News+Analysis
  • Media
    • Books
    • Videos
    • Champions of Change
  • Events
  • Shop
  • Support us

Op-ed

Mending Shaky Trade Ties but Can East African Nations Rise above Typical Diplomatic Talk

  • Posted by Muoki Musila
  • Categories Op-ed, economic, Market, Planning, Politics, social
  • Date March 27, 2024
  • Comments 0 comment

By Muoki Musila

Mending Broken Trade Relations 

Rwanda and Uganda set out to evaluate their areas of strategic cooperation and the implementation status of the past agreements during the 11th Joint Permanent Commission (JPC) session held in Kigali between 22-24 March 2023.  The meeting comes after a long period of tensions between the two countries that have impacted trade creating unnecessarily long supply chains to the disadvantage of the East African citizens. While the 11th JPC is indicative of the intention between the two nations to revitalize relations and deepen trust, questions are emerging on whether the right discussions are being prioritized. Convening for the first time in more than 10 years, the agenda is indicative of the dysfunctions that ail regional integration and the formation of a single market for the East African community.

This comes at a time when other neighbors, Tanzania and Kenya, are locked in a continuous loop of trade rows that have negatively impacted trade. Kenya has agreed to clear Konyagi Spirit and Timber from Tanzania held at its borders in exchange for tea exports into Tanzania during the 8th Joint Trade Committee (JTC) meeting between the two nations. With the eldest members of the bloc experiencing continuous tiffs, the EAC is setting a worrisome precedence for newer and aspiring member nations.

Observers feel that engagement between nations in the bloc has increasingly prioritized shows of political might with critical business and integration efforts shoved to a distant second. For tangible gains, East African nations must commit to ending the continuous tiffs, engage in meaningful dialogue, and take tangible action.

A Bloc of Cold Wars

The border between Rwanda and Uganda opened in January 2024 after its closure in 2019 following rising tensions amidst COVID-19-fueled disagreements marking years of stalled trade activities. Relationships between the two nations had been strained by mutual accusations of spying, kidnapping, and support for rebels. Traders across the two nations still accuse either country of cherry-picking products to allow across borders with longer hours spent at the border despite the existence of one-stop-border points. Despite the provisions of the East Africa Customs Union, trade between the two nations is characterized by unpredictability in trade rules, and selective standards and rules continue to inhibit relationships between the two nations.

Director General of Africa at the ministry of Foreign Affairs Shakilla Umutoni addressing the opening of the eleventh JPC.

The 11th JPC focused on justice and constitutionalism, mutual legal assistance, diplomatic and political issues, and migration issues that are painfully a thorn in the region’s flesh. However, as is characterized by such relations the world over, the two nations did little to shed accusations of prioritizing bravado and chest-thumping in typical diplomatic discussions. With traders suffering considerable losses and pushing the costs of longer supply chains to consumers, East African nations cannot afford to prioritize politics over economic necessities.

Tanzania and Kenya have in the past been equally engaged in Cold War spats impacting trading activities across the borders with goods detained on either side of the border. Accusations traded between the nations, including increased cost of export permits, selective law and standards, and confiscation of products, are an indication of urgent calls for nations to prioritize trade rules harmonization. The holistic harmonization of levies, fees, and charges and the commitment to strengthen is a matter of urgency for the region to advance economically.

“Bilateral and regional talks should prioritize issues that benefit all member states, including infrastructure development, joint resource management, and fostering regional trade and integration.”

These hiccups can be attributed to several factors, most prominently the ongoing political and diplomatic tensions between member states. Issues of border security, trade disputes, and accusations of interference in internal affairs have created a climate of mistrust that hinders cooperation. Additionally, a lack of political will and commitment from some member states in the region has hampered the full implementation of agreed-upon protocols.

Sustaining Resolutions for Mutual Benefit

To overcome these hurdles and achieve the true potential of the EAC, a paradigm shift is necessary. Member states must prioritize dialogue and diplomacy over confrontation. While regular high-level meetings like the Joint Permanent Commission are crucial, they need to be more than just formalities. Open and honest communication between leaders is essential for addressing grievances and fostering trust.

The EAC’s vision of a prosperous, peaceful, and politically stable region under a single economic market serves as a powerful unifying force. Bilateral and regional talks should prioritize issues that benefit all member states, including infrastructure development, joint resource management, and fostering regional trade and integration. Non-tariff barriers, such as bureaucratic red tape and delays at border crossings, are still a significant hindrance to intra-regional trade. Harmonization of regulations, streamlining customs procedures, and adopting technological solutions can significantly improve trade flow.

Thinking of the Citizen

Notably, the participation of affected citizens, including the private sector in such high-level meetings is still limited and treated with contempt. The success of the EAC hinges on the active participation of its citizens. Regular consultations with civil society, the private sector, and academia are essential for ensuring policies reflect the needs and aspirations of the people.

The citizens of the EAC deserve to live in a region where borders are open, trade flourishes, and opportunities abound. Leaders must rise above their differences and commit to genuine dialogue and action. The countless meetings and summits must translate into tangible progress on the ground. The EAC has the potential to be an economic powerhouse, a beacon of peace, and a symbol of African unity. However, this potential can only be realized if member states choose cooperation over confrontation.

 

Muoki Musila is an Kenyan based economist. These are the writer’s own opinions and do not necessarily reflect the viewpoints of Liberty Sparks. Do you want to publish in this space? Contact our editors at [email protected] for further clarification.

Tag:#EAC #RegionalIntegration #CrossBordertTrade #TradeDisputes #Kenya #Uganda #Tanzania #Rwanda

  • Share:
Muoki Musila

Muoki Musila is a Kenyan-based economist. He is the marketing and Communications Associate at
Liberty Sparks

Previous post

Ditching Fossil for Renewable Energy to Spur Africa’s Automobile Manufacturing, Trade
March 27, 2024

Next post

East African Community’s Ailing Border Points Have Refused to Let in Goods, People
April 13, 2024

You may also like

whitman_Ndung_1100u
Trump’s Tariffs to Disrupt Kenya’s Growth
August 13, 2025
PAPSS-2
Currency Sovereignty as PAPSS Stakes Its Claim in Africa’s Currency Wars
July 2, 2025
pexels-michael-morse-1299434
Infrastructure Diplomacy in East Africa: The New Face of Regional Power and Influence
June 3, 2025

Leave A Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Search

MOST POPULAR

February 25, 2021
What Kombe’s saying about Business Regulations.
Read More
August 20, 2024
Impact of Cross-Border Conflicts on Trade in the East African Community
Read More
September 29, 2021
Idea Club for Emerging Leaders, recap for Saturday discussion.
Read More
September 12, 2022
Kwanini Tulalamike? NHIF inaweza Kuendelea Kuwepo?
Read More

RESEARCH & REPORT

Land Rights to Women in Tanzania Report

Land Rights to Women in Tanzania Report

In many parts of Sub-Saharan Africa, women, despite being...

Improved Economic Freedom Report 2022.

Improved Economic Freedom Report 2022.

Introduction Fraser Institute report (2021), the index published in...

Trading Across Borders: Implications & Policy Recommendations in Tanzania 2022 report

Trading Across Borders: Implications & Policy Recommendations in Tanzania 2022 report

Tanzania achieved a lower-middle-income economy status in July 2020,...

Tanzania Tax Reform Proposal 2021-2022

Tanzania Tax Reform Proposal 2021-2022

The Government of Tanzania released a public notice to...

Starting Busines Report in Tanzania 2021-2022

Starting Busines Report in Tanzania 2021-2022

Doing Business measures aspects of business regulation affecting small...

Global Alcohol Strategic Report

Global Alcohol Strategic Report

This paper in response to combatting paternalistic lifestyle regulations...

FEATURED ANALYSIS

Digital Payment as a Way to Increase the Freedom to Make Payments

Digital Payment as a Way to Increase the Freedom to Make Payments

By Francis Nyonzo   In my recently published paper...

Trump’s Tariffs to Disrupt Kenya’s Growth

Trump’s Tariffs to Disrupt Kenya’s Growth

With Donald Trump’s administration allowing a self-imposed trade deadline...

Currency Sovereignty as PAPSS Stakes Its Claim in Africa’s Currency Wars

Currency Sovereignty as PAPSS Stakes Its Claim in Africa’s Currency Wars

By Muoki Musila It’s a sovereignty issue… When I...

Infrastructure Diplomacy in East Africa: The New Face of Regional Power and Influence

Infrastructure Diplomacy in East Africa: The New Face of Regional Power and Influence

Why It Matters Kenya’s renewed plan to extend its...

If It Actually Works, Africa’s New Trade Route Could Be a Lifeline for Trade

If It Actually Works, Africa’s New Trade Route Could Be a Lifeline for Trade

By Muoki Musila   Hope in the Skies, but...

Will Africa’s PAPSS Survive the Coming Digital Currency Wars?

Will Africa’s PAPSS Survive the Coming Digital Currency Wars?

Keeping Pace with China’s Digital Blitzkrieg The global financial...

Kenya at the Crossroads of China, the U.S., and Africa amidst Global Tarde Realignments

Kenya at the Crossroads of China, the U.S., and Africa amidst Global Tarde Realignments

Charm Offensive in China Kenya’s President Ruto was busy...

East Africa Must Embrace Free Market Reforms Now

East Africa Must Embrace Free Market Reforms Now

  Growth towards Economic Freedom As East Africa aspires...

JOIN OUR NEWSLETTER

Stay connected with what our team is accomplishing; subscribe today and get the full report and updates, straight to your inbox, every month.
You may also receive information and direct marketing from us, but you may update your preferences at any time.

Liberty Sparks

  • Kunduchi, Mtongania
    Jiwe gumu Road
  • Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
  • T +255 736 164 141
Facebook Twitter Youtube Instagram Linkedin Google-plus-g

A Freer, Flourishing Society

About

  • Our Story
  • Our People
  • What we do
  • Jobs & Internships
  • Annual Reports & Financials
  • FAQs
  • Contact
  • Our Story
  • Our People
  • What we do
  • Jobs & Internships
  • Annual Reports & Financials
  • FAQs
  • Contact

Awards

  • Grants
  • Awards
  • FAQs
  • Grants
  • Awards
  • FAQs

Events

Training

  • Overview
  • Certifications
  • Upcoming Courses
  • Think Tank Shark Tank
  • FAQs
  • Overview
  • Certifications
  • Upcoming Courses
  • Think Tank Shark Tank
  • FAQs

COPYRIGHT © 2023 LIBERTY SPARKS

Login with your site account

Lost your password?

Not a member yet? Register now

Register a new account

Are you a member? Login now