BUSIA OSBP – Monday, 22nd December 2025 – Youth cross-border traders in the cereals and horticulture value chains have commended the launch of the Trade Information Booth at Busia One Stop Border Post (OSBP) and the use of e-Customs Mobile Application by the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) as key facilitation tools that ease cross border trade under EAC Simplified Trade Regime.
This is during the EABC–AGRA Public–Private Dialogue (PPD) on Non-Tariff Barriers (NTBs), held on 18th -20th December 2025, convening 80 young cross-border traders, clearing and forwarding agents, and trade facilitation agencies at Busia OSBP.
The newly launched Trade Information Boot
h, comprising a television and tablet, offers simplified learning videos with step-by-step procedures for trading cereals and horticultural products under the EAC Simplified Trade Regime (STR). In addition, the WhatsApp B2B platform, accessible via +255 764 520 168, provides access to ordering cereals and horticultural products from cross-border traders, as well as an online form for reporting Non-Tariff Barriers (NTBs), whistle-blowing, and complaints.
Representing the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of EAC Affairs, Uganda, Mr. Matia Etedu reiterated the Government’s commitment to facilitating regional trade, especially for the youth.
On her part, the representative of the Principal Secretary, Ministry of EAC, ASALs and Regional Development, State Department for EAC Affairs of the Republic of Kenya, Ms. Mary Maisory, stated that empowering women and youth traders to utilize the EAC Simplified Trade Regime to trade formally boosts intra-EAC trade, transforms livelihoods, and enhances food security.
Representing Mr. Adrian Njau, the Acting Executive Director of EABC, Ms. Hidaya Mkwizu stated that the Public–Private Dialogue would chart out a roadmap for addressing non-tariff barriers, with recommendations to be submitted to the EAC Secretariat and respective Ministries.
Mr. Ely Mutai from the Kenya Revenue Authority presented on the e-Customs Mobile Application, which has eased the pre-arrival clearance of goods.
Mr. Yorum Banyenzaki from the Uganda Revenue Authority made a presentation on the EAC Simplified Certificate of Origin.
Following successful advocacy under the project, the Government of the Republic of Kenya scrapped the 25% excise duty on key agricultural products such as eggs, onions, and potatoes in the 2025/26 Finance Act, and rolled out the e-Customs Mobile Application that allows pre-arrival clearance of goods under the EAC Simplified Trade Regime. During the previous Public–Private Dialogue held in 2024, cross-border traders had raised concerns of complex trade processes and excise duties as key barriers to trade.
Speaking during the launch ceremony of the Trade Information Booth, Mr. Gift Gabriel, EABC Research & Policy – Trade in Goods, noted that “the trade information booth – TV and WhatApp B2B platform will ease access to market information, trade procedures, and guidance on the EAC Simplified Trade Regime (STR).”
Key challenges and proposals raised by cross-border traders included: adoption of the e-Customs Mobile Application by all EAC Partner States; frequent scanner failures; improvement of infrastructure to reduce congestion; unharmonized road user charges; exchange rate fluctuations and associated losses; and unharmonized domestic taxes and levies.
As part of the initiative, EABC also conducted capacity-building sessions focusing on:
- Promoting gender-sensitive practices by equipping border officials and cross-border traders with knowledge on inclusive trade facilitation and supporting women traders against harassment, discrimination, and gender-based violence.
- Enhancing financial literacy to enable traders to better manage finances and access credit.
- Strengthening business management skills within cross-border traders’ cooperatives and associations to improve governance, accountability, and market access.
- Conducting a Business Capital Award competition, in which 10 young women cross-border traders dealing in cereals and horticultural products at Busia OSBP were each awarded USD 200.
- Recognition Awards of USD 500 to 2 Cross Border Traders Associations/Cooperatives to support young cross-border traders in savings and access to microloans.
About East African Business Council: The East African Business Council (EABC) is the regional apex body of private sector associations and Corporates from the 8 East African countries. It was established in 1997 to foster the interests of the private sector in the integration process of the East African Community. EABC vision is a borderless East Africa for business and investment. The primary mission is to promote sustainable private sector-driven growth in the EAC. www.eabc-online.com
About AGRA
AGRA is an African-led organisation focused on putting farmers at the centre of the continent’s growing economy. AGRA advances uniquely African solutions to sustainably raise farmers’ productivity and connect them to a growing marketplace. Together with its partners—including researchers, donors, African governments, the private sector, and civil society—AGRA seeks to create an environment where Africa sustainably feeds itself.
