Persistent Non-Tariff Barriers Threaten East Africa's Trade Progress

East Africa has made significant strides in regional integration over the past decade, investing in One Stop Border Posts and digital customs systems that have slashed clearance times at borders by up to 70 percent. Harmonized standards and simplified procedures have boosted trade efficiency along key corridors.

However, non-tariff barriers (NTBs) like import bans, extra fees, repeated testing, and shifting standards continue to hinder progress. In the EAC and COMESA, these restrictions create uncertainty and inflate business costs.

Data from the COMESA-EAC-SADC Tripartite mechanism shows 928 complaints since 2008, with 125 still unresolved. The EAC Secretariat’s 2025 report highlights a sharp rise in resolution times, from 76 days in 2021 to 274 days in 2024, far exceeding AfCFTA targets of 60-125 days.

The economic toll is steep: NTBs cost EAC states 1.7-2.8 percent of their $313 billion GDP yearly. The East African Business Council pegs regional losses at $10 billion annually, while the World Bank predicts eliminating them could boost intra-African exports by over 80 percent by 2035.

Real-world examples include Uganda’s egg exports to Kenya plummeting in 2022 due to new duties and levies, and Tanzania’s fertilized egg shipments facing regulatory hurdles until 2024 consultations. Milk, cement, sugar, and other goods often encounter sudden restrictions or extra checks.

These barriers stem from domestic protections for local industries or revenue needs, but they raise consumer prices, erode exporter markets, and deter investors. Legal tools like the EAC NTB Act and digital reporting exist, yet weak political will hampers enforcement.

Solutions include strict timelines, an NTB Impact Index for accountability, integrated digital platforms, and private sector-led forums. Stronger commitment is essential to safeguard integration gains.

Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)