Nairobi, Kenya| East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) Member of Parliament Maina Karobia has urged East African states to eliminate non-tariff barriers (NTBs) at border points to promote intra-regional trade and unlock the region’s economic potential.
Speaking on the matter, Karobia emphasized that East Africa’s population of over 350 million provides a significant market that should be fully utilized before businesses seek trade opportunities in Commonwealth, European, American, and Asian markets.
He pointed out that despite strong diplomatic and economic ties among member states, trade remains hindered by restrictive border policies and bureaucratic obstacles.
“We have a strong market in East Africa, yet non-tariff barriers make it difficult for entrepreneurs and businesses to trade freely within the region,” Karobia stated.
“Traders are forced to spend excessive time, resources, and money seeking markets overseas, while our own market remains untapped. To empower our business community, we must open our borders.”
Non-tariff barriers, including lengthy customs procedures, import/export restrictions, licensing requirements, and excessive administrative costs, have long been a challenge for traders within the East African Community (EAC).
Despite efforts to foster economic integration through agreements such as the EAC Common Market Protocol, many businesses continue to face obstacles that drive them toward external markets instead of leveraging regional opportunities.
Karobia stressed the need for East Africa to position itself as a competitive economic bloc in the global market by facilitating seamless trade among member states.
He called on regional governments to implement harmonized trade policies that promote free movement of goods, services, and investments, ensuring the region’s economic growth and stability.
His remarks align with broader continental trade initiatives, such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which aims to create a single African market by reducing trade barriers and enhancing economic cooperation across the continent.
The EAC has made progress in addressing some trade barriers, but Karobia’s call highlights the urgency of removing remaining impediments that prevent businesses from thriving within the region.
His appeal to policymakers and trade stakeholders underscores the need for proactive measures to fully harness East Africa’s economic potential and strengthen its position on the global trade map.
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