Robert Mukiza
HABARI DAILY I Kampala, Uganda I Trade among member states of the East African Community (EAC) has recorded remarkable growth, expanding by 28 percent to $19.3 billion in the final quarter of 2025, underlining the increasing strength of regional integration efforts.
The latest figures from the bloc’s Quarterly Statistics Bulletin show that intra-regional trade is becoming a key driver of economic expansion, supported by deliberate policy reforms and infrastructure improvements across East Africa.
Analysts attribute the surge primarily to sustained efforts by EAC governments to reduce trade barriers, harmonise regulations, and invest in cross-border infrastructure. These measures have made it easier, faster, and more cost-effective for goods to move within the region, encouraging businesses to increasingly look to neighbouring markets.
“The growth we are seeing is not accidental,” said Robert Mukiza, director of the Uganda Investment Authority. “It reflects years of coordinated policy reforms aimed at facilitating trade and improving the business environment within the region.”
One of the most significant contributors to the rise in intra-EAC trade has been the gradual removal of non-tariff barriers, which have historically hindered commerce. Simplified customs procedures, improved border management systems, and the adoption of common standards have reduced delays and uncertainty for traders.
At the same time, major investments in transport corridors—such as roads, railways, and one-stop border posts—have enhanced connectivity between member states, enabling smoother movement of goods from production centres to markets.
The expansion of regional industrial capacity has also played a role. According to Oscar Kamukama of the East African Business Council, there is a gradual shift from reliance on raw commodity exports toward value-added products within the region.
“While raw commodities still dominate the export mix, some countries are expanding exports of semi-processed and manufactured goods, including cement, steel products, and processed foods, particularly within regional markets,” Kamukama noted.
This trend toward industrialisation has increased demand for intermediate goods within the region, further boosting intra-EAC trade volumes.
The strong performance of key sectors has also supported growth. Agricultural products such as coffee, tea, spices, and horticultural goods continue to find ready markets within neighbouring countries, while mineral-rich states like the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Tanzania, and Uganda are supplying gold, copper, and other resources to regional industries.
Beyond internal dynamics, rising trade across the African continent has reinforced intra-EAC growth. Trade with African partners increased by 40.1 percent to $39 billion, reflecting stronger demand under continental trade frameworks such as the African Continental Free Trade Area.
Despite the strong intra-regional performance, EAC countries continue to maintain robust global trade ties. Mukiza noted that key international partners—including China, the United Arab Emirates, South Africa, India, Japan, and the United States—remain crucial markets for exports and sources of imports, particularly machinery, manufactured goods, and energy products.
Overall, the surge in intra-EAC trade signals a maturing regional market increasingly capable of sustaining its own growth. As integration deepens and infrastructure continues to improve, experts believe intra-regional trade will play an even more central role in driving economic transformation across East Africa.
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