EAC leaders attending the Multisectoral Dialogue in Kigali. By KPC ReporterThe East African Community (EAC) has convened a two-day high-level Multisectoral Dialogue in Kigali to tackle persistent trade barriers and accelerate regional integration. Despite legal and policy frameworks being in place, intra-EAC trade has stagnated at around 15% of total trade for over a decade, far below the region’s potential of 30–50%. EAC Secretary General Veronica Nduva noted that while regional trade grew from US$6.42 billion in 2016 to US$15.25 billion in 2024, intra-regional exports remain modest, accounting for just 12.2% of total trade. In parallel, Somalia has been cleared to adopt the EAC e-Passport, marking a significant step in its integration into the bloc.

Source: Daily Nation February 19, 2026 23:49 UTC