EAC Permanent Secretaries agree to accelerate the removal of barriers hindering trade within the bloc

DAR ES SALAAM: PERMANENT Secretaries responsible for East African Community (EAC) affairs and trade from member states have agreed to accelerate measures to remove barriers hindering trade within the Community.

The agreement was reached on September 24, 2026, during a Regional Permanent Secretaries’ Meeting held in Dar es Salaam to review implementation of directives issued by the 25th EAC Heads of State Summit, held in Arusha on March 7, 2026.

The Summit directed member states to address and eliminate all reported non-tariff barriers to trade within the Community by June 30, 2026.

The meeting also focused on assessing progress and establishing urgent measures to address Non-Tariff Barriers (NTBs) that continue to affect trade among EAC member states.

In addition, the Permanent Secretaries agreed to accelerate measures to eliminate duties, fees, charges and discriminatory domestic taxes imposed on goods originating from EAC member states, in accordance with Articles 10 and 15 of the EAC Customs Union Protocol.

The measures are aimed at creating a level playing field for goods produced and traded within the Community, reducing the cost of doing business and facilitating the movement of goods across borders.

Speaking at the meeting, Tanzania’s Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation responsible for East African affairs, Charles Ngeleja Kadonya, said Tanzania would continue implementing plans, decisions and agreements reached by member states to strengthen regional integration and increase benefits for citizens.

He stressed the importance of member states ensuring that decisions reached at the regional level are implemented on time to remove barriers that increase business costs and cause delays.

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He also called for improved efficiency in trade and transport systems across the region, including One Stop Border Posts (OSBPs).

The meeting is being held in Dar es Salaam from September 22 to 25, 2026, bringing together experts and Permanent Secretaries as part of EAC efforts to strengthen implementation of regional agreements, remove trade barriers and facilitate the movement of goods, services and capital within the Community.

Tanzania’s delegation to the meeting is led by Permanent Secretary Charles Ngeleja Kadonya and includes the Permanent Secretary of Zanzibar’s Ministry of Trade and Industrial Development, Dr Habiba Hassan Omar, as well as senior officials from various government ministries and institutions.