Tanzania, Kenya agree to end NTBs by next March

DAR ES SALAAM: TANZANIA and Kenya have set a firm deadline of March next year to eliminate all trade barriers, signalling a critical step toward deepening regional economic integration.

This move aims to boost cross-border trade efficiency, reduce costs and strengthen the East African Community’s single market, benefiting businesses and consumers on both sides.

The agreement was reached in high-level talks where principal secretaries pledged to create a more enabling environment for trade and investment.

The move is expected to strengthen bilateral ties and accelerate economic integration within the East African Community (EAC). Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Industry and Trade, Dr Hashil Abdallah highlighted the Joint Technical Committee (JTC) established to monitor reform implementation.

“Our goal is to eliminate unnecessary obstacles for businesspeople and position Tanzania and the entire EAC as a safe, reliable hub for trade,” he said.

Dr Abdallah said Tanzania and Kenya have resolved 4 out of 14 outstanding non-tariff barriers (NTBs) during the 9th Joint Trade Committee meeting held in Dar es Salaam, bringing the total resolved to 58 out of 68.

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The remaining 10 are expected to be cleared by March 31, 2026. He said the agreement follows commitments made by Presidents Samia Suluhu Hassan and William Ruto during the Kenyan leader’s visit to Tanzania in October 2022, aimed at strengthening bilateral trade.

The removed barriers include the lifting of a withholding tax on TBL beer exports to Kenya, resolution of tax stamp and fee issues on livestock product exports from Kenya and scrapping of the COMESA insurance requirement, which does not apply to Tanzania.

“The goal is for every businessperson to find trade between Tanzania and Kenya efficient and profitable,” he said.

Both sides emphasised the need for close monitoring, with regular reviews to ensure ministries and sectors meet their sixmonth commitments.

For traders and investors, the coming months promise easier, faster and more profitable trade between East Africa’s two largest economies. EAC Secretary General Dr Caroline Karugu highlighted progress, noting a 78 per cent resolution rate, reflecting strong commitment from both governments.

She attributed the breakthrough to commitments made during Kenyan President Dr William Ruto’s official visit to Tanzania in October 2022, when both governments agreed to prioritise removing NTBs hindering trade.

“Today, we are resolving long-standing issues for the prosperity of the entire East African Community,” she said.

Kenya’s Principal Secretary for Trade, Ms Regina Ambam, called the agreement a turning point for regional commerce.

“Trade between Kenya and Tanzania is vital for our people’s livelihoods and disruptions impact the entire EAC. By harmonising systems and removing obstacles, we’re creating an enabling environment for businesses and the region,” Ambam stated.

She also highlighted the importance of digital trade and preparing East Africa for the global economy, adding, “This agreement shows our commitment to modernising trade and enhancing regional competitiveness.”