ARUSHA, Tanzania — Trade across East Africa has recorded a strong increase, reaching $52.3 billion in the second quarter of 2026, as countries in the region expand commercial activity and strengthen their links with international markets.
The latest figures from the East African Community (EAC) show that total trade between April and June rose by about 37 percent, compared with $38.2 billion during the same period last year.
The increase was driven by growth in both exports and imports, highlighting the expanding role of trade in the region's economies.
Exports pick up
Exports rose to around $24 billion, an increase of 33.3 percent from the previous year.
The growth comes as East African countries continue to sell agricultural products, minerals, manufactured goods and other commodities to markets within Africa and beyond.
For the region, stronger exports are important because they bring in foreign currency, create business opportunities and support jobs across sectors ranging from farming and manufacturing to transport and logistics.
Imports also increased during the quarter, reaching about $22.4 billion, up 28.1 percent.
The rise reflects continued demand for machinery, industrial materials, consumer goods and other products needed by businesses and households across the region.
Regional trade gets a boost
The figures come at a time when the EAC is working to make it easier for goods and services to move between member states.
The regional bloc has been pushing for fewer trade barriers, faster customs procedures and better transport connections. These measures are intended to reduce the cost and time involved in moving goods across borders.
For traders, particularly small and medium-sized businesses, easier movement across borders can open up new markets and allow companies to sell beyond their home countries.
A trader in Uganda, for example, can potentially reach customers in Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda or other EAC markets without having to rely solely on the domestic market.
Intra-regional trade remains a challenge
Despite the strong overall growth, East Africa still has considerable room to increase trade among its own countries.
A large share of the region's trade continues to be conducted with countries outside the EAC. Increasing trade within the region could give local businesses a bigger market and reduce dependence on imported goods from outside Africa.
Manufacturers could benefit from larger regional markets, while farmers and food producers could gain more opportunities to sell their products across neighbouring countries.
The EAC has therefore continued to promote regional integration as a way of encouraging businesses to look beyond national borders.
Infrastructure key to future growth
Transport remains one of the biggest factors affecting regional trade.
East Africa relies heavily on major road and rail corridors linking ports such as Mombasa and Dar es Salaam to inland markets. Delays at borders, poor roads and high transportation costs can make goods more expensive and reduce the competitiveness of regional businesses.
Improving these connections could make it easier for products to move from farms and factories to consumers across the region.
Digital technology is also becoming increasingly important. Electronic customs systems and online trade information are helping businesses navigate procedures that were once largely paper-based.
A growing regional market
With its expanding population and economies, East Africa represents an increasingly important market for businesses.
The EAC has also grown geographically in recent years. The Democratic Republic of Congo joined the bloc in 2022, while Somalia became a full member in 2024, bringing additional markets and trade routes into the regional community.
The expansion has increased the potential size of the EAC market, although integrating different economies and trade systems remains a work in progress.
What comes next?
The jump to $52.3 billion shows that trade remains an important engine of economic activity in East Africa.
The challenge now is to ensure that the growth reaches businesses and ordinary people across the region.
That means creating an environment where companies can produce more, move goods more cheaply and access customers across borders with fewer obstacles.
If efforts to improve infrastructure, simplify trade procedures and strengthen regional markets continue, East Africa could see further growth in trade in the years ahead.
#Legit Cameroon#