The East Africa Business Council (EABC) has taken part in EALS Webinar on implications of border closures on regional trade and integration.
According to a statement by EABC, the council’s Executive Director, Mr. John Bosco Kalisa, participated in the webinar, which touched on the implications of border closures and unilateral actions on regional trade and integration, organized by the East African Law Society (EALS).
In his remarks, Mr Kalisa commended East African leaders for their dedication to regional integration and economic growth.
He highlighted the region’s impressive economic growth rates in Rwanda (7.2%), Uganda (6.2%), Tanzania (6.2%), Burundi (6%), and Kenya (5.7%).
He also emphasized the crucial pillars supporting East Africa’s growth: integration commitment, macroeconomic management, and infrastructure development.
However, he underscored the adverse effects of unilateral border closures on intra-regional trade, foreign investment, and citizen welfare.
Kalisa urged refraining from such actions and advocated for strengthening regional institutions to transparently manage political tensions and resolve trade disputes.
Dr. Henry Oneria from ALP Advocates, discussed ongoing trade disputes, highlighting the disproportionate impact of sudden border closures on vulnerable communities reliant on cross-border trade. He called for bilateral talks to address underlying political grievances and maintain stability and good neighborly relations across East Africa.
Prof. Tomasz Milej of Kenyatta University addressed challenges with freedom of movement for workers and services, advocating for litigation to enforce treaty obligations and support businesses.
H/W Christine Mutimura, Deputy Registrar of the East Africa Court of Justice, outlined challenges faced by the court, including delays in case determinations and a lack of mechanisms for decision implementation by partner states.
The session concluded with a call for collaborative efforts to mitigate the negative effects of border closures and uphold regional trade and integration objectives.
Cross-border trade in Africa is a significant part of the continent’s trade landscape.Beyond national impact,it also supports rural households around border areas.