EAC partner states advance efforts to strengthen E-commerce and digital trade

Arusha, Tanzania, 16 October 2026: The East African Community (EAC) Partner States are stepping up regional efforts to strengthen e-commerce and digital trade through improved monitoring, enhanced consumer protection, stronger coordination and accelerated implementation of the EAC E-Commerce Strategy.

The measures were discussed at the EAC Regional E-Commerce Engagement Platform meeting held in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, from 13 to 15 October 2026. The meeting brought together Partner States to review progress, identify implementation priorities and strengthen cooperation in key areas, including policy and regulation, digital infrastructure, logistics, cybersecurity, online marketplaces and payment systems.

A key outcome was the review and updating of baseline data for the Monitoring and Evaluation Tool of the EAC E-Commerce Strategy, drawing on recommendations from National E-Commerce Engagement Platforms held between September and October 2026. The exercise is expected to improve the availability and quality of data for tracking implementation and informing evidence-based policy decisions.

Chairperson of the meeting, Mr. Chris Matsiko, Commercial Officer at Uganda’s Ministry of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives, said e-commerce offers significant opportunities to expand market access, facilitate cross-border trade, promote entrepreneurship and enable micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) to participate more effectively in regional and global value chains.

“These opportunities can only be realised through deliberate and coordinated efforts to address prevailing challenges, including gaps in digital infrastructure, regulatory frameworks, logistics, payment systems, digital skills, consumer protection and the availability of reliable data to inform policy decisions,” said Mr. Matsiko.

The meeting also drew lessons from the Knowledge Exchange Forum on Building Trust in E-Commerce, held in Switzerland and Serbia in July 2026, and identified priority actions to strengthen consumer confidence in cross-border digital transactions.

Proposed measures include harmonising consumer protection frameworks, strengthening online dispute resolution mechanisms, promoting initiatives that build trust in digital transactions and deepening public-private dialogue to create a secure, transparent and enabling regional e-commerce environment.

Speaking at the meeting, Mr. Gordon Kalema, Project Manager of the Eastern Africa Regional Digital Integration Project (EARDIP), said digital trade presents an important opportunity to deepen regional integration and expand market opportunities for East African businesses.

“Intra-EAC trade has grown from USD 1.6 billion in 2005 to USD 19.65 billion in 2025, underscoring the significant potential of e-commerce to build on this progress by expanding market access, creating new opportunities for businesses and further deepening regional economic integration,” said Mr. Kalema.

Partner States further reviewed progress in implementing the EAC E-Commerce Strategy and explored measures to strengthen coordination and accelerate delivery of its objectives. Continued engagement through the Regional E-Commerce Engagement Platform is expected to support a more coordinated, trusted and data-driven digital trade environment in which businesses and consumers can benefit from expanding cross-border opportunities.

Through EARDIP, the EAC is advancing the development of a regional single digital market by strengthening connectivity, harmonising data governance, enhancing cybersecurity, improving interoperability of digital payments and supporting cross-border e-commerce. These interventions are intended to create a more connected, secure and integrated digital environment, enabling businesses and consumers to access services, transact and participate in the regional digital economy across borders