The East African Community (EAC) is stepping up efforts to promote e-commerce and cross-border digital trade through improved regulations, stronger consumer protection and more efficient digital payment systems.
The initiative is expected to expand market access for businesses across the region, particularly micro, small and medium-sized enterprises, while supporting regional economic integration.
Intra-regional trade within the EAC has grown from approximately KSh207 billion in 2005 to KSh2.54 trillion in 2025, highlighting the expansion of commercial activity and opportunities for digital commerce.
The regional bloc is also working to harmonise consumer protection frameworks, strengthen cybersecurity and improve digital infrastructure to create a safer and more reliable environment for online transactions.
These measures are intended to make it easier for businesses to sell goods and services across borders while building consumer confidence in digital platforms.
Improved digital trade systems could also enable smaller enterprises to reach customers beyond their domestic markets and participate more fully in the region’s growing economy.
