Busy Kenya–Uganda Malaba border unites for peaceful trade
TORORO, August 23, 2025 – At one of East Africa’s most active border crossings, the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa [COMESA], in partnership with the Horn of Africa Youth Network [HoAYN], convened a four-day sensitisation workshop aimed at fostering peaceful and inclusive cross-border trade. The workshop, held in Malaba, Kenya, recently, brought together local traders and stakeholders to promote awareness of the Trading for Peace Project.
The event introduced participants to key tools developed under the project, including the COMESA Charter on the Minimum Standards for the Treatment of Cross-border Traders, and addressed themes such as human rights, entrepreneurship, and regional cooperation.
A central focus of the workshop was to bolster the formalised network of trade stakeholders through the Joint Border Committee [JBC], while facilitating open discussions on the current status of cross-border trade, the COMESA Simplified Trade Regime, and mechanisms for conflict prevention and resolution.
Kenyan government representative Vincent Ogutu praised the initiative, stating:
“Understanding COMESA’s guiding frameworks is not just important, it’s essential for elevating trade standards and ensuring fair treatment of all traders across our borders.”
His Ugandan counterpart, Abdu Rizi, echoed this sentiment, adding, “This workshop is a significant step towards deepening cooperation. Strengthening ties between stakeholders on both sides of the border is key to sustainable peace and prosperity.”
Oita Etyang, COMESA’s Head of Governance, Peace and Security, underlined the role of information exchange in addressing cross-border security concerns.
“By strengthening Cross-border Trade Associations and ensuring accountability, we not only stimulate economic growth but also contribute to regional stability,” he said.
Participants put forward a number of key recommendations, including capacity-building for JBC members in areas such as legal frameworks, operational standards, and regional trade protocols. There was also strong emphasis on fostering peace through cultural exchange and grassroots peacebuilding initiatives aimed at improving both working and living conditions along the border.
Moreover, the workshop called for increased youth engagement in economic and cultural programmes to promote entrepreneurship, skills development, market access and intercultural networking. Special attention was given to the inclusion of vulnerable groups, women, youth, cooperatives, and persons with disabilities, through targeted grant schemes and trade facilitation support.
Launched in 2006, the COMESA Trading for Peace Project supports post-conflict reconstruction by using trade as a tool for peacebuilding and regional integration. Over the years, it has helped to rebuild trust between small-scale cross-border traders and key border management bodies such as customs, immigration, security forces, and local administrations.
Among the project’s tangible achievements are the construction of cross-border markets, the establishment of Trade Information Desks, and extensive training and capacity-building for traders—all of which contribute to accelerating socio-economic development in border regions.
As one workshop participant noted:
“Peace and trade go hand in hand. When we understand each other’s needs and challenges, we don’t just trade goods, we build a future together.”
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