Kenya and Ethiopia Sign Simplified Trade Border Regime Agreement to Streamline Cross -Border Trade for Small Scale Traders

Kenya and Ethiopia have signed a Simplified Trade Border Regime (STBR) agreement to streamline trading procedures and boost cross-border trade for small-scale traders.

The Cabinet Secretary for Investments, Trade and Industry Lee Kinyanjui signed the STBR on behalf of Kenya in Addis Ababa while the Minister for Trade and Regional Integration Kassahun Gofe represented Ethiopia.

The STBR simplifies customs formalities, sets common list of products and clear thresholds besides reducing paperwork for small scale traders especially youth and women.

The ministers highlighted cross-border trade as foundational to implementing the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), urging swift rollout to empower border communities, enhance economic unity and bolster regional security.