At the heart of one of the busiest cross-border areas in the region, COMESA, in collaboration with the Horn of Africa Youth Network (HoAYN), convened a sensitisation workshop for local cross-border traders from 28 – 31 July 2025.
Held in Malaba, Kenya, the workshop aimed to sensitise stakeholders on the Trading for Peace Project including the dissemination of developed tools such as the COMESA Charter on the Minimum Standards for the Treatment of Cross-border Traders, human rights and entrepreneurship. The event also strengthened a formalised network of cross-border trade stakeholders through the Joint Border Committee.
Discussions centered on the status of Cross-border Trade at the border, the COMESA Simplified Trade Regime, Conflict Analysis, Prevention and Resolution.
Kenyan government representative Mr Vincent Ogutu and Ugandan government representative Mr. Abdu Rizi commended COMESA and its partner organisation HoAYN for facilitating this crucial engagement, noting that a firm grasp of COMESA’s cross-border trade guiding documents is essential for improving trade practices. They also underscored the value of networking as a method for strengthening cooperation between the cross-border stakeholders.
Head of Governance, Peace and Security at COMESA, Dr. Oita Etyang echoed similar sentiments, stressing that exchanging knowledge can help address the security concerns surrounding cross-border trade. He called for the strengthening of Cross-border Trade Associations, coupled with stronger accountability measures, to sustain economic growth and mitigate security risks.
Key recommendations from the workshop included the need to build the capacity of Joint Border Committee members in legal frameworks, operational standards, and regional trade protocols to support peaceful trade. Additionally, participants emphasized the importance of promoting cultural programs and peace initiatives to foster intercultural exchange, strengthen peacebuilding efforts, and improve living and working conditions.
Additional recommendations included increasing youth participation in economic and cultural programs to enhance skills development, market access, entrepreneurship, and intercultural networking. There was also a call for grants and trade facilitation support targeting vulnerable groups such as women, youth, cooperatives, and persons with disabilities engaged in cross-border trade.
The COMESA Trading for Peace Project was initiated in 2006 with the objective of supporting post-conflict reconstruction and development efforts to boost peacebuilding efforts through the facilitation and formalisation of cross-border trade. Over the years, the programme has gradually enhanced trust between small-scale cross-border traders and relevant border management agencies including customs, immigration, security and local administration.
Further gains and wins have included the construction of vital cross-border infrastructure such as markets, the installation of Trade Information Desk Offices, and the capacity building of traders geared towards fast-tracking their socio-economic development.