President William Ruto lauded Tanzania for surpassing Kenya in terms of trade within the regional bloc. Ruto’s remarks highlighted the growing trade dynamics within the EAC, with Tanzania’s impressive performance signaling the increasing inter-trade between member states.
Speaking to fellow heads of state and attendees, Ruto expressed optimism about the regional trade growth, emphasizing that the EAC’s internal market is expanding and evolving. He acknowledged that for the first time, Tanzania has outpaced Kenya in terms of the goods and services traded within the region. This development, Ruto said, is a positive sign for the bloc, underscoring the importance of the mutual benefits trade brings to all member countries.
“I must commend Tanzania for the progress they are making. The numbers are growing in terms of trade between our countries, and as the numbers grow, different countries are selling more products and services within our common market,” Ruto remarked. He noted that this progress signifies the growing interconnectedness and integration of the East African economies, which is critical for the region’s economic development.
The East African Community, comprising Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, and South Sudan, has long struggled with the challenge of maximizing its potential as a single market. While the region has made significant strides in trade agreements, infrastructure development, and economic collaboration, the recent shift in trading leadership represents a turning point for the EAC. Ruto’s acknowledgment of Tanzania’s growth comes at a time when intra-regional trade is a critical focal point in the bloc’s economic agenda.
Kenya has historically been a leading player in East African trade, benefiting from its robust infrastructure, key exports like tea and horticultural products, and a relatively advanced industrial base. However, Tanzania’s recent performance highlights a shift in the trade balance, which President Ruto sees as a positive development for the EAC as a whole.
The Kenyan president pointed out that this growth in trade is not just a matter of numbers but also reflects the diversity and breadth of products and services exchanged across borders. “Countries are now selling more different products and services between each other in our common market,” Ruto noted. This diversification is vital as it encourages greater economic interaction and the expansion of industries that may not have previously had the market to thrive.
Ruto further emphasized that the future prosperity of the EAC hinges on the ability of member states to work together towards common goals. “We must work on this consistently together,” he urged, underscoring the importance of unity and collaboration within the bloc. According to Ruto, the EAC has a shared vision: to create a unified market without barriers, enabling the free flow of goods, services, and investments across borders.
Echoing sentiments previously voiced by Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, Ruto reiterated that the EAC’s success is not based on sentimental ties but on shared economic interests. “We are not in this community because we love one another; it is good to love one another, but we are in this because we have common interests. Our interests converge,” he stated. The president emphasized that a larger, barrier-free market is essential for the bloc’s future economic success, providing opportunities for producers and businesses across East Africa to thrive.
Ruto’s remarks resonate with the broader goals of the EAC to foster regional integration and economic cooperation. By facilitating a larger market with fewer trade barriers, the bloc aims to create a more robust environment for its business community. A united East African market will provide much-needed opportunities for all sectors, including agriculture, manufacturing, and services, to expand and contribute to the region’s economic growth.
As Tanzania’s trade leadership continues to rise, the challenge for Kenya and other EAC member states will be to adapt and continue enhancing their economic cooperation. The region’s future success will depend on the collective efforts of all members working together to overcome barriers, increase intra-regional trade, and create a unified market for the benefit of all.
