Edited by Jayden Bagshaw
East Africa’s export sector is gaining traction thanks to major infrastructure upgrades across Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. The East African Business Council (EABC) reports a 12% increase in regional exports over the past year, driven by improved port efficiency, road connectivity, and customs digitization.
At Mombasa Port, container dwell time has dropped from 5.6 days to 3.2 days, thanks to automation and expanded berths. In Tanzania, the Central Corridor linking Dar es Salaam to Rwanda and Burundi has seen a 20% reduction in transit costs. Uganda’s new electronic cargo tracking system has cut border delays by 40%.
“These upgrades are not just cosmetic—they’re transformative,” said EABC CEO John Bosco Kalisa. “We’re seeing faster movement of goods, lower costs, and greater competitiveness.”
Agricultural exports—especially coffee, tea, and horticulture—are leading the surge. However, exporters are calling for further investment in cold chain logistics, warehousing, and digital payment systems to support perishable goods and e-commerce.
The African Development Bank has committed $500 million to expand trade corridors and logistics parks, with a focus on linking rural producers to export markets.