Inclusive Trade & Regional Integration

Supporting women cross-border traders to benefit from EAC regional integration.

Objectives

• To strengthen the capacity of women and youth entrepreneurs to participate in safe, formal, and profitable cross-border trade.
• To improve access to regional markets, business networks, and trade opportunities.
• To support the formalization and growth of women and youth enterprises engaged in cross-border value chains.

Activities

• Mobilized and organized women and youth traders along strategic trade corridors including Malaba–Busia and Elegu–Nimule.
• Supported the formation and strengthening of trader networks and platforms.
• Built capacity of small-scale traders on formal trade practices, market opportunities, and business management.
• Facilitated linkages between traders, markets, government institutions, and private sector actors.

Outcomes

• Increased capacity of women and youth entrepreneurs to engage in safer, more formal, and profitable cross-border trade.
• Strengthened networks of small-scale traders enabling collective learning and collaboration.
• Improved access to trade information, market opportunities, and institutional support services.
• Enhanced visibility and recognition of women and youth as key contributors to regional trade.