COMESA-EAC-SADC Policy Dialogue Forum highlights the Tripartite Simplified Trade Regime (TSTR) as a catalyst for regional integration

Partner and Member States of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) view the Tripartite Simplified Trade Regime (TSTR) as a key mechanism to deepen regional integration by transforming cross-border trade. This was highlighted during the Policy Dialogue Forum convened to apprise umbrella Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and Business Apex Bodies on 18-19 February 2026 in Nairobi.

The TSTR is a regional trade facilitation framework designed to make cross-border trade simpler, faster, smarter and more affordable, particularly for small-scale traders, women and youth, while strengthening regional integration and expanding economic opportunities across the Tripartite region. The TSTR is directly aligned with Africa’s broader continental agenda, particularly the goals of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and regional integration initiatives across COMESA, EAC and SADC.

Ms Flavia Busingye, Director of Trade and Customs at the EAC and Chairperson of the Tripartite Task Force (TTF), represented by Ms Prisca Mbaga, underscored the importance of bringing together the Members of the Tripartite region to advance a shared vision of deeper regional integration and economic transformation. She commended the Partner and Member States of COMESA-EAC-SADC for their collective commitment, emphasising that through practical collaboration and sustained advocacy, regional integration can deliver tangible socio-economic benefits and real opportunities for citizens. 

She further emphasised that the success of the TSTR and broader regional integration efforts depends on strong and structured partnerships with Non-State Actors including amongst many others, the civil society, business associations, farmers’ organisations, trade unions, women’s organizations and youth networks.

Mr Dhunraj Kassee, SADC Director of Industrial Development and Trade, highlighted the critical role of the Tripartite Task Force in harmonising procedures, reducing non-tariff barriers, improving border coordination, enhancing transparency and creating safer and more accessible trade systems throughout the Tripartite region. He expressed appreciation to all partners and stakeholders for their dedication to implementing evidence-based, inclusive and responsive Simplified Trade Regime (STR) reforms.

Dr. Christopher Onyango, Director of Trade at COMESA and Mr Protase Echessa, Representative of the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA), echoed these sentiments, commending the strong collaboration and noting that the TSTR complements the AfCFTA’s goal of creating a single continental market where goods, services and people move freely. They emphasised the importance of implementing innovative and hybrid instruments to maximise the benefits of the programme and ensure that its advantages reach intended beneficiaries across the region.

The Forum featured presentations on STR frameworks in operation in the three RECs as well as the proposed and harmonized TSTR and included discussions on the role of civil society in advancing both STRs and the TSTR. Participants deliberated on advocacy priorities, shared perspectives during plenary sessions and explored further opportunities for collaboration with RECs and Member/Partner States.

The TSTR is supported through the technical and financial assistance of AGRA, which aims to strengthen agricultural markets, support smallholder farmers and enable policy reforms aligned with the objectives of the Tripartite arrangement. Once fully implemented, the TSTR is expected to ease cross-border trading, lower costs and barriers, create greater opportunities for small businesses, strengthen regional cooperation and promote inclusive participation in regional trade.

The Policy Dialogue Forum concluded with a set of targeted recommendations directed at various stakeholders including RECs and Mermber/Partner States but also primarily at Non‑State Actors, recognising their pivotal role in sustaining momentum and taking forward practical work on the TSTR. These recommendations outline priorities spanning harmonisation, awareness, labour protections, accountability, gender inclusion, and capacity building, ensuring that NSAs continue to drive advocacy, support trader empowerment, and strengthen inclusive governance of the TSTR.

The Forum was attended by representatives of civil society, youth networks, women’s organisations, labour movements, business councils, farmers’ associations and the Tripartite Task Force (COMESA, EAC and SADC).