Kenya and Tanzania Pledge to Eliminate Non-Tariff Barriers by End of May, Sign Eight Agreements

Key facts

• Tanzania and Kenya agreed on May 4, 2026, to eliminate all non-tariff barriers by the end of May.
• A joint committee will be established to monitor and identify new non-tariff barriers.
• Eight agreements were signed, including integration of railway systems connecting Tanga, Taveta, Kilimanjaro, and later linking SGR to Singida and Kenya.
• President Samia Suluhu Hassan proposed a government-to-government grain trade arrangement for maize purchases.
• President William Ruto's two-day visit aims to strengthen bilateral relations between the two largest EAC economies.
• Security issues such as drug trafficking and piracy were discussed to enhance regional safety.
• Tanzania and Rwanda also committed to deepening cooperation, with Rwanda relying on Dar es Salaam port for 70% of its cargo (1.6 million tonnes annually).
• Rwandan President Paul Kagame described ties with Tanzania as 'brotherly' and pledged deeper cooperation in trade, investment, and infrastructure.

Leaders Set May Deadline for Trade Barrier Removal

Tanzania and Kenya have agreed to eliminate all non-tariff barriers by the end of this month, following closed-door talks between President Samia Suluhu Hassan and her Kenyan counterpart, William Ruto, at State House in Dar es Salaam on Monday. The two leaders also pledged to establish a committee that will continuously monitor such barriers, aiming to identify new challenges and ensure no obstacles remain to bilateral trade. The agreement marks a significant step in economic cooperation between the two largest economies in the East African Community (EAC). President Hassan stated after the talks that they discussed ways to strengthen economic relations, covering trade, infrastructure, agriculture, energy, and ICT.

Eight Agreements Signed, Including Railway Integration

During Ruto's two-day state visit, eight agreements were signed, covering the integration of railway transport systems connecting Tanga, Taveta, and Kilimanjaro, with plans to later link the standard gauge railway (SGR) network to Singida and Kenya. Other agreements addressed agriculture, energy, and cooperation in information and communication technology (ICT) and innovation, particularly aimed at empowering young people and building a shared digital ecosystem. On aviation, President Hassan noted that cooperation is progressing well but requires further improvement in services. In agriculture, she revealed that Tanzania has sufficient food reserves and encouraged Kenyan traders to buy maize from Tanzania, while proposing a structured government-to-government grain trade arrangement.

Ruto Emphasizes Historical Ties and Shared Destiny

President Ruto described the visit as reflecting 'the deep-rooted and enduring friendship that binds our two nations, a relationship that is grounded on a common history, and is enriched by vibrant people-to-people connection, shared heritage, and a common destiny.' He added that Tanzania continues to be a valuable partner to Kenya, with their relationship grounded in a shared history shaped by founding fathers who championed Pan-Africanism and envisioned a politically united, economically integrated, and self-reliant continent. Ruto noted that despite challenges, bilateral relations have remained resilient, vibrant, and wide-ranging, anchored in a shared commitment to sustainable development and shared prosperity. He highlighted progress under the Joint Commission for Cooperation, which has held four sessions since its establishment in 2009, and confirmed that the fifth session is expected later this year, with President Hassan's support.

Security and Regional Integration on Agenda

The discussions also covered security issues, including drug trafficking and piracy, aimed at strengthening safety in the region. The two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to deepening cooperation within the EAC framework, with Ruto's visit underscoring the strategic importance of bilateral ties. Separately, Tanzania and Rwanda have also committed to deepening bilateral cooperation, with a focus on trade facilitation, infrastructure development, and regional integration. Rwandan President Paul Kagame, during his own visit to Dar es Salaam, described relations as 'brotherly' and pledged deeper cooperation across key sectors.

Rwanda's Reliance on Dar es Salaam Port Highlights Trade Stakes

The Tanzania-Rwanda cooperation is designed to streamline transit logistics for Rwanda, which relies on the Port of Dar es Salaam for approximately 70% of its imports and exports, totaling 1.6 million tonnes of cargo annually. President Hassan reaffirmed Tanzania's readiness to consolidate relations by removing existing economic barriers and building on decades of close partnership. Kagame's visit further cements the strategic weight of bilateral ties, with both nations seeing trade and investment cooperation soar to 644 billion Tanzanian shillings. The moves come as regional integration within the EAC gains momentum, with Kenya, Tanzania, and Rwanda all pursuing closer economic and infrastructure links.

Outlook: Monitoring Mechanism and Future Sessions

The newly agreed committee to monitor non-tariff barriers will be crucial in ensuring the May deadline is met and that new obstacles do not emerge. The fifth session of the Joint Commission for Cooperation, expected later this year, will provide a platform to review progress and address remaining challenges. With both Kenya and Tanzania pushing for deeper integration, and Rwanda also aligning closely with Tanzania, the East African region appears to be entering a phase of intensified cooperation. However, the success of these initiatives will depend on sustained political will and effective implementation of the signed agreements.

The bottom line

• Kenya and Tanzania have set a concrete deadline of end of May 2026 to eliminate all non-tariff barriers, with a monitoring committee to ensure compliance.
• Eight bilateral agreements were signed, including railway integration linking Tanga, Taveta, Kilimanjaro, and plans to connect SGR to Singida and Kenya.
• Security cooperation on drug trafficking and piracy was discussed, alongside proposals for a government-to-government grain trade arrangement.
• Tanzania and Rwanda are also deepening ties, with Rwanda relying on Dar es Salaam port for 70% of its cargo, totaling 1.6 million tonnes annually.
• The Joint Commission for Cooperation between Kenya and Tanzania will hold its fifth session later this year, building on four previous sessions since 2009.
• Regional integration within the EAC is accelerating, with Kenya, Tanzania, and Rwanda all pursuing closer economic and infrastructure links.