Africa-Press – Uganda. Kenya and Uganda have begun implementing a Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) on goods, a move expected to ease cross-border trade by reducing delays and eliminating duplication in standards compliance.
The two countries this week convened a post-signature capacity-building workshop in Entebbe, facilitated by the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), to develop a joint implementation plan for the agreement signed in Lusaka in December last year.
The MRA provides for mutual recognition of conformity assessment results—including testing, inspection and certification—conducted by accredited institutions in either country. Under the arrangement, goods that meet agreed standards in one country will not require repeat testing at the border, significantly reducing clearance times.
Speaking at the workshop, David Wozemba, Country Director for Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) in Uganda, described the agreement as a practical step toward unlocking regional trade benefits.
“When borders become bridges, markets grow stronger, farmers earn more and communities thrive,” Wozemba said. “By mutually recognising conformity assessment, Kenya and Uganda are removing one of the most persistent bottlenecks to cross-border trade—costly delays and duplications—and replacing it with trust, efficiency and opportunity.”
The agreement is expected to lower transaction costs for traders while improving market access for farmers and processors, particularly in agriculture and food commodities.
It also aligns with broader regional efforts to harmonise standards and strengthen competitiveness among member states. Effective implementation will depend on coordinated enforcement by regulators and border agencies in both countries.
Wozemba linked the agreement to wider food security concerns, noting that regional trade is increasingly vital amid climate shocks and global supply-chain disruptions.
“Trade is key for food security in a changing climate and in a world of failing global supply chains,” he said. “It allows food to move from surplus to deficit areas, enhancing availability to vulnerable communities. Africa needs a resilient food system.”
Participants at the workshop discussed aligning inspection procedures, strengthening the capacity of conformity assessment bodies, and improving information sharing between agencies in Kenya and Uganda.
The MRA complements AGRA’s broader work in Uganda and across the region to support structured trade, standards compliance and market access for farmers and agribusinesses.
“This agreement is a bold statement of commitment to unlocking benefits for farmers, traders and consumers,” Wozemba said, expressing optimism that a clear and jointly agreed implementation plan will guide the next phase.
The implementation roadmap is expected to be finalised in the coming months, alongside targeted training for border officials to ensure consistent and effective application of the agreement.
