- The lack of harmonisation of Covid-19 testing rates in accredited laboratories and uncoordinated waiting time for results among the members of the East African Community is disrupting cross-border trade.
- The private sector in the member countries are becoming increasingly concerned about the hindrance to free movement of people and goods within the East African Community due to this anomaly
It is reported that the lack of harmonisation of Covid-19 testing rates in accredited laboratories and uncoordinated waiting time for results among the members of the East African Community is disrupting cross-border trade.
Varying prices of COVID 19 tests and containment measures adopted are becoming a challenge for the members in the region. An average of $100 is charged to carry out the Covid-19 test for visitors to the six EAC states. Tanzania and Burundi charge a standard $100 for both nationals and foreigners while the other partners’ are priced differently. Rwanda charges $50 for the test and $10 for specific logistics to the airport. It is also mandatory for all travelers in Rwanda to wait for the results in a designated transit hotel within 48 hours in Rwanda.
The private sector in the member countries are becoming increasingly concerned about the hindrance to free movement of people and goods within the East African Community due to this anomaly. They are worried that fresh Tariff Barriers ( NTBs) could impact the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) if corrective measures are not adopted urgently. Dr Kevit Desai, Principal Secretary, Ministry of the EAC and Regional Development recently assured that harmonisation of Covid-19 tests to facilitate free movement of people and goods will be a major priority this year. He admitted that the cost of the Covid-19 tests might look affordable, but different testing regimes and varied waiting time requirements have made it difficult for East Africans to move and trade freely.
The East African Business Council (EABC) has reported that lowering and harmonisation of Covid-19 related charges in the East African Community, is imperative to ease the cost of doing business and boost intra-EAC trade. Dr Peter Mathuki, the chief executive officer of the EABC has urged the EAC Secretariat to fast track co-ordination and harmonisation of measures on Covid-19 for economic resilience and growth of the bloc.
