Trade across the East African Community (EAC) jumped sharply in the second quarter of 2026, highlighting stronger export activity and growing commercial links across one of Africa's major regional markets.

Total EAC trade reached $52.3 billion between April and June, up 37% from $38.2 billion during the same period a year earlier. Exports were the main driver, rising 41.3% to $26.3 billion, while imports increased 32.9% to $26 billion. The region recorded a $300 million trade surplus, compared with a $945.3 million deficit in the second quarter of 2025.

The figures cover the EAC's eight member states, including Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Somalia. The results point to stronger trading activity both within the region and with external markets.

African markets are becoming an increasingly important destination for EAC businesses. Exports to other African countries increased 44.3% to $7.2 billion, accounting for 27.5% of total EAC exports during the quarter.

For businesses, that growing regional trade network matters because East Africa is increasingly being treated as a connected commercial market rather than a collection of separate national economies. Companies selling goods, providing logistics, supplying manufacturers or operating across borders can potentially benefit as demand and trade volumes increase.

The latest figures also come against a more complicated global backdrop. Currency movements, higher energy costs and geopolitical uncertainty are affecting businesses across Africa. Reuters reported last week that currencies including Uganda's shilling, Ghana's cedi and Zambia's kwacha were facing pressure from stronger dollar demand and higher global energy costs, while the Kenyan shilling and Nigerian naira were expected to remain relatively stable.

That combination creates both opportunities and challenges. Higher export activity can support manufacturers, logistics companies, agricultural businesses and service providers, while currency and import costs remain important considerations for companies that depend on goods from outside the region.

There is also a wider push to make African markets easier to access. Regional governments and institutions continue to work on reducing trade barriers and improving connections between neighbouring economies.

For founders and investors, the latest numbers provide another reason to watch regional trade, logistics, manufacturing and cross-border commerce across East Africa. The growth is not evenly distributed across every country or industry, but the overall direction of trade is significant.

Could stronger regional trade make East Africa a more attractive market for businesses looking to expand across Africa?

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