Nairobi, Kenya – Partner and Member States of COMESA, the East African Community (EAC), and SADC are hosting a Policy Dialogue Forum with umbrella Civil Society Organisations and Business Apex Bodies from 18-19 February 2026 in Nairobi, Kenya.
The Forum focuses on the Tripartite Simplified Trade Regime (TSTR), a regional trade facilitation framework designed to make cross-border trade easier, faster, and more affordable, particularly for small-scale and informal traders, many of whom are women and youth.
Non-State Actors, including umbrella CSOs and business organisations, are meeting to deepen their understanding of the TSTR and identify ways to support its inclusive implementation. The forum also aims to strengthen the advocacy role of these organisations in promoting simplified trade systems and regional integration, ensuring grassroots traders’ perspectives align with commitments from Member and Partner States. Participating organisations are expected to share information on the framework with their members.
The Forum will encourage collaboration among business councils, traders, NGOs, and youth and women’s organisations to advance the TSTR agenda. By engaging these stakeholders, organisers aim to create a coordinated advocacy coalition that continues momentum beyond technical and policy discussions.
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