COVID-19: Rwandan bound containers held at Mombasa port

Over 2,000 Rwanda-bound containers of goods have been held in Kenya and Tanzania due to delays in cargo clearance, sparking concerns about the impact on cross-border businesses within the East African region. According to Rwanda's Private Sector Federation, this move contradicts the comprehensive regional COVID-19 approach that was agreed upon to address the challenges posed by the virus on the movement of goods between member states. Economic Analyst, Ted Kaberuka, shed light on the complexities surrounding this issue during a recent interview on CNBC Africa. Kaberuka highlighted the significant issues that have arisen between countries, particularly in terms of movement of people and transportation of goods. The varying regulations across different nations have led to delays in cargo clearance, with specific requirements such as testing and health protocols causing disruptions in the transportation of goods. This has been an ongoing issue for several months, with talks held at ministerial levels to address these challenges. The COVID-19 pandemic has placed additional strain on cross-border businesses, with transport of goods being significantly affected. Kaberuka emphasized that the global challenge posed by the health crisis surpasses mere trade agreements between countries. The pandemic has led to a reevaluation of policies and protocols, ultimately impacting the smooth flow of goods across borders. Prior to the outbreak, trade relations were relatively smooth, but the current situation has highlighted the need for a unified approach towards handling the crisis. The lack of consensus and varying COVID-19 regulations among African Community countries have further complicated the situation. Kaberuka noted that different countries have implemented their own policies to address the pandemic, leading to discrepancies in protocols for testing and movement of goods. These differences have sparked tensions within the business community and have raised concerns about the economic implications of such disruptions. One of the key aspects highlighted by Kaberuka is the economic interests that underpin the movement of goods between countries. The transport of goods involves various intermediary services that provide job opportunities and business activities, making it a critical aspect of the economy. Discrepancies in regulations and policies regarding COVID-19 have created challenges for businesses, leading to frustrations and delays in cargo clearance at ports. Moving forward, Kaberuka emphasized the need for a common strategy among African Community countries to navigate the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Harmonizing health policies, testing protocols, and monitoring mechanisms would create a unified front in addressing the crisis and ensuring the smooth flow of goods across borders. By establishing a common approach, countries can work together to overcome the current obstacles and support the economic recovery of the region.