Horn of Africa Trade Ministers Establish Committee to Eliminate Barriers

Trade ministers from Horn of Africa countries have established a new regional committee aimed at eliminating trade barriers and boosting cross-border commerce. The initiative comes as Kenya welcomes a two-year extension of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) until the end of 2028, with the government urging exporters to diversify beyond the apparel sector to boost industrialization. Meanwhile, Kenyan farmers in drought-hit regions remain hesitant to replant maize for the upcoming short rains season, despite government subsidies on crucial agricultural inputs. The three stories highlight the intersection of regional trade initiatives and agricultural challenges facing East African nations.