A £20 million grant from the UK will boost trade in East Africa by enhancing the regional economic integration.

The Regional East Africa Integration Programme (REAP), launched last week by British minister for Trade and Development Gareth Thomas at a ceremony attended by officials of the East African Community (EAC), is expected to boost trade opportunities by improving transport links and reorganising border controls.

REAP will also deal with the region’s fragmented markets, inadequate infrastructure, and other bottlenecks stifling smooth business operations. 

The Memorandum of Understanding signed at the launch means the UK will support the implementation of the EAC’s Development strategy 2006-2010 through technical assistance and grants of up to US$3 million per year.