Burundi and the Democratic Republic of Congo signed and launched the implementation of the Simplified Trade Regime (STR) at their joint border of Gatumba-Kavimvira, on 30 October 2024.

Burundi Minister of Trade, Transport, Industry and Tourism Hon. Marie Chantal Nijimbere and DR Congo Minister of Foreign Trade H.E. Julien Paluku Kahongya presided over the ceremony which marked the onset of robust small scale cross border trade amongst the two COMESA states.

The STR programme was initiated by COMESA to help increase trade by small scale cross border traders dealing in small quantities of goods. The programme aims at simplifying clearing procedures as well as reducing the cost of trading. This is by making it possible for the small-scale cross-border traders’ goods to benefit from the removal of customs duty (COMESA Preferential treatment) if those goods are on the Common Lists.

The two countries are among the eight countries which are benefiting from the implementation of the STR at border posts.

The commencement of the implementation of the STR by the two States is part of the activities being supported by the World Bank-funded Great Lakes Trade Facilitation and Integration Project for the Great Lakes Region of Eastern Africa, through COMESA.

Dr Mohammed Kadah, COMESA Assistant Secretary General in charge of Programmes, congratulated the two countries, noting that small-scale traders who cross the borders with small consignment of goods are critical in fulfilling consumer demands across various borders.

The event was attended by government officials from the two countries, local leaders, representatives of World Bank and COMESA staff including Assistant Secretary General for Administration and Finance Dr Dev Haman.