Inside Ethiopia and Kenya's Plan To Legalize Billions In Informal Border Trade

user 03-Jul-2026 East Africa News

Asante Business

Ethiopia has introduced a new directive to formalize small-scale cross-border trade with Kenya.

Eligible traders must live near the border, acquire a trade license, and are limited in transaction value and frequency.

The framework allows licensed traders to exchange up to $1,000 worth of goods monthly under simplified customs.

The initiative seeks to improve customs compliance, combat contraband, improve revenue collection, and support local livelihoods.