DEC Express February 2016

The project aimed to enhance regional trade and economic integration among East African countries. EATH was a collaborative effort between the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the East African Community (EAC). The EATH project focused on improving trade facilitation, enhancing regional infrastructure, and promoting private sector development. Key interventions included the establishment of a regional trade facilitation framework, the development of a single customs declaration form, and the implementation of a regional electronic data interchange system. A midterm evaluation of the EATH project revealed significant progress in trade facilitation and regional infrastructure development. The project's efforts led to a 25% reduction in trade costs and a 30% increase in regional trade volumes. The evaluation also highlighted the importance of private sector engagement and the need for continued support to sustain project gains. The EATH project's success was attributed to its collaborative approach, which brought together governments, private sector actors, and civil society organizations. The project's focus on trade facilitation and regional infrastructure development helped to create a conducive business environment, which in turn attracted foreign investment and promoted economic growth in the region. The EATH project's impact was also felt beyond the region, as it contributed to the development of a more integrated and competitive regional economy. The project's lessons and best practices were shared with other regional trade initiatives, providing a model for future trade facilitation and regional integration efforts.