Cross-border trade in the East African Community (EAC) especially between Uganda’s West Nile region, South Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is vital for jobs and survival. Small traders sell food, clothes, and goods across borders, feeding families and connecting communities. But this trade faces big problems; bad roads, corruption, violence, and rules that ignore small businesses. Civil society groups (CSOs) like local NGOs, community leaders, and activists need to step in to fix these issues. This blog explains why our work matters and how Organisations like Zoota can build a fairer future for trade in this region.

Why Civil Society Matters in Cross-Border Trade

In areas like West Nile Uganda, South Sudan, and eastern DRC, trade is often informal and risky. Traders face;

• Unfair rules: Police or officials demanding bribes at borders.
• Danger: Conflict in South Sudan or DRC makes travel unsafe.
• Poor infrastructure: Broken roads or no storage for goods like grains or fish.
• Ignored voices: Women and youth traders are sidelined in decisions.

The Civil society needs to step in and help by;

• Fighting corruption: Training traders to report bribes and working with authorities to punish bad officials.
• Protecting women and youth: Supporting female traders who face harassment at borders.
• Raising awareness: Teaching communities about fair trade rules or health risks (like stopping Ebola spread through trade).

What Civil Society Does in Cross-Border Trade

1. Advocates for Fair Policies

CSOs push governments, the AU, and the EAC to simplify trade rules. For example, they add a voice to demand;

a) Fewer border taxes for small traders.

b) Better roads and storage facilities.

c) Inclusion of women and youth in trade discussions.

2. Solves Conflicts

In regions like South Sudan-DRC borders, where clashes over resources are common, CSOs mediate disputes between trans-border communities and traders.

3. Trains Traders

Many small traders don’t know their rights or how to follow formal trade rules. CSOs teach them about;

a) Proper paperwork to avoid arrests.

b) Safe ways to transport goods.

c) Managing money to grow their businesses.

4. Protects the Environment

Cross-border trade in resources like timber or charcoal can harm forests. CSOs work with communities to promote sustainable practices, like tree planting in West Nile.

The Future of Civil Society in EAC Trade

Opportunities

1. Technology: Mobile apps could help traders check border wait times or report corruption. SMS alerts can warn about violence or disease outbreaks.
2. Stronger AU and EAC Partnerships: The EAC is creating policies to boost regional trade. CSOs can push for these plans to include small traders’ needs.
3. Youth and Women Power: Young people and women dominate cross-border trade. CSOs can help them lead change, like forming cooperatives to negotiate better prices.

For Example: In South Sudan, CSOs trained women to sell dried fish and vegetables across borders, improving incomes and food security.

Trade Can Unite, Not Divide

Cross-border trade in the EAC’s West Nile sub-region, South Sudan, and DRC isn’t just about money, it’s about peace, shared culture, and survival. Civil society groups are key to making this trade fair and safe. They give power to the poor, hold leaders accountable, and turn trade into a tool for development.

Call to Action

• Support local CSOs: Donate or volunteer with groups helping traders.
• Demand change: Urge leaders to listen to small traders.
• Spread the word: Teach others about the value of cross-border trade in your community.

By working together, we can build a trading system that lifts up everyone, not just the powerful few.