Empowering Trade in Services: The EAC Living Database Initiative
The East African Community (EAC), in partnership with the European Union under the CORE Programme, is proud to introduce the Living Database—a transformative digital platform designed to monitor and remove restrictions on Trade in Services (TiS) across the region.
During its initial trial, known as the “EAC Trade in Services Public Engagement Pilot,” government officials, trade associations, and key stakeholders were given an opportunity to explore the database’s capabilities. This pilot not only showcased the platform’s interactive features but also provided valuable feedback to fine-tune its functionality and usability.
The Living Database focuses on seven priority sectors, capturing and updating data on regulations, institutional frameworks, and administrative procedures that impact trade in services. By consolidating this information in a single, secure platform, the database empowers policymakers, businesses, and regional institutions to identify and remove barriers to service trade, promoting a seamless, competitive, and integrated regional market.
Key features of the Living Database include:
- Interactive Dashboard: Visualizes key metrics and real-time updates on TiS restrictions.
- Advanced Search and Filter Functions: Allows users to quickly access sector-specific data.
- Reporting Tools: Enables stakeholders to submit complaints or report barriers efficiently.
- Mobile Accessibility: Ensures access across devices for all users.
- Bilingual Support: Available in both English and French to serve all EAC member states.
Expected outcomes include enhanced transparency, improved monitoring, and data-driven decision-making, which directly support the CORE Programme’s mission of promoting trade liberalization, economic competitiveness, and regional integration. By linking seamlessly with existing EAC monitoring mechanisms such as the East African Monitoring System (EAMS) and the Non-Tariff Barriers Elimination Mechanism, the Living Database ensures that every restriction is promptly tracked, analyzed, and addressed.
Ultimately, this innovative platform represents a major step forward for the EAC, creating a user-friendly, inclusive, and continuously evolving resource that strengthens regional cooperation and improves the business environment for service providers across East Africa.