This bulletin includes data on Kenyan, Rwandan, Tanzanian, and Ugandan traders. Although an increase was noted between Q1 and Q2 of 2022, cross-border trading continues to stay low in Kenya in comparison to previous years. In addition, we found that in every other country, cross-border trade decreased between Q1 and Q2, indicating that COVID-19 is likely having persistent effects on the levels of activity within the East African trade sector.

This COVID-19 bulletin aims to illustrate the changing state of trade in East Africa. Leveraging Sauti’s East Africa’s embeddedness with traders, we present the 2021 Q4/2022 Q1 behavioural and user data from our regional network of trade and market information platforms.
Reporting in this bulletin includes data on Kenyan, Rwandan, Tanzanian and Ugandan traders. In the case of Tanzania, cross-border trade increased or remained high compared to the last quarter. However, we found that in every other country, cross-border trade decreased or remained low. Cross-border traders’ destinations are consistently lower than pre-pandemic levels in Rwanda and Kenya, indicating that COVID-19 is likely having persistent effects on the levels of activity within the East African trade sector.

2022 Q4 saw 8,735 new users access all our regional platforms. This report shows cross-border trader and farmer behaviour insights from Sauti’s mobile information platform based on usage between 1 October to 31 December, 2022.

Sauti Soko is a virtual marketplace platform which farmers and traders can dial to connect with buyers and sellers. Users across East Africa can dial a shortcode (e.g. *716# in Kenya) with any kind of phone, and without the need of internet. The increased accessibility for farmers and traders means that Sauti Soko can improve last-mile connectivity and market access for remote and border populations across East Africa.