The Director General of the Customs and Tariff Bureau at the Ministry of Finance of Japan, Teraoka Mitsuhiro, has reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to support the East African Community (EAC) in harnessing technology to strengthen trade facilitation and integration across the region.
This follows a high-level meeting between the EAC Deputy Secretary General in charge of Customs, Trade and Monetary Affairs, Annette Ssemuwemba, and Mitsuhiro, held in Tokyo on the sidelines of the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9).
During the bilateral discussions, both parties explored ways to deepen cooperation in customs modernisation, digital trade facilitation, capacity building, and the application of technology to enhance efficiency and transparency in cross-border trade.
Ssemuwemba welcomed Japan’s continued support and stressed the importance of strategic partnerships in achieving the EAC’s goal of becoming a fully integrated and competitive region.
“The integration of digital solutions into trade processes is no longer optional—it is vital for unlocking the full potential of intra-regional and international trade. Japan's partnership will go a long way in advancing our customs and trade digitalisation agenda,” she said.
Mitsuhiro praised the EAC for progress in regional integration and assured continued Japanese support for EAC programmes, particularly in areas aligned with Japan’s trade facilitation priorities and international cooperation efforts.
The meeting builds on long-standing cooperation between Japan and the EAC and aligns with Japan’s broader commitment to promoting sustainable development, economic growth, and connectivity in Africa through innovative and inclusive approaches.
It also underscored the importance of collaboration between Africa and development partners in advancing shared goals under the TICAD framework, especially in trade, infrastructure, and digital innovation.
TICAD 9 brought together African leaders, development partners, and international organisations to discuss inclusive growth, sustainable development, and partnership opportunities for Africa’s future. The EAC’s participation reaffirmed its commitment to fostering strategic partnerships that advance its integration agenda.
Since 2007, Japan, through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), has supported the EAC in customs, trade, and infrastructure through technical cooperation and grant-aid projects.
