Road freight accounts for approximately 80% of all cargo movement in East Africa, making it the undisputed backbone of regional trade. Despite significant infrastructure investment over the past decade, cross-border road freight continues to face challenges that add cost and delay to supply chains across the region.
Non-Tariff Barriers (NTBs) remain a persistent challenge. While the EAC has made progress through the Single Customs Territory (SCT) and the Northern Corridor Transit and Transport Coordination Authority (NCTTCA), truckers still encounter duplicated inspections, weighbridge inconsistencies, and informal roadside levies that add up to 2-3 days to transit times.
Infrastructure improvements are accelerating on key corridors. The TANZAM Highway from Dar es Salaam to the Zambia border has seen significant rehabilitation works, while the expansion of the Holili-Taveta and Namanga border posts on the Northern Corridor has improved processing capacity for Tanzania-Kenya cross-border traffic.
Digital transformation is emerging as a key enabler. Electronic cargo tracking systems, digital customs documentation, and risk-based inspection models are all reducing the physical paperwork burden and enabling faster customs processing at border crossings.
Ademark's road freight network leverages these improvements while actively managing NTB risks through our experienced border crossing teams and established relationships with border officials and transit operators across the region.