The Busia border market in Uganda serves as a crucial hub for cross-border trade between Uganda and Kenya, situated along the Northern Corridor. This market facilitates the movement of goods and people between the two nations.

Market Dynamics

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  Trade Volume: Busia handles a significant portion of Ugandas exports, with values reaching approximately UShs798 billion (US$220 million) in the 2016/2017 financial year. 

  
  


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  Informal Trade: A substantial part of the trade is informal, with 74% of total informal agricultural trade between Kenya and Uganda occurring here. 

  
  

Empowering Women Traders

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  Demographics: Approximately 80% of small-scale traders in Busia are women, many of whom operate informally and face challenges such as limited access to market information and exposure to corruption. 

  
  


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  Support Initiatives: Organizations like the East African Sub-Regional Support Initiative for the Advancement of Women (EASSI) have established Womens Cross-Border Trade Associations and Trade Information Desks to provide resources and support, aiming to formalize trade and reduce exploitation. 

  
  

Infrastructure and Development

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  One-Stop Border Post (OSBP): Completed in 2018, the OSBP streamlines customs and immigration procedures, reducing clearance times and enhancing trade efficiency. 

  
  


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  Jumuiya Market: A modern cross-border market is under construction at Marachi Estate, adjacent to the OSBP. Funded by the Kenyan government and TradeMark East Africa, this UGX 1.4 billion project aims to formalize informal trade and provide better facilities for traders. 

  
  

Commodity Trade

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  Maize: The market sees daily trade volumes of 1,500–1,700 metric tons of sorted maize grain, indicating high demand and activity. 

  
  


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  Beans: Various bean varieties, including yellow beans and Nambale short beans, are traded, with prices fluctuating based on supply and demand dynamics. 

  
  

Digital Innovations

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  Mobile Information Platforms: Tools like Sauti East Africas mobile platform provide traders with real-time information on market prices, exchange rates, and legal requirements, helping reduce vulnerabilities to corruption and improving decision-making. 

  
  

The Busia border market in Uganda is a vital economic center that facilitates significant trade between Uganda and Kenya. Ongoing infrastructure developments and support initiatives aim to enhance trade efficiency, empower traders—especially women—and promote economic growth in the region.