ARUSHA, March 5 -- A MAJOR reform aimed at easing regional trade is expected to headline the upcoming summit of leaders from the East African Community (EAC), where a single regional customs bond will be launched to simplify the movement of goods across Partner States.

The initiative is expected to be unveiled during the 25th Ordinary Summit of EAC Heads of State, scheduled to take place on 7 March in Arusha, Tanzania, bringing together leaders from the blocs eight member countries.

The new customs bond will allow traders and clearing agents transporting goods across the region to secure one guarantee recognised by all EAC Partner States, replacing the current system that requires separate national bonds for each country along a transit...