Promotion of economic growth and increased commerce is one of the key advantages that may be gained from East African integration, where member nations access a broader market if they remove obstacles to trade and make it easier for services and goods to move freely across international borders. The study looked at considerations of such provisions in the context of cross-border livestock trade in the Karamoja Cluster region of the Horn of Africa (HoA). The study objectives were to (i) assess the potential of cross-border livestock trade in the region, (ii) investigate the social and economic factors determining cross-border livestock trade, and (iii) define the conduct of livestock marketing activities in areas along the borderlines. The study results indicate that for the East African Community (EAC) to benefit from the integrated services for cross-border trade, enhancing market infrastructure and marketing systems, formalisation of livestock marketing practices and adopting flexible production and marketing strategies will bolster trade potential. Additionally, addressing resource-based conflicts, livestock diseases, and climate change impacts and improving access to market information are important for regional economic development. Key considerations for effective cross-border marketing include competition management, adherence to standards, efficient border crossing, regional peace and security enforcement and an increase in banking services. High export taxes, low livestock productivity, and ineffective regulations, exacerbated by climate change and resource scarcity; unnecessary increase in commodity prices due to poor market surveys; competitive rivalry from external traders; and high illiteracy rates among traders hinder their understanding and application of knowledge essential for their competitiveness and profitability in the conduct of livestock business. The study recommends that improvements in veterinary services and personnel decentralisation are essential for enhancing livestock productivity and managing diseases. Agricultural research should focus on regional livestock development challenges, support agro-based marketplaces and organization of farming systems. Actions for sustainable management of cross-border trade include stakeholders understanding livestock marketing protocol, promoting regulations and awareness of trading policies, and access to credit, which are key. Fostering trade unions, ensuring a peaceful trading environment, and managing cash transaction risks will improve competition and market pricing, benefiting livestock farmers, traders and market operations.