The East African Community (EAC) marked 25 years of regional integration and cooperation during the 24th Ordinary Summit of Heads of State and Government in Arusha, Tanzania. Under the theme “Promoting Trade, Sustainable Development, Peace and Security for Improved Livelihoods,” the event gathered leaders from the region to reflect on the EAC’s achievements and outline strategies for the future.
The summit, which began on November 29, concluded on November 30, at the Arusha International Conference Center. Discussions focused on strengthening economic resilience, enhancing peace and security, and fostering intra-regional trade and sustainable development initiatives.
EAC’s Growth and Historical Perspective
Since its re-establishment in 1999, the EAC has grown from three to eight member states: Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, and Somalia, representing a combined population of over 300 million people. Leaders highlighted this expansion and the bloc’s significant milestones, including the Customs Union, Common Market, and Monetary Union frameworks.
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni of Uganda emphasized the region’s deep historical trade connections, citing ancient artifacts such as glass beads and pottery found in Uganda’s Bigo bya Mugenyi, which originated from Mesopotamia through established trade routes. He stressed that colonialism disrupted these connections and urged the region to restore its ancient “Connected Trade Area.”
“Integration is essential for both economic prosperity and strategic security,” Museveni said, advocating for a unified market to foster economic growth and global competitiveness.
Unity and Integration: A Shared Vision
Kenyan President William Ruto lauded the EAC as Africa’s most advanced economic bloc, with intra-regional trade at 25-28%, the highest on the continent. He emphasized the importance of removing trade barriers and enhancing regional security to attract investment.
“Mzee Museveni reminds us why this journey is important,” Ruto stated, reaffirming Kenya’s commitment to deepening the EAC agenda and supporting the region’s integration efforts.
Tanzania’s President, Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, underscored her country’s role as the custodian of the EAC headquarters, celebrating the progress made while urging continued efforts toward a Political Federation. “The journey of the EAC is far from over. Let us build on this foundation with unwavering unity,” she remarked.
Somalia’s President, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, highlighted his country’s commitment to the bloc and outlined opportunities for collaboration in sectors like agriculture, livestock, fisheries, and education. “Somalia’s membership in the EAC is a milestone for regional integration,” he said.
Commitment to Trade, Peace, and Sustainable Development
Burundi’s Vice President, Prosper Bazombanza, called for the elimination of non-tariff barriers to enhance cross-border trade. He proposed a coordinated evaluation of barriers such as customs procedures and regulatory standards, along with investments in e-commerce and renewable energy to drive sustainable development.
Looking Ahead
The summit also featured high-level representatives from other African regional blocs, such as COMESA and IGAD, as well as international development partners. Leaders collectively emphasized the importance of strengthening institutions, fostering unity, and investing in sustainable projects to ensure the EAC remains a beacon of regional integration and cooperation.
As the EAC celebrates 25 years, its leaders reiterated their commitment to a united, prosperous, and secure East Africa, ensuring the community continues to thrive over the next quarter century.
