‘EAC legislatures key for single currency’
DAR ES SALAAM: SPEAKER of the National Assembly and President of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), Dr Tulia Ackson, has stressed the pivotal role of East African national parliaments in advancing the region toward adopting a unified currency by 2031.
Speaking in Dar es Salaam following a meeting of Speakers from East African Community (EAC) member states, Dr Tulia noted that the timeline for implementing the single currency, initially targeted for 2024, has been revised to 2031.
“One of the major goals our governments had previously agreed upon was the introduction of a single currency,” she said.
“It was initially set to be implemented around 2025, but this has now been postponed to 2031. As parliaments, forums like this give us the opportunity to deliberate on how we can advise and push our governments to achieve this milestone.”
The meeting brought together parliamentary leaders from across the region, focusing on how legislative bodies can strengthen cooperation and accelerate regional economic, political and social integration.
Dr Tulia pointed out that discussions extended beyond economic issues, highlighting the broader importance of political unity and cultural cohesion in driving regional integration.
“We also touched on the importance of political unity and how regional activities, such as sports, can foster a stronger sense of belonging among our people,” she added.
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She highlighted key achievements within the EAC, including freedom of movement, labour mobility, crossborder trade and intermarriage among citizens of member states. However, she stressed that further legislative support is needed to sustain and build upon this progress.
“These are significant steps we’ve already taken. Now, we are exploring how our parliaments can continue to influence national policies and accelerate the remaining aspects of integration,” said Dr Tulia.
She also commended EAC governments for fostering a supportive environment for inter-parliamentary dialogue and collaboration, which she said has been crucial to the region’s ongoing progress.
Also in attendance was Deputy Speaker of the Somali Parliament, Abdullahi Abshir, who praised the meeting as both productive and inclusive for all EAC member states, including newly admitted Somalia.
“We’ve discussed how East African citizens can work together to strengthen economic integration, improve livelihoods and enhance regional security,” he said.
The meeting reaffirmed the central role of national legislatures in realising the EAC’s long-term vision of a united, prosperous and stable region, through aligned policies, shared goals and collaborative governance.
