EAC Ministers use the 49th SCTIFI meeting to advance regional trade, investment, economic ties

DAR ES SALAAM: THE East African Community (EAC) has officially commenced the 49th Meeting of the Sectoral Council of Ministers responsible for Trade, Industry, Finance and Investment (SCTIFI), which is expected to deliberate on various issues relating to trade, investment, competition and economic cooperation among Partner States.

The meeting is being held at three levels, beginning with the experts’ session from November 9 to 11, 2026, followed by the Permanent Secretaries’ session on November 12 and concluding with the ministerial session on November 13.

At the experts’ level, the United Republic of Tanzania’s delegation is led by Benjamini Mwesiga, Director of the Department of Trade, Investment and Productive Sectors (DTIPS) at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation.

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The delegation also comprises representatives from the Ministry of Industry and Trade, the Ministry of Finance, the Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA), the Fair Competition Commission (FCC) and the Tanzania Bureau of Standards (TBS).

Key issues scheduled for discussion include reports from the Customs Committee, the Trade Committee and matters relating to competition. The meeting will also consider submissions from Partner States on various trade and investment-related issues.

The deliberations aim to strengthen economic cooperation among EAC Partner States, address barriers affecting trade and expand trade and investment opportunities across the regional bloc.