ARUSHA : THE East African Community (EAC) on Sunday marked its 25th anniversary with a high-level side event in Arusha, celebrating a journey defined by significant strides in regional integration, trade promotion, peace and security and digital transformation.
The event, themed “EAC@25: A Reflective Journey and Future Aspirations,” showcased the community’s achievements since its revival in 1999.
The EAC has successfully established a robust integration framework comprising four key pillars: The Customs Union, the Common Market, the Monetary Union and the ongoing development towards a Political Federation.
The Customs Union, launched in 2005, has been instrumental in reducing trade barriers and enhancing the movement of goods across borders, fostering a more competitive regional market.
Another milestone in the past 25 years is on trade promotion and economic growth where the implementation of the Customs Union and the Common Market Protocols has significantly boosted intra-regional trade, driven economic growth and created opportunities for businesses and individuals.
The EAC has made notable progress in facilitating trade through initiatives such as the Single Customs Territory and One Stop Border Posts, which have streamlined customs processes and minimised delays.
Recognising that stability is essential for sustainable development, the EAC has strengthened its collaborative efforts in peace and security. The community has enhanced conflict prevention mechanisms and engaged in joint peacekeeping missions, contributing to a more secure environment for its citizens.
On digital transformation, the bloc has emerged as a critical enabler of EAC’s integration agenda. The community has embraced technology to enhance service delivery, improve cross-border transactions and foster innovation.
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Key initiatives include the East African Payment System (EAPS), which facilitates cross-border transactions in local currencies and various e-government platforms that have revolutionised citizen interaction with governments.
Regarding expansion of membership, since its revival, the EAC has expanded from three founding members Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania to eight Partner States, including Burundi, Rwanda, South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Somalia. The expansion reflects the growing influence and commitment to regional integration.
On capacity building and institutional development, the EAC has focused on building institutional capacities to support regional integration, establishing various organs and institutions that facilitate cooperation across different sectors. This includes the ongoing development of frameworks to govern digital integration and enhance trade and investment.
On flagship projects and programmes, the EAC has implemented several flagship projects aimed at enhancing regional connectivity and economic growth. The Eastern Africa Regional Digital Integration Project (EARDIP), funded by the World Bank, is one such initiative that aims to increase cross-border broadband connectivity and support the development of a dynamic digital market.
As the EAC celebrates its silver jubilee, it stands at a pivotal juncture, reflecting on its achievements while charting a bold path for the future. The community aims to leverage digital transformation to address current challenges and enhance regional integration, aligning with the EAC Vision 2050 and the African Union Agenda 2063.
In her opening remarks, EAC Secretary General Veronica Nduva expressed gratitude to Partner States, development partners and citizens for their unwavering support.
“Together, we will continue to shape a prosperous and integrated East Africa that remains a beacon of hope and opportunity,” she said.
The anniversary event not only celebrated past successes but also set the stage for future discussions on enhancing trade, peace and security through digital integration, ensuring that the EAC remains a competitive and cohesive economic bloc in the global arena.
