Parliaments, Central Corridor strengthen integration

DAR ES SALAAM: THE Forum of Parliaments of the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (FP-ICGLR) and the Central Corridor Transit Transport Facilitation Agency (CCTTFA) have signed an agreement to harmonise laws, strengthen transport connectivity and enhance parliamentary oversight of corridor development.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in Dar es Salaam on Monday aimed to translate regional commitments into practical economic benefits.

FP-ICGLR Secretary General Amb Deo Mwapinga said the partnership would strengthen coordination and address barriers limiting trade and economic opportunities across the region.

“The value of regional integration must therefore be measured by the daily lives of our citizens, in easier trade, more reliable services, greater economic opportunity and stronger connections between communities,” he said.

Dr Mwapinga identified high transport costs, cumbersome border procedures and differences in national legal and regulatory frameworks as major constraints affecting farmers, small businesses and consumers.

He said parliamentary engagement was essential to ensuring sound legislation, responsible infrastructure financing and effective oversight of regional agreements and projects.

Under the MoU, the institutions will promote dialogue on corridor development, harmonisation of transit and customs laws, transparent public-private partnerships, infrastructure financing and accountability.

The partnership will prioritise women, young people, small-scale traders and communities along transport routes to promote safer and more accessible cross-border trade.

Central Corridor Executive Secretary, Okandju Flory said the agreement would strengthen political support for corridor priorities, improve legal and policy alignment, build parliamentarians’ capacity and generate evidence-based recommendations for infrastructure and trade reforms.

Cooperation will include joint research, training, policy exchanges and advocacy for corridor-related initiatives.

Mr Flory said implementation would begin with appointing institutional focal points within 30 days of the MoU entering into force, followed by an initial joint work plan within 90 days. A Joint Steering Committee will review progress annually.

He added that funded activities would require separate written agreements, as the MoU created no automatic financial obligations.

The agreement supports the African Continental Free Trade Area, Agenda 2063 and the Sustainable Development Goals, placing legislative cooperation and accountability at the centre of inclusive regional development.