Tanzania clears EAC contributions
DODOMA: TANZANIA has paid its full contribution to the East African Community (EAC) for the 2026/27 financial year as the bloc rolls out a new funding framework to boost financial sustainability.
The EAC has started implementing the new model, which requires all member states to contribute 50 per cent of their assessed contributions equally, while the remaining 50 per cent is determined by each country’s economic capacity based on Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
The framework, approved by the EAC Heads of State in March 2026 and effective from July 1, 2026, seeks to address persistent financial challenges that have affected the implementation of some of the Community’s programmes.
Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, Mr James Millya, explained the development in the National Assembly in Dodoma yesterday while responding to a question from Maryam Ussi Yahya (Special Seats, CCM), who sought to know Tanzania’s plans to ensure the sustainability of the EAC amid delays in contributions by some partner states.
Mr Millya said Tanzania, as an active and committed member, had already paid 100 per cent of its required contribution, demonstrating its continued support for the bloc.
He added that the government, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, has continued to safeguard and promote national interests within the EAC while supporting the Community’s growth and ensuring the country benefits from regional development programmes.
Among the key gains, he cited increased trade, improved investment in infrastructure and social services such as health and education, as well as progress in sectors including industry, energy, agriculture, livestock, fisheries, water and tourism.
Other benefits include expanded employment opportunities and strengthened regional peace and security.
However, Mr Millya noted that delayed contributions by some member states remain a major challenge, affecting the smooth implementation of the Community’s activities and programmes.
He said the Government continues to take measures to ensure the EAC remains operational and effectively discharges its responsibilities.
In a supplementary question, Ms Yahya raised concerns that despite Tanzania meeting its obligations, members of the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) had reportedly gone for six months without receiving their entitlements.
In response, Mr Millya assured the House that he would personally follow up on the matter and called for cooperation to ensure the issue is resolved.
The new EAC funding framework replaces the previous equal-contribution model, which had been criticised for placing the same financial burden on economies of different sizes and contributing to funding shortfalls due to delayed or unpaid dues by some partner states.
Under the revised system, contributions are shared more fairly, with wealthier economies paying more in line with their capacity, a move expected to improve compliance and ensure smoother financing of regional activities.
