Tanzania leads EAC Ministers in exploring measures to bolster the bloc’s employment sector

MOMBASA: A special meeting of the East African Community (EAC) Council of Ministers focusing on employment issues has begun in Mombasa, Kenya, with Tanzania leading discussions on measures to strengthen human resources and institutional capacity within the regional bloc.

The meeting, taking place from August 20 to 21, 2026, is aimed at providing direction on employment matters within the EAC, including ensuring that the Community has skilled, competent and qualified personnel capable of effectively carrying out its responsibilities.

Tanzania’s delegation is led by Deputy Minister for Finance, Eng. Mshamu Ali Munde, accompanied by Regina Ndege Qwaray, Deputy Minister in the President’s Office responsible for Public Service Management and Good Governance.

One of the key issues under discussion is a plan to fill more than 164 vacant positions across various EAC institutions, with 88 positions identified as priority posts.

The move is intended to strengthen the performance of the EAC Secretariat and its institutions by increasing the number of qualified and capable personnel, a step expected to improve efficiency in implementing the Community’s programmes and responsibilities.

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The ministerial meeting was preceded by a meeting of Permanent Secretaries held on August 18 and 19, 2026, where Tanzania’s delegation was led by Charles Kadonya, Permanent Secretary responsible for East African Community Cooperation.

Kadonya was accompanied by Salama Mbarouk Khatibu, Permanent Secretary in Zanzibar’s Ministry of Youth, Employment and Empowerment.

During the meeting, Tanzania was also commended for being the only EAC member state to have fully paid its contribution of more than $8.2 million towards the Community’s budget for the 2026/2027 financial year.

The fulfilment of its financial obligations demonstrates Tanzania’s commitment to implementing its Foreign Policy and decisions made by Heads of State of EAC member countries.

It also strengthens Tanzania’s role in advancing regional integration and supporting efforts to ensure that the Community has the resources and institutional capacity required to effectively implement its objectives.