East African Community (EAC)
| Section | Details |
|---|---|
| Introduction | – The East African Community (EAC) is a regional intergovernmental organization re-established on November 30, 1999. – Initially founded in 1967 by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, it collapsed in 1977 and was revived with the signing of the Treaty for the Establishment of the East African Community, which came into force on July 7, 2000. – The EAC promotes regional integration and development. |
| Objectives | – Customs Union: Create a Customs Union to promote free trade among member states. – Common Market: Allow free movement of goods, services, labor, and capital. – Monetary Union: Harmonize monetary and fiscal policies. – Political Federation: Establish a unified political entity for enhanced regional stability and governance. |
| Members (Dec 2024) | – Partner States: 1. Republic of Burundi 2. Democratic Republic of Congo 3. Republic of Kenya 4. Republic of Rwanda 5. Federal Republic of Somalia (joined March 4, 2024) 6. Republic of South Sudan 7. Republic of Uganda 8. United Republic of Tanzania – Total Members: 8 Partner States as of December 2024. |
| Reports/Indices | – Annual Reports: Detailed reports on EAC progress in trade, infrastructure, and development. – Ease of Doing Business Reports: Assessments of the business environment in the EAC region. – Facts and Figures: Statistical publications on demographics, economic performance, and regional indicators. |
| Instruments | – Treaty for the Establishment of the East African Community (1999): Foundational treaty of the EAC. – Customs Union Protocol (2004): Establishes the EAC Customs Union. – Common Market Protocol (2010): Lays the framework for free movement of goods, services, and labor. – Monetary Union Protocol (2013): Outlines steps towards a regional monetary union. |
| Structure | – Summit: Composed of Heads of State from each Partner State, serving as the supreme decision-making body. – Council of Ministers: Ministers responsible for EAC affairs oversee implementation of decisions. – Coordinating Committee: Composed of Permanent Secretaries to coordinate activities. – Sectoral Committees: Focus on areas like health, trade, and education. – East African Court of Justice (EACJ): Ensures adherence to the EAC Treaty. – East African Legislative Assembly (EALA): Serves as the legislative arm of the EAC. – Secretariat: The executive organ responsible for daily operations. |
| Subsidiary Organs | – East African Science and Technology Commission (EASTECO): Promotes regional science, technology, and innovation. – East African Kiswahili Commission (EAKC): Develops and promotes Kiswahili as a regional language. – East African Health Research Commission (EAHRC): Facilitates health research and innovation to improve health outcomes in the region. |
| Committees | – Sectoral Committees: Address issues in sectors such as agriculture, trade, infrastructure, and education. – Technical Committees: Provide expert recommendations on technical and operational matters to support EAC initiatives. |
| Initiatives | – Single Customs Territory (SCT): Simplifies customs procedures to enhance trade within the EAC. – Infrastructure Development Projects: Focus on transport, energy, and communication networks to improve regional connectivity. – Industrialization Policy: Strategies to boost industrial growth and diversification in the region. – Social Development Programs: Address education, health, and gender equality. – Peace and Security Initiatives: Enhance regional stability and address cross-border security challenges. |
