EAC HOSTS 7th SECRETARY GENERAL ’s FORUM TO BOLSTER REGIONAL INTEGRATION AND DEVELOPMENT.
BY NJOKI KARANJA
Nairobi, Kenya – December 10, 2024 – The East African Community (EAC) gathered key stakeholders in Nairobi on December 10, 2024, for its 7th Secretary General’s Forum, aimed at strengthening regional integration and advancing socio-economic growth. The event, which marked a significant milestone in the bloc’s 25-year journey, focused on critical issues such as economic development, peace, security, and social progress, while reflecting on past achievements and laying the groundwork for future growth.
Kenya’s Chief of Staff and Head of Public Service, Felix Koskei, graced the forum as the Chief Guest, affirming President William Ruto’s unwavering commitment to the EAC’s mission as the current Chairperson of the Summit of Heads of State. Koskei highlighted the region’s notable progress, particularly in areas of intra-regional trade, infrastructure development, and youth empowerment. He underscored the importance of collaboration, citing the upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), hosted by EAC member states, as a symbol of the region’s shared vision for unity and future development projects, including joint infrastructure and social integration initiatives.
The forum provided a platform for the EAC leadership and stakeholders to engage in constructive dialogue about deepening integration. Key discussions included drafting a constitution for the EAC’s political confederation, amending the EAC Treaty to accommodate new members, and formulating strategies to overcome challenges hindering the region's progress. Participants also focused on promoting accountability, transparency, and citizen participation in regional activities.
Koskei praised the EAC for maintaining a clean audit record and for its citizen-centered initiatives, such as the EAC e-Passport, which has facilitated the free movement of citizens since 2016. He also pointed to the Single Tourist Visa introduced in 2014, which has simplified travel between Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda, with plans for expansion to other member states.
EAC Secretary General Veronica Nduva took the stage to review the region’s accomplishments, particularly the successful implementation of the Customs Union, Common Market, and Monetary Union protocols. Nduva highlighted that these frameworks have significantly reduced trade barriers, enhanced the movement of goods and people, and contributed to the region’s growing economic prosperity. She also celebrated the success of the Electronic Single Window System and One Stop Border Posts (OSBPs), which have significantly cut transport and border crossing times. For instance, goods moving from Mombasa to Kigali now take only three days, down from 21 days, and border crossing times have been reduced by 70%.
Regional trade has seen significant growth as a result of these efforts. Intra-EAC trade grew from USD 6.2 billion in 2017 to USD 13.8 billion in 2023. Furthermore, trade with the rest of the world rose from USD 65.3 billion to USD 109.4 billion during the same period, bolstered by the EAC’s participation in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Nduva also pointed to the region’s rising trade within Africa, with exports to other African nations increasing from USD 19.4 billion in 2017 to USD 24.4 billion in 2023.
The forum brought together ministers, civil society leaders, business executives, and development partners to reflect on the EAC’s progress over the past quarter-century and generate actionable recommendations to further enhance regional integration. Through exhibitions, presentations, and stakeholder testimonies, the event served as a vital platform to chart a clear path forward for the bloc’s continued growth and cohesion.
As the EAC continues to evolve, its commitment to advancing regional integration and driving sustainable development remains steadfast, with the 7th Secretary General’s Forum serving as a reminder of the potential unlocked when East African nations work together toward shared goals.
