History of the EAC

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In the past, Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda have enjoyed a long history of co-operation under successive regional integration arrangements.

These arrangements have included:

• the Customs Union between Kenya and Uganda in 1917, which the then Tanganyika later joined in 1927;
• the East African High Commission (1948-1961);
• the East African Common Services Organisation (1961-1967);
• the East African Community (1967-1977) and
• the East African Co-operation (1993-2000).

Following the dissolution of the former East African Community in 1977, the Member States negotiated a Mediation Agreement for the pision of Assets and Liabilities, which they signed in 1984.

However, as one of the provisions of the Mediation Agreement, the three Member States (Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda) agreed to explore areas of future co-operation and to make concrete arrangements for such co-operation.

Subsequent meetings of the three Heads of State led to the signing of the Agreement for the Establishment of the Permanent Tripartite Commission for East African Co-operation on 30 November 1993.

Full East African Co-operation operations started on 14 March 1996 when the Secretariat of the Permanent Tripartite Commission was launched at the Headquarters of the EAC in Arusha, Tanzania.

Considering the need to consolidate regional co-operation, the East African Heads of State, at their 2nd Summit in Arusha on 29 April 1997, directed the Permanent Tripartite Commission to start the process of upgrading the Agreement establishing the Permanent Tripartite Commission for East African Co-operation into a Treaty.

The Treaty-making process, which involved negotiations among the Member States as well as wide participation of the public, was successfully concluded within 3 years.

The Treaty for the Establishment of the East African Community was signed in Arusha on 30 November 1999.

The Treaty entered into force on 7 July 2000 following the conclusion of the process of its ratification and deposit of the Instruments of Ratification with the Secretary-General by all the three Partner States.

Upon the entry into force of the Treaty, the East African Community came into being.

Milestones of EAC Integration

30 November 1993: 1st Summit of East African Heads of State sign Agreement establishing the Permanent Tripartite Commission for East African Co-operation in Kampala, Uganda.

14 March 1996: Secretariat of the Commission for East African Co-operation launched in Arusha, Tanzania.

28 April 1997: EAC Member States sign Tripartite Agreement on Avoidance of Double Taxation.

29 April 1997: 2nd Summit of the East African Co-operation Heads of State is held in Arusha, Tanzania; 1st East African Co-operation Development Strategy (1997-2000), East African Flag and East African Passport launched; and Permanent Tripartite Commission mandated to embark on process of upgrading EAC Agreement into Treaty.

30 April 1998: 9th Meeting of the Permanent Tripartite Commission in Arusha launches a draft Treaty for Establishment of the East African Community; approves programme for its wide publicity; EAC Memorandum of Understanding on Co-operation in Defence signed in Arusha; Tripartite Agreement on Road Transport signed in Arusha; and Inland Waterway Transport Agreement signed in Arusha.

30 November 1999: 4th Summit held in Arusha at which Treaty for the Establishment of the East African Community is signed.

7 July 2000: Treaty for the Establishment of the East African Community enters into force; new regional organisation, the East African Community, comes into being.

15 January 2001: 1st Summit of the East African Community is held in Arusha; signs Protocols on: Rules of Procedure for the Summit of Heads of State; Rules of Procedure for the Admission of other countries to the East African Community; and formally launches the East African Community at the Sheikh Amri Abeid Stadium in Arusha.

30 November 2001: 3rd Summit of EAC held in Arusha; EAC Heads of State inaugurate East African Legislative Assembly and East African Court of Justice.

2 March 2004: EAC Summit signs Protocol for Establishment of the EAC Customs Union.

1 January 2005: EAC Customs Union becomes operational.

18 June 2007: The Republic of Rwanda and the Republic of Burundi accede to EAC Treaty.

1 July 2007: Rwanda and Burundi become full members of the EAC.

5 June 2007: Second Assembly (EALA) sworn in.

22 October 2008: First EAC-COMESA-SADC Tripartite Summit held in Kampala, Uganda. Discusses single Free Trade Area and merger of the three regional blocs.

1 July 2009: Rwanda and Burundi join the EAC Customs Union. Official launch ceremonies held simultaneously in the two countries’ capitals on 6 July 2009.

20 November 2009: Protocol for the Establishment of the EAC Common Market signed; climax of observance of EAC 10th Anniversary celebrations; laying of foundation stone for EAC Headquarters in Arusha.

1 January 2010: EAC’s fully-fledged Customs Union takes effect following the end of a five-year transitional period.

1 July 2010: EAC Common Market Protocol enters into force, following ratification by all the five EAC Partner States.

3 December 2010: EAC Summit of Heads of State adopts the EAC Anthem.

12 June 2011: Second COMESA-EAC-SADC Tripartite Summit held in Johannesburg, South Africa; agrees to start negotiations for a Grand Free Trade Area among the three blocs.

5 June 2012: Third Assembly (EALA) sworn in.

28 November 2012: Presidents of the EAC Partner States officially inaugurate the new EAC Headquarters in Arusha.

30 November 2013: Protocol for the Establishment of the EAC Monetary Union signed.

16 April 2016: The Republic of South Sudan joins the EAC.

5 September 2016: The Republic of South Sudan becomes a full member of the EAC.

19 December 2017: Fourth Assembly (EALA) sworn in.

8 April 2022:  The Democratic of Congo joins the EAC.

11 July 2022: The Democratic Republic of Congo becomes a full member of the EAC.

20 December 2022: Fifth Assembly (EALA) sworn in.

24 November 2023: The EAC Summit of Heads of State admits the Federal Republic of Somalia into the Community.

EAC Institutions

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The Community has a number of semi-autonomous institutions that help it implement its mandate. These EAC institutions include:

• the Civil Aviation Safety and Security Oversight Agency (CASSOA);
• the East African Competition Authority (EACA);
• the East African Development Bank (EADB);
• the East African Health Research Commission (EAHRC);
• the East African Kiswahili Commission (EAKC);
• the East African Science and Technology Commission (EASTECO);
• the Inter-University Council for East Africa (IUCEA);
• the Lake Victoria Basin Commission (LVBC); and
• the Lake Victoria Fisheries Organization (LVFO).

CASSOA

The Civil Aviation Safety and Security Oversight Agency works in the civil aviation sector towards air transport services that are safe, efficient and profitable as well as adoption of common policies and harmonisation of civil aviation rules and regulations.

For more information, please visit the CASSOA website.

EACA

The East African Community Competition Authority (EACA), which is an institution of EAC is mandated to promote and protect fair trade and to ensure consumer welfare in the community pursuant to EAC Competition Act, 2006.

Specifically, the Act is aimed at enhancing the welfare of the people of the Community by:

1. Protecting all market participants freedom to compete by prohibiting anticompetitive practices
2. Protecting the opening of partner states markets against creation of barriers to interstate trade and economic transactions by market participants
3. Guaranteeing equal opportunities for market participants in the Community - SMEs
4. Guaranteeing a level playing field –eliminating any discrimination by partner states on the basis of nationality or residence
5. Providing consumers access o products and services at competitive prices and better quality
6. Providing incentives to producers – improvement of production and products through technical and organizational innovation
7. Promoting economic integration and development in the community by creating a conducive environment for investment in the community and bringing the EAC competition policy and law in line with international best practice.

For more information, please visit the EACA website.

EADB

The East African Development Bank offers structured financial products and services to organisations in the health, education, hospitality and tourism, infrastructure development, energy and utilities, and agriculture sectors.

For more information, please visit the EADB website.

EAHRC

The East African Health Research Commission coordinates and maps out a regional agenda on health research as well as the translation of its results into policy and practice within the Partner States.

For more information, please visit the EA Health Portal

EAKC

The East African Kiswahili Commission coordinates and provides advice to the Partner States on all matters related to Kiswahili research, teaching, learning and development as the lingua franca of the Partner States.

For more information, please visit the EAKC Website

EASTECO

The East African Science and Technology Commission governs the Partner States co-operation in the development and implementation of Science and Technology.

For more information, please visit the EASTECO Website

IUCEA

The Inter-University Council for East Africa coordinates harmonisation of higher education and training systems in East Africa, facilitates their strategic development and promotes internationally comparable standards and systems.

For more information, please visit the IUCEA website.

LVBC

The Lake Victoria Basin Commission focusses on coordinating the various interventions on the Lake and its Basin.

For more information, please visit the LVBC website.

LVFO

The Lake Victoria Fisheries Organization promotes sustainable utilisation of fisheries of the Lake.

For more information, please visit the LVFO website.

The Secretariat

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The Secretariat is the executive Organ of the Community. It ensures that the regulations and directives adopted by the Council of Ministers are properly implemented, and provides the Council of Ministers with strategic recommendations.

The headquarters of the EAC Secretariat is located in Arusha, Tanzania.

Our Leadership

At the head of the EAC Secretariat is the Secretary General.

The Secretary-General is the principal executive and accounting officer of the Community as well as the Secretary of the Summit; he/she is appointed by the Summit for a fixed five-year, non-renewable term.

The two (2) Deputy Secretaries-General deputise and support the Secretary-General in the management and executive direction of the EAC Secretariat. They are appointed by the Summit on recommendations of the Council and on a rotational basis. Each Deputy Secretary-General can serve a maximum of two three-year terms.

The Counsel to the Community is the principal legal adviser to the Community.

How we work

The EAC Secretariat is organised along three (3) key offices, each having distinct spheres of responsibility. These key offices coordinate seamlessly as they carry out the day-to-day work of the Community.

Executive Office of the Secretary-General

The Office of the Secretary General is the central executive body responsible for coordinating the activities of the EAC and overseeing its Institutions. The Secretary General serves as the principal executive officer and acts as the Secretary to the EAC Summit of Heads of State, ensuring effective implementation of the Community's policies and programmes. This office plays a crucial role in fostering regional integration and collaboration among Partner States, driving the EAC’s strategic objectives forward. The Executive Office of the Secretary General has the following Departments/Units/Offices:

• Office of the Secretary General

The Office of the Secretary General at the East African Community (EAC) Secretariat serves as the head of the Secretariat, overseeing its operations and ensuring compliance with the EAC's policies. As the principal accounting officer and Secretary to the Summit, the Secretary General coordinates high-level meetings, manages financial matters, and ensures effective implementation of decisions made by the EAC Heads of State.

• Counsel to the Community

The Counsel to the Community is the principal legal adviser to the Community. The Office provides legal advisory services to ensure that the East African Community’s operations and policies comply with its legal frameworks. This office supports the EAC Organs and Institutions in interpreting and applying legal instruments, contributing to effective governance and the rule of law within the Community.

• Corporate Communications and Public Affairs

The Corporate Communications and Public Affairs department manages the Community’s external communications, ensuring a cohesive and strategic dissemination of information to the public and stakeholders. This department plays a vital role in enhancing the EAC's visibility, engaging with the media, and promoting transparency and accountability across the organization.

• Regional Co-operation in Defense

The Defense Liaison Office is tasked with enhancing collaboration and coordination among Partner States' defense forces to address regional security challenges. It facilitates joint initiatives and strategic partnerships to strengthen collective security and promote stability across the East African region.

• Internal Audit

The Internal Audit Unit is tasked with providing independent assessments of the organization’s financial and operational systems to ensure compliance and effectiveness. It plays a key role in identifying risks, improving internal controls, and enhancing overall organizational efficiency.

• Resource Mobilisation Office

The Resource Mobilization Office focuses on securing financial resources to support the Community's initiatives and development projects. It works to identify and engage potential donors, partners, and funding sources, ensuring the effective allocation and management of resources to advance regional integration goals.

• Finance, Human Resources and Administration

The Finance, Human Resources, and Administration Office manages the financial operations, staffing, and administrative functions essential for the smooth running of the organization. This office ensures efficient resource allocation, supports human resource development, and maintains effective administrative processes to support the EAC’s mission and objectives.

Office of the Deputy Secretary General in charge of Customs, Trade and Monetary Affairs

The Office of the Deputy Secretary General in charge of Customs, Trade, and Monetary Affairs is responsible for overseeing the development and implementation of policies that enhance trade integration, customs cooperation, and monetary harmonization among the Partner States. The office also coordinates efforts to strengthen the EAC's economic infrastructure, ensuring that trade flows smoothly and that monetary policies support regional economic stability. The Office has the following Directorates:

• Customs Directorate

The Directorate of Customs is responsible for coordinating and overseeing customs policies, procedures, regulations and implementation of the Customs Union Protocol among EAC Partner States to facilitate trade, enhance regional integration, and ensure the smooth movement of goods across borders within the Community.

• Trade Directorate

The Directorate of Trade is responsible for overseeing and coordinating trade policies, negotiations, and initiatives aimed at promoting intra-regional trade and economic integration among the EAC Partner States.

• Monetary Affairs Directorate

The Directorate of Monetary Affairs is responsible for coordinating regional monetary policy, financial sector development, and the implementation of the EAC Monetary Union, aiming to achieve economic integration and stability across the East African Community.

Office of the Deputy Secretary General in charge of  Infrastructure, Productive, Social and Political sectors.

The Office of the Deputy Secretary General in charge of Infrastructure, Productive, Social, and Political Sectors oversees the development and coordination of key regional initiatives in infrastructure, economic productivity, social development, and political integration across the East African Community.

• Infrastructure Directorate

The Directorate of Infrastructure is responsible for coordinating regional infrastructure development, focusing on improving transport (roads, railways, aviation and inland waterway transport), communication networks and meteorology to facilitate trade and integration among Partner States.

• Planning Directorate

The Directorate of Planning is responsible for coordinating the development and implementation of strategic plans, policies, and programs aimed at achieving the regional integration objectives of the East African Community

• Investment Department

The Investment Department is responsible for coordinating and promoting investment opportunities within the East African Community, fostering a conducive environment for both regional and international investors, and facilitating the implementation of policies and strategies aimed at boosting economic growth and regional integration.

• Productive Sectors Directorate
  

The Directorate of Productive Sectors focuses on enhancing the region's agricultural, industrial, environmental, tourism and energy sectors to promote sustainable development and economic growth within the East African Community. It plays a pivotal role in coordinating policies, programs, and initiatives aimed at boosting productivity and competitiveness across Partner States.

• Social Sectors Directorate

The Directorate of Social Sectors oversees the development and harmonization of policies and programs related to health, education, culture, gender, and, labour and immigration across the East African Community. It aims to promote the well-being of EAC citizens by enhancing cooperation in social services and ensuring inclusive growth within the region.

• Political Affairs Directorate

The Directorate of Political Affairs plays a pivotal role in shaping and coordinating political strategies and policies within the East African Community. It focuses on promoting regional integration, facilitating dialogue among Partner States, and supporting the implementation of EAC’s political objectives and frameworks. The Directorate comprises the Departments of Political Affairs, International Relations and Peace and Security.

EAC Organs

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The main Organs of the EAC are the Summit, the Council of Ministers, the Co-ordinating Committee, the Sectoral Committees, the East African Court of Justice, the East African Legislative Assembly and the Secretariat.

The Summit

The Summit comprising of Heads of Government of Partner States gives strategic direction towards the realisation of the goal and objectives of the Community.

The Council of Ministers 

The Council of Ministers (or simply, the Council) is the central decision-making and governing Organ of the EAC. Its membership constitutes Ministers or Cabinet Secretaries from the Partner States whose dockets are responsible for regional co-operation.

Every year, the Council meets twice, one meeting of which is held immediately preceding a meeting of the Summit. The Council meetings assist in maintaining a link between the political decisions taken at the Summits and the day-to-day functioning of the Community. Regulations, directives and decisions taken or given by the Council are binding to the Partner States and to all other Organs and Institutions of the Community other than the Summit, the Court and the Assembly.

The Council, each year, elects a Chairperson by rotation to serve a one-year term to the office of Chairperson of the Council of Ministers.

The Coordinating Committee

Under the Council, the Coordinating Committee has the primary responsibility for regional co-operation and co-ordinates the activities of the Sectoral Committees. It also recommends to the Council about the establishment, composition and functions of such Sectoral Committees. It draws its membership from Permanent / Principal Secretaries responsible for regional co-operation from the Partner States.

Subject to any directions given by the Council, the Coordinating Committee meets twice a year preceding the meetings of the Council. Moreover, it may hold extraordinary meetings at the request of the Chairperson of the Coordinating Committee.

Sectoral Committees

Sectoral Committees conceptualise programmes and monitor their implementation. The Council establishes such Sectoral Committees on recommendation of the Coordinating Committee.

The Sectoral Committees meet as often as necessary for the proper discharge of their functions.

The East African Court of Justice

The East African Court of Justice (or simply, the Court) is the principal judicial Organ of the Community and ensures adherence to the law in the interpretation and application of compliance with the EAC Treaty. It was established under Article 9 of the Treaty for the Establishment of the East African Community.

Arusha, Tanzania is the temporary seat of the Court until the Summit determines its permanent seat. The Court established its Sub-registries in the Partner States, which are located in the premises of the National Courts.

The Court is currently composed of ten judges, appointed by the Summit from among sitting judges of any Partner State court of judicature or from jurists of recognised competence, and the Registrar who is appointed by the Council of Ministers.

The Court has two divisions: an Appellate division and a First Instance division.

For more information, please visit the EACJ website.

The East African Legislative Assembly

The East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) is the Legislative Organ of the Community and has a cardinal function to further EAC objectives, through its Legislative, Representative and Oversight mandate. It was established under Article 9 of the Treaty for the Establishment of the East African Community.

The Assembly has a membership comprising of 63 elected Members (9 from each Partner State), and 9 ex-officio Members consisting of the Minister or Cabinet Secretary responsible for EAC Affairs from each Partner State, the Secretary-General and the Counsel to the Community totalling 72 Members.

The Assembly draws the authority to establish its Standing Committees from its Rules of Procedure. It currently has 6 Standing Committees to execute its mandate:

• the Accounts Committee;
• the Committee on Legal, Rules, and Privileges;
• the Committee on Agriculture, Tourism and Natural Resources;
• the Committee on Regional Affairs and Conflict Resolution;
• the Committee on Communication, Trade and Investment, and
• the Committee on General Purpose.

The EALA Commission which oversees the management of the Assembly is established following the enactment of the Administration of the EALA Act 2012.

For more information, please visit the EALA website.

The Secretariat 

The Secretariat is the executive Organ of the Community. As the guardian of the Treaty, it ensures that regulations and directives adopted by the Council are properly implemented.

In service of the Community, the Secretariat comprises the Secretary-General, 2 Deputy Secretaries-General, the Counsel to the Community and hundreds of EAC staff members who carry out the day-to-day work of the EAC as mandated by the Council.

The Secretary-General is the principal executive and accounting officer of the Community, the head of the Secretariat and the Secretary of the Summit; he/she is appointed by the Summit for a fixed five-year, non-renewable term.

The Deputy Secretaries-General are appointed by the Summit on recommendations of the Council and on a rotational basis. They deputise the Secretary-General and each serves a three-year term, renewable once.

The Counsel to the Community is the principal legal adviser to the Community.