High-Level Side Event to Commemorate the EAC 25th Anniversary
EAC Boma Road Festival
Trade Promotion
East African Community has been at the forefront in advancing intra-regional trade, driven by the successful implementation of the Customs Union and the Common Market pillars. Initiatives such as the Single Customs Territory (SCT), One Stop Border Posts, interconnectivity of systems and simplification of procedures have improved efficiency in trade flows and minimized customs clearance delays. To advance trade further, the EAC continues to address non-tariff barriers (NTBs) and align trade policies to ensure consistency and predictability. Investments in modern infrastructure, such as upgraded border facilities and enhanced transportation networks, are key to minimizing trade disruptions and improving access to regional and global markets. These efforts are geared towards leveraging the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to boost intra-EAC trade and position the region as a competitive economic bloc.
Reflection on Customs Union and Movement of goods
The session will reflect on the substantial progress made in advancing intra-regional trade through the EAC’s Customs Union and Common Market. It will showcase how these pillars have reduced trade barriers, modernised customs processes and increased the engagement of the private sector, paving the way for future development. The dialogue will assess challenges, propose future strategies and align EAC objectives with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and other regional trading blocs to ensure regional competitiveness. Further, the discussions will also delve into trade in services and the development of regional value-chains and related strategies.
Expected Outcomes:
- Enhanced Regional Trade Framework: Action plans for further policy integration and harmonisation, consolidating the achievements of the Customs Union and Common Market to improve cross-border trade efficiency.
- Alignment with AfCFTA: A roadmap for synchronizing EAC policies and standard with AfCFTA other Economic blocs standards to enhance market positioning and encourage adoption of unified African trade standards
- Private Sector Development: recommendations on Innovative approaches to strengthen support systems for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and value- chains to capitalize on streamlined cross-border processes.
- Policy and Infrastructure Investments: Insights on targeted infrastructure development and sustainable policy investments that foster eco-friendly logistics and ensure seamless movement of goods.
- Commitment to Digital Transformation: interventions to enhance digital tools like the AI-based customs solutions for transparent, efficient trade facilitation.
- Resilience and Adaptability: Approaches to enhance trade systems through strategic planning and response frameworks to manage unforeseen disruptions effectively.
Digital Transformation
The East African Community (EAC) is making significant strides in intra-regional trade and enhancing digital transformation across sectors. One of the key enablers of economic growth and integration in the region is the development of efficient, secure, and accessible cross-border payment systems. As Partner States advance their digital economies and see double-digit growth, there is an increasing need for harmonized digital payment infrastructures to facilitate seamless transactions across borders.
The current cross-border payment systems face challenges including high transaction costs, delays in settlement, lack of interoperability, and limited access for unbanked populations. Addressing these challenges through digital transformation is essential for fostering trade, boosting regional integration, and enhancing the overall economic resilience of the region.
The high-level side event will provide a platform for stakeholders to discuss opportunities, challenges, and solutions for accelerating cross-border payment systems within the digital transformation agenda. The forum will also address necessary steps towards harmonization and integration of payment systems to facilitate trade and financial inclusion in the region.
Leveraging Digital Transformation and collaborations to achieve EAC’s Vision 2050
The session will focus on the impact of digital transformation in overcoming the challenges faced by cross-border payment systems. It will explore how innovative technologies—including artificial intelligence (AI), mobile money, and digital currencies—can enhance financial inclusion and promote economic integration within the East African Community (EAC) region. The following broad topics will be covered:
- Interoperability of Payment Systems: Examining how Partner States can harmonize their payment infrastructures to ensure that systems are interoperable, enabling seamless cross-border transactions between Business-to-Business (B2B) or Business-to-Customer (B2C).
- Regulatory Frameworks: Identifying the necessary regulatory changes and policy frameworks required to support digital cross-border payments including licensing, while ensuring compliance, security, and risk management.
- Emerging Technologies: Discussing the potential of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), and mobile platforms in revolutionizing cross- border payments, reducing costs, and improving transaction speed.
Expected Outcomes:
- Recommendations for creating EAC interoperable, secure, and inclusive cross-border payment system.
- Policy proposals for international cooperation (such as “50 in 5” campaign) and regulatory harmonization across the EAC.
- Insights on the adoption of emerging technologies in payment systems.
Peace and Security
Peace and security are a pre-requisite to social and economic development within the Community and vital to the achievement of the objectives of the Community. Therefore, there is need for Partner States to enhance cooperation in handling conflicts, cross border crime, provision of mutual assistance in criminal matters including the arrest and repatriation of fugitive offenders, and the exchange of information on national mechanisms for combating criminal activities.
Most of the contemporary crimes are committed on a platform of technology, therefore Digital transformation can be a vital tool in promoting peace and security in the region by enabling the development of interoperable digital systems and enhancing cross- border collaboration. By integrating digital platforms for real-time crime data sharing and communication between Partner States, the EAC can improve its ability to monitor and respond to peace and security threats, such as Terrorism and Transnational Organised Crimes. Interoperable systems allow for more coordinated law enforcement efforts and efficient border management. Additionally, bolstering cybersecurity efforts across the region is critical to safeguarding national and regional infrastructure and information from cyber threats. By investing in digital methods of sharing information and multi-agency cross-border security collaborations, the EAC can foster a more secure, stable, and resilient region, promoting long-term peace, stability and development.
Peace and Security in the Region
The session will delve into the critical role of the EAC in fostering peace-building and conflict resolution, with a focus on enhancing cross-border security collaboration to combat threats such as terrorism, human trafficking and smuggling. The discussion will also highlight the vital contributions of the youth and women in advancing peace and security efforts, emphasising their inclusion in conflict resolution processes. Additionally, the session will examine ways to strengthen the EAC’s regional security architecture to ensure long-term stability, while exploring how digital developments and technological innovations can be leveraged to support peacekeeping initiatives and maintain security across the region.
The session will address the following topics:
- Strengthening the EAC’s Regional Security Architecture through integrating digital reporting systems for Long-Term Stability
- Deepening (enhancing) youth and women involvement in peacebuilding and security interventions in the region
- The role of peace and security in promoting integration in the region
- The role of regional, continental and international Community in addressing conflicts in the region and ensuring sustainable peace, security and development.
A Guide to Registration and Accreditation for the Upcoming Events to Commemorate the EAC 25th Anniversary.
As part of our commitment to ensuring a seamless experience, we have outlined the essential information you need regarding registration and accreditation.
Step 1: Online Registration
All delegates are kindly requested to complete their registration online. The process is simple, quick, and ensures you are officially part of this momentous event.
👉 Register now by visiting https://www.eac.int/side-event-reg
We encourage you to complete your registration as early as possible to help us plan effectively and ensure your participation is secured.
Step 2: Accreditation for Participants
Given the nature of this event, accreditation is required for all participants. This step is crucial for smooth access to the venue and effective event organization.
📌 What You Need to Know About Accreditation:
- The process is straightforward and will involve submitting a few key details to verify your participation.
- Information to be uploaded to complete your online Accreditation:
+ Passport Size Photograph
+ Copy of Passport (Bio-data page) or National ID
👉 Submit your Accreditation by visiting https://www.eac.int/accreditation
Why Early Registration & Accreditation Matters
Registering early not only secures your spot but also ensures you receive timely updates, including event logistics.
We look forward to your participation and thank you for your cooperation in following these steps. Should you have any questions or require further assistance, please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Stay tuned for more updates, and thank you for joining us in making this event a success!
Let’s make it a memorable one.
Leveraging Digital Transformation to Fast-Track Integration
- INTRODUCTION
The East African Community (EAC) is celebrating 25 years of remarkable progress since its revival under the overarching theme, "EAC@25: Promoting Trade, Sustainable Development and Peace & Security for Improved Livelihoods". The theme underscores the EAC’s achievements and its commitment to fostering regional integration, enhancing socio-economic development, and ensuring peace and security in the region. The 25th Anniversary provides a perfect opportunity to reflect on the EAC's achievements, highlight challenges and chart the way forward for the integration process in East Africa.
As the EAC moves into the future, digital transformation is recognised as a critical enabler across all its strategic areas, contributing to the promotion of trade, peace and security, sustainable development. By harnessing emerging technologies and digital connectivity, the EAC can build a resilient, competitive, and secure region, fully aligned with the EAC Vision 2050 and African Union's Agenda 2063.
- THE HIGH-LEVEL SIDE EVENT
Convened under the sub-theme EAC@25: A Reflective Journey and Future Aspirations, the overall objective of the High-Level Side Event is to showcase the EAC’s 25-year journey in promoting trade, sustainable development, and peace and security, and the role of Digital Transformation as a key enabler of regional integration towards realising EAC Vision 2050.
The High-Level Side Event will focus on three (3) key thematic areas: Promoting Trade, Digital Transformation, and Peace and Security. In trade, the EAC has made strides with initiatives like the Single Customs Territory and One Stop Border Posts, which streamline trade processes, reduce delays, and support market access across borders. These efforts align with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to make the region a competitive economic bloc. In digital transformation, the focus is on creating efficient, accessible cross-border payment systems that reduce transaction costs and enhance interoperability, benefiting small and medium enterprises and advancing financial inclusion. For peace and security, digital tools are seen as vital for enhancing real-time data sharing and collaboration, empowering EAC nations to address security threats like terrorism and cybercrime effectively.
Specifically, the High-Level Side Event will:
- Facilitate discussions among key stakeholders on achievements and challenges in cross-border movement of goods and services, and actions to enhance their trade within the EAC;
- Showcase the role of digital transformation in addressing the current limitations of cross-border payment systems and how innovative technologies such as artificial intelligence, mobile money, and digital currencies can play a crucial role in enhancing financial inclusion and economic integration in the EAC region; and
- Reflect on the critical role of peace and security for sustainable economic and social integration in the EAC region.
- STRUCTURE OF THE HIGH-LEVEL SIDE EVENT
The High-Level Side Event is planned for the 29th November, 2024 and will constitute a Ministerial session and a Heads of State session. The Ministerial session will set the context for presentations on achievements in the EAC’s 25-year journey. Following this, participants will engage in break-away discussions on the three (3) thematic areas. The outcomes of the break-away sessions will be presented during the plenary of the Ministerial session. The outcomes from the Ministerial session will be reported to the Heads of State session.
The High-Level Side Event will also incorporate an exhibition on the achievements of the Community over the past 25 years.
- PROVISIONAL PROGRAMME
08.00 - 08.30hrs: Arrival and Registration
TECHNICAL/MINISTERIAL SESSION
08.30 - 09.00hrs: Opening Session
09.00 - 09.45hrs: Opening Remarks
09.45 - 10.15hrs: Keynote Address
10.15 - 10.45hrs: Reflections on the Keynote Address by Private Sector, Civil Society, EALA, EACJ
11.00 – 12.30hrs: Breakout Sessions/Thematic Areas:
Session A: Promoting Trade in the EAC Region
The session will highlight progress in boosting intra-regional trade through the EAC’s Customs Union and Common Market, which have reduced trade barriers and modernized customs. It will also explore strategies to address challenges and align EAC goals with the AfCFTA and other regional trade blocs for greater competitiveness
Session B: Digital Transformation
The session will address how digital transformation can overcome challenges in cross-border payment systems, enhancing financial inclusion and economic integration. It will explore the role of innovative technologies like AI, mobile money, and digital currencies in advancing these goals across the EAC region
Session C: Enhancing Peace and Security in the Region
The session will explore the EAC's crucial role in peace-building and conflict resolution, focusing on enhancing cross-border security collaboration against threats like terrorism and human trafficking. It will also highlight the contributions of youth and women in peace efforts and examine ways to strengthen regional security through digital and technological innovations
12:30 - 12:45hrs
EAC Tech Live
A demonstration of the cross-border Instant Payment Switch between the United Republic of Tanzania National Switch (TIPS) and the Republic of Rwanda National Payment Switch (RSwitch)
12.45 - 13.30hrs: Plenary Session
Reporting back by Thematic/Breakout sessions
Discussion on the way forward for the integration process and takeaways from the Technical Session
Endorsement of Outcomes by Ministers
13.30 - 14.30hrs: Lunch Break
SESSION OF THE HEADS OF STATE
14.30 - 14.40hrs: EAC Anthem | Prayer (1 Min short prayers Muslim & Christian)
14.40 - 14.50hrs: Welcoming Remarks by the Secretary General
14.50 - 15.15hrs: Remarks by the Chairperson of the Council of Ministers and Presentations of Outcomes from Discussions of the High-Level Side Event to the Heads of State
15.15 - 16.30hrs: Interactive Session with Heads of State
16.30 - 16.40hrs: Vote of Thanks
16.40 - 17:00hrs: Heads of State Group Photo
17.00 - 17.05hrs: EAC Anthem
17.05 - 18.00hrs: 25th Anniversary pre-celebration
18.00hrs: Departure at Leisure
- DATE AND VENUE
The High-Level Side Event is scheduled for 29th November, 2024.
The High-Level Side Event will be held at the Arusha International Conference Centre (AICC) in Arusha, United Republic of Tanzania.
- REGISTRATION AND ACCREDITATION
Delegates are kindly informed that registration for the event can be completed online by visiting https://www.eac.int/side-event-reg
Given the nature of the event, accreditation will be required for all participants. The accreditation process is designed to ensure smooth access and organization, and the accreditation link will be shared in due course. We encourage all delegates to register early and await further details on the accreditation process.
- KEY CONTACTS
For any inquiries or assistance related to the High-Level Side Event, please refer to our key contacts below:
- Mr. Florian Mutabazi – +255 753 288428 | This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
- Mr. Simon Owaka – +255 768 552087 | This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
- SOCIAL MEDIA
To amplify the discussions and extend the reach of this High-Level Side Event, we encourage participants and audiences to join the conversation online using our official hashtags. By using #EACat25, #OnePeopleOneDestiny, and #EACBoderless, you can share insights, key takeaways, and moments from the event. These hashtags help to unite voices across platforms, creating a vibrant dialogue on the achievements, aspirations, and future goals of the East African Community as we celebrate 25 years of impactful regional integration.