East African Community Headquarters, Arusha, Tanzania, 28th February, 2022: EAC Secretary General Dr. Peter Mathuki is urging African leaders to urgently implement the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) agreement, in order to lower the costs of air transport in Africa and in turn boost development.
Speaking in Nairobi, Kenya, at the 7th Programme for Infrastructure Development in Africa (PIDA) week, Dr. Mathuki stated that air cargo currently accounts for only 2% of the global air cargo adding that air transport remains out of reach for both passenger and cargo haulage due to high associated costs.
“These costs can be brought down if we have political commitment to implement the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) agreement,” he noted.
East African Community Headquarters, Arusha, Tanzania, 24th February 2022: EAC staff, delegates, members of its Organs and Institutions and visitors can now easily conduct banking services at the EAC premises, following the launch of a Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) Tanzania mini-branch, at the EAC Secretariat Headquarters in Arusha, Tanzania.
The move followed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the EAC Secretary General Dr. Peter Mathuki and KCB Tanzania Managing Director Mr. Cosmas Kimario set to guide the establishment and extension of banking services by the regional lender at the EAC premises.
East African Community Headquarters, Arusha, Tanzania, 24th February 2022: The EAC Partner States are currently engaging in internal consultations with a view to ensuring that they are involved in the EAC-EU Economic Partnership Agreements (EPA).
EPAs are trade and development agreements negotiated between the EU and African, Caribbean and Pacific Partners engaged in regional economic integration processes.
East African Community Headquarters, Arusha, Tanzania, 19th February, 2022: East African Community Partner States have adopted the EAC Tariff Offer for Category A products amounting to 90.2 per cent (5,129 tariff lines out of the total 5,688 lines) to be liberalised in 10 years after the start of trading under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
The EAC is now among the State Parties that have met the minimum requirements for Category A to start trading on a provisional basis under AfCFTA. The EAC is negotiating the AfCFTA as a bloc.
An EAC Extra-Ordinary Meeting of the Sectoral Council on Trade, Industry, Finance and Investment (SCTIFI) held on Friday further directed the EAC Secretariat to submit the EAC Tariff Offer for Category A to the AfCFTA as soon as possible.
The Extra-Ordinary SCTIFI also directed the EAC Secretariat to convene an Experts meeting by 15th April, 2022 to consider categories B and C of the EAC Tariff Offer.
The EAC Partner States tariff offers will now be subjected to verification by the AfCFTA Secretariat, which is based in Accra, Ghana.
The AfCFTA has so far verified 29 tariff offers to ensure that they meet the modalities and this will increase to 34 once the EAC Partner States offers are verified.
Verification of the tariff offers will ensure that AfCFTA Member States that meet the minimum requirements start trading under the Continental Free Trade Area Agreement.
Speaking at a media briefing, Kenya’s PS for EAC, Dr. Kevit Desai who also chaired the Extra-Ordinary SCTIFI meeting, said that AfCFTA would give Partner States access to an extended market of more than 900 million people.
Dr. Desai said that the Community would also benefit from increased opportunities for trade, employment creation, industrialisation and economic prosperity.
“The expanded opportunities include manufactured products, value addition, regional value chains, agro-processing, motor vehicle assembly, pharmaceuticals, auto spares industries and mineral processing among other areas,” said Dr. Desai.
On the determination of the maximum rate for the Common External Tariff (CET), the SCTIFI directed Partner States to consult on the analysis undertaken by the Secretariat on the proposed maximum CET rates and submit comments on the analysis and the proposed maximum CET rates of 30%, 33% and 35% to the Secretariat by 15th March, 2022.
The Ministers directed the Secretariat to convene an Extra-Ordinary SCTIFI meeting on 18th March, 2022 to deliberate on the maximum CET rate.
Dr. Desai told the media that it had been agreed that Partner States consult key stakeholders on the proposed maximum CET rates and submit comments to the Secretariat by 15th March, 2022.
The EAC Secretariat made a presentation to the SCTIFI on the analysis it had undertaken on the proposed rates of 30%, 33% and 35% for products classified under the 4th band.
The Secretariat said that indicators of measure of benefit for products identified to be covered in the maximum tariff band are positive except for welfare loss, which is transitory.
The proposed various maximum CET rates will have diverse macroeconomic impacts. On the implications for revenue, the average potential short-term impact on EAC Partner States total tax revenues increases by 3.9 % (scenario 1 – 30%), 4.9% `(scenario 2 – 33%) and 5.5% (scenario 3 – 35%).
On employment, employment generation increases marginally with 0.02 % (5,055 persons) under the maximum rate of 30%; 0.03% (6,089 persons) with a maximum rate of 33% applied; and 0.03% (6,781 persons) increase in average EAC formal employment under the maximum rate of 35%.
On the implications for trade, potential trade diversion into the EAC (intra-EAC trade) increases by $13.03 million under the 30% maximum rate, $16.51 million with a maximum rate of 33% and 18.9 with the highest rate of 35%.
On industrial development, industrial production increases under each of the proposed maximum CET rates of 30%, 33% and 35%, with the highest rate of 35% conferring the greatest gains in industrial output. There is a 0.02% ($7.7 million) increase in industrial output with an applied maximum rate of 30%; 0.03% ($10.3 million) increase in production with a rate of 33%; and 0.04% ($12.1 million) increase in output with the highest rate at 35%.
For more information, please contact:
Simon Peter Owaka Senior Public Relations Officer Corporate Communications and Public Affairs Department EAC Secretariat Arusha, Tanzania Tel: +255 768 552087 Email: sowaka [at] eachq.org
About the East African Community Secretariat:
The East African Community (EAC) is a regional intergovernmental organisation of six Partner States, comprising Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania and Uganda, with its headquarters in Arusha, Tanzania.
… Ministers call for fast-tracking of the establishment of the Regional Consultative Process
East African Community, Kigali, Rwanda17thFebruary , 2022: The East African Community (EAC) Conference to establish Regional Consultative Process (RCP) on Migration concluded in Kigali, Rwanda.
The main objective of the conference was to consider and discuss the proposal for the establishment of the Regional Consultative Process on Migration for the EAC as a platform for regional information-sharing and policy dialogue dedicated to discuss specific migration issues in a cooperative manner among EAC Partner States.
East African Community Headquarters, Arusha, Tanzania, 11th February, 2022: Partner States Ministers in charge EAC Affairs; Interior / Home Affairs; Labour and Directorates of Immigration from EAC Partner States, the EAC Secretariat, International Organization for Migration (IOM) as well as other UN agencies will be meeting in Kigali, Rwanda from 14th -16th February, 2022 to establish a Regional Consultative Process on Migration (RCP) in the region.
The three-day meeting will provide a framework for the EAC Partner States to have an informal, discrete and non-binding dialogue on migration and governance issues in the region for the first time.
The objective of the RCP is to help Partner States to move away from a securitized approach to migration to broaden understanding of migration by appreciating that migrants and increased mobility in East Africa can contribute to national development, reducing poverty and lowering the unemployment rate among the youth, and other benefits.
The region has an estimated population of 195 million including nearly 5 million international migrants, over 2.8 million refugees and asylum seekers, and nearly 2.4 million internally displaced persons (IDPs) in the region, with all countries being nations of origin, destination and transit for migrants, the displaced and other groups on the move.
With an increase in the flow of labour migrants from the region to destinations like the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), increased climate change-induced migration, forced displacement and migration, conflict-driven migration and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mobility, an RCP on migration for the region is timely.
The formation of first RCP dialogue process can respond to migration challenges in the region and maximize the development opportunities migration can bring.
The EAC region would not be the first regional economic community in Africa to enhance its approach to migration governance through an RCP. The Migration Dialogue for West Africa (MIDWA), the Migration Dialogue for Southern Africa (MIDSA), the Migration Dialogue for the Intergovernmental Authority on Development Region (IGAD-RCP), the Migration Dialogue from the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa Member States (MIDCOM) and others are operational.
It is hoped that the establishment of a REC for the EAC region will be in tandem with the 2016 New York Declaration for Refugees and Migrants and the Global Compact for Migration.
Speaking ahead of the meeting, the EAC Secretary General, Hon Dr Peter Mathuki, said that the proposed RCP would benefit EAC through the creation of effective networks for migration governance and establishing a policy framework for migration and governance.
“The RCP will present a significant opportunity to improve the governance on migration, to address challenges associated with contemporary migration, and to strengthen the contribution of migrants and migration to sustainable development in the region,” said Dr. Mathuki.
On his part, Mr. Mohammed Abdiker, the IOM Regional Director for the East and Horn of Africa, said that the RCP was the results of the recognition by Partner States on the need to continuously dialogue and cooperate on migration issues at the national and regional levels.
For more information, please contact:
Simon Peter Owaka Senior Public Relations Officer Corporate Communications and Public Affairs Department EAC Secretariat Arusha, Tanzania Tel: +255 768 552087 Email: sowaka [at] eachq.org
About the East African Community Secretariat:
The East African Community (EAC) is a regional intergovernmental organisation of six Partner States, comprising Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania and Uganda, with its headquarters in Arusha, Tanzania.
East African Court of Justice, 11th February 2022: The Appellate Division resumes Sessions this week and heard Court hears Appeal No. 10 of 2020 Attorney General of Rwanda vs Union Trade Center Limited (UTC).
The Appellant (AG Rwanda) is challenging a decision of the Trial Court allowing and granting orders sought in Reference No. 10 of 2013 Union Trade Center Ltd vs AG of Rwanda and 3 others faulting the Government of Rwanda for taking over the mall as abandoned property.
At the hearing, the AG represented by Counsel Nicholas Ntarugera submitted that, the First Instance Division erred in law to rule that the Reference was filed on time. He contended that the cause of action arose on 29th July 2013 not on 2nd October 2013. Counsel also argued that the UTC legal representation in the matter was illegal. That there was no resolution on the appointment of the Advocates appearing in this matter as provided under Rule 19 (5).
Further that the Advocates (Francis Gimara and Hannington Amol) who are representing the UTC were not appointed by the Company rather they were appointed by Mr Tribert Rujugiro Ayabatwa who is a majority shareholder in the company. Counsel Nicholas submitted that this is procedural irregularities and asked Court to overturn the decision of the First Instance Division.
Principal State Attorney Mr Ntwali Emile also representing AG of Rwanda submitted that the Government has an obligation to manage the abandoned property especially for the citizens who are not in the Country and that when Rujugiro returns back he will receive his property.
The Interveners represented by Ms Molly Rwigamba contented that at the Trial Court they were denied an opportunity to support the AG Rwanda through their Statement that was rejected which she said it was a violation of Article 40 of the Treaty which allows the Interveners to provide evidence supporting in a case.
The Respondent represented by Counsel Francis Gimara and Hannington Amol counter argued that the Trial Court did not err in their judgment to order that the Reference was file on time because the cause of action arose when UTC learned that the mall was taken over by the letter of 2nd October, 2013.
Regarding his representation of UTC in court, Mr. Gimara stated that his representation of UTC is not illegal under Rule 19 (5) because this rule is about the appearance, and him as practicing law, he has the right to appear to court.
As to the locus standi of UTC, he argued that UTC has the lucus standi since it is company duly incorporated in a partner state as shown on the registration certificate of UTC. Also contended that the liquidation issue was not argued in the Trial Court.
Counsel Hannington Amol presented the UTC's grounds of cross-appeal at length. With figures and precedents, he argued that the trial court erred in law in not ordering the return of the rental proceeds and the mall to UTC, and did not award a fair and equitable compensation to UTC. The Lawyers for the Respondent asked Court to uphold the decision of the First Instance Division dismiss the Appeal with costs to the Respondent and allow the Cross appeal.
The Court will deliver the Judgment on notice.
The three weeks session will go on up to 28th February and only thirteen (13) matters will be handled and these include; 7 Hearings, 3 Scheduling conferences, 2 Arbitration rulings and 1 Judgment to be delivered.
The matters will be brought before Honourable Justices of the Appellate Division: Nestor Kayobera (President), Geoffrey Kiryabwire (Vice President), Lady Justice,Sauda Mjasiri, Anita Mugeni and Justice Kathurima M’Inoti.
Rule 19 (5) provides that;A corporation or a company may appear by its director, manager or Company Secretary, who is appointed by a resolution under the seal of the corporation or the company or may be represented by an advocate.
For more information please contact:
Yufnalis Okubo Registrar East African Court of Justice Arusha, Tanzania Tel: 255-27-2162149 Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
About the East African Court of Justice
The East African Court of Justice (EACJ or ‘the Court’), is one of the organs of the East African Community established under Article 9 of the Treaty for the Establishment of the East African Community. Established in November 2001, the Court’s major responsibility is to ensure the adherence to law in the interpretation and application of and compliance with the EAC Treaty.
Arusha is the temporary seat of the Court until the Summit determines its permanent seat. The Court’s sub-registries are located in the respective National Courts in the Partner States.
East African Community Headquarters, Arusha, Tanzania, 9thFebruary, 2022: The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has inched closer to becoming a member of the East African Community (EAC) following a recommendation by the EAC Council of Ministers to the Summit of EAC Heads of State for the Central African country to be admitted into the bloc.
The Council’s recommendation to the Summit follows negotiations held between a team of experts from the EAC and the DRC from 15th to 24th January, 2022 in Nairobi, Kenya.
East African Community Headquarters, Arusha, Tanzania, 9th February, 2022: The East African Community (EAC) Secretary General, Hon. (Dr.) Peter Mathuki, has hailed the European Union (EU) for lifting financial sanctions that it imposed on the Republic of Burundi almost six years ago.
Dr. Mathuki said that the move by the EU would not only spur development in Burundi but also rejuvenate the integration process in East Africa.
East African Community Headquarters, Arusha, Tanzania 8th February, 2022: A four-day East African Community Sectoral Council on Energy is currently underway via hybrid format.
The overall objective of the Sectoral Council on Energy is to review the progress made in the sector in implementing Council decisions and to consider other issues of regional importance in the areas of New and Renewable Energy, Energy Conservation and Efficiency, Fossil Fuels and Power Sub-sectors.
The Sectoral Council started today with the Session of Senior Officials which runs from 8th to 9th February, 2022 followed by the Coordination Committee (Session of Permanent/Principal/Under Secretaries) on 10th February, 2022, and the Ministerial Session on 11th February, 2022.
Among the items on the agenda are consideration of reports on: the Status of implementation of the previous directives/decisions of the Sectoral Council; Centre of Excellence for the East African Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy efficiency (EACREEE); New and Renewable Energy, Energy Conservation and Energy Efficiency, and; Establishment of the East African Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency
In addition, the Sectoral Council will discuss the new date of the 10th East African Petroleum Conference and Exhibition 2021; Study on analysis of petroleum policies, legal and regulatory frameworks in the region and Power Supply Situation and the Status of Implementation of the East African Power Master Plan.
Addressing the opening session of Partner States’ Senior Officials, the EAC Deputy Secretary General in charge of the Productive and Social Sectors, Hon. Christophe Bazivamo, said that the energy sector was critical in facilitating the economic activities and contributing to the growth of the EAC integration.
“We look to you for guidance in steering this sector to play this important role and to align it with the aspirations of the Community for increased access and availability of sufficient and reliable energy services that are competitive,” said Hon. Bazivamo.
For more information, please contact:
Simon Peter Owaka Senior Public Relations Officer Corporate Communications and Public Affairs Department EAC Secretariat Arusha, Tanzania Tel: +255 768 552087 Email: sowaka [at] eachq.org
About the East African Community Secretariat:
The East African Community (EAC) is a regional intergovernmental organisation of six Partner States, comprising Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania and Uganda, with its headquarters in Arusha, Tanzania.
