The East African Community (EAC) is marking 25 years since its revival with a series of high-profile events from November 28 to 30, 2024, in Arusha, Tanzania.
The celebrations, under the theme “EAC@25: Promoting Trade, Sustainable Development, and Peace & Security for Improved Livelihoods,” will highlight the bloc’s achievements, reflect on its challenges, and chart a future for deeper regional integration.
Speaking at a press briefing at the EAC Headquarters in Arusha, EAC Secretary General Veronica Nduva emphasized the significance of the anniversary as a time to evaluate the progress made since the community was re-established in 1999.
"The East African Community is celebrating 25 years since it restarted. While the EAC existed from 1967 to 1977, it paused for about 30 years before its revival. This milestone allows us to reflect on our achievements, challenges, and what lies ahead," she said.
Nduva outlined the EAC's progress under its four foundational pillars—Customs Union, Common Market, Monetary Union, and Political Federation—and highlighted the expansion of the bloc from three to eight member states, now uniting over 300 million people.
Commemorative Events
The 25th Anniversary celebrations will feature three key events:
EAC Boma Road Festival (November 28, 2024). The festivities will kick off with a vibrant cultural festival on Boma Road in Arusha, extending to Ngorongoro Roundabout. From 6:00 PM to midnight, attendees will enjoy street parades, live music from East African artists, cultural displays, and a spectacular fireworks display.
"We aim to celebrate our rich cultural heritage while reflecting on the journey of integration that has brought us together," said Ms. Nduva.
High-Level Side Event (November 29, 2024). The second day will feature discussions at the Arusha International Conference Centre (AICC) under the sub-theme "EAC@25: A Reflective Journey and Future Aspirations." Key sessions will focus on promoting trade, leveraging digital transformation, and enhancing regional peace and security.
"The sessions will explore achievements in intra-regional trade, innovative solutions for cross-border payments, and collaborative efforts in peace-building," Ms. Nduva noted.
Key discussions include:
Session A: Progress in trade facilitation under the Customs Union and Common Market.
Session B: The role of digital transformation in boosting economic integration, including innovations like mobile money and digital currencies
Session C: Enhancing peace and security through collaboration and technology.
24th Ordinary Summit of EAC Heads of State (November 30, 2024)
The celebrations will culminate with a summit at AICC, bringing together regional leaders to discuss critical issues shaping East Africa’s future.
Topics will include strengthening economic resilience, operationalizing the EAC Vision 2050, and fostering cross-border connectivity and infrastructure.
"This summit provides an opportunity for our leaders to assess progress, deliberate on challenges, and set the agenda for the next phase of integration," said Nduva.
Achievements and Challenges
Reflecting on the EAC's journey, Nduva highlighted key successes, including a 70% reduction in border crossing times through one-stop border posts and the growth of intra-regional trade.
"Our efforts have brought 300 million people closer, expanded trade, and ensured relative peace and security. However, challenges such as sustainable funding and equitable growth among partner states remain," she said.
Nduva reiterated the bloc’s vision for a borderless community that facilitates free movement of goods, services, and people.
"The pillars of integration are enablers for our aspirations, but what binds us is our shared vision of unity and progress," she emphasized.
Call to Action
Nduva called on stakeholders, including the media, to amplify the EAC’s story:
"This is a moment to celebrate and reflect. At 25, the EAC is at a stage where we can learn from our past and confidently plan for the future. Let us tell this story of unity, growth, and resilience."
Delegates for the high-level side event and summit can register online, with accreditation details to follow. The celebrations promise to inspire collective efforts toward a more integrated and prosperous East Africa.
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