Arusha, Tanzania, November 28, 2024 – The 46th Ordinary Meeting of the East African Community (EAC) Council of Ministers, held at the EAC Headquarters in Arusha, Tanzania, has concluded with the adoption of several critical resolutions aimed at enhancing the regional bloc’s performance.
Among the approved resolutions were reports on the implementation of previous Council decisions, updates from the Office of the EAC Secretary General, and reviews of programs in key sectors such as infrastructure, customs and trade, tourism, and employment.
Additionally, the Council endorsed the annual audit report covering January to June 2024, the report from the Administration and Finance Committee, and the schedule of activities for January to June 2025.
The Council also finalized preparations for the EAC's 25th Anniversary celebrations, set to climax on November 29, 2024, and agreed on a forward-looking agenda for the 24th Ordinary Summit of EAC Heads of State, scheduled for November 29-30, 2024.
The Tanzanian delegation to the meeting was led by the Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, Ambassador Mahmoud Thabit Kombo.
This marked his first attendance at the Council since his appointment in July 2024 by President Samia Suluhu Hassan.
During the meeting, Ambassador Kombo reaffirmed Tanzania’s commitment to the EAC’s objectives and pledged continued cooperation with other Member States.
He also took the opportunity to invite fellow Ministers to actively participate in the EAC’s 25th Anniversary celebrations, particularly those hosted in Arusha from November 28 to 30, 2024.
“As Tanzania, we stand ready to support the initiatives of the EAC for the benefit of all Member States. I encourage all of you to join us in commemorating 25 years of regional integration and achievements here in Arusha,” he said.
Chairing the meeting, South Sudan’s Minister for East African Community Affairs, Deng Alor Kuol, commended the Ministers for their participation and urged them to provide constructive input on the presented agenda before forwarding recommendations to the Heads of State Summit.
“I applaud you all for your commitment to the goals of the EAC. Let us ensure that the discussions here reflect our shared vision for a stronger, more unified community,” said Kuol.
In addition to Ambassador Kombo, the Tanzanian delegation included:
- Minister of State in the President's Office for Planning and Investment, Prof. Kitila Mkumbo
- Minister of Finance, Dr. Mwigulu Nchemba
- Minister of Constitution and Legal Affairs, Prof. Palamagamba Kabudi
- Minister of Industry and Trade, Selemani Jafo
- Senior officials such as Ambassador Stephen Mbundi, Dr. Samuel Shelukindo, Dr. Tausi Kida, and others.
These representatives contributed to the discussions, emphasizing Tanzania’s priorities in areas such as trade facilitation, infrastructure development, and social services.
EAC’s Mandate and Achievements
The EAC, which comprises eight Member States—Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Burundi, Rwanda, South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Somalia—continues to champion regional integration. Key focus areas include trade, security, industrialization, agriculture, infrastructure, and social services.
With the theme *“EAC@25: Celebrating Regional Integration and Development,”* the upcoming celebrations will offer a moment to reflect on the bloc’s progress since its establishment in 1999 and to chart a path for future cooperation.
As Kuol aptly put it, “Our unity and achievements over the past 25 years are a testament to the strength of this community. Let us continue to build on this foundation for the benefit of our people.”
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