EAC SECRETARY GENERAL COMMENDS TANZANIA'S ROLE IN 25TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS

 

Arusha, Tanzania, November 26, 2024 – The Secretary General of the East African Community (EAC), Veronica Nduva, has lauded the Government of Tanzania for its significant contributions to the preparations for the 25th Anniversary celebrations of the EAC, set to culminate on November 30, 2024.

Speaking during a meeting of Permanent Secretaries from EAC Member States in Arusha, Nduva acknowledged Tanzania’s efforts through its Ministry of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, the Arusha Regional Administration, and the EAC Secretariat in organizing key activities leading to the grand celebration.

 These activities include street exhibitions, cultural showcases, and a tree-planting initiative.

"Tanzania has played a pivotal role in making these celebrations a reality. Through their dedication, we are able to highlight the achievements of the EAC over the past 25 years, while also planting a legacy for future generations through initiatives like tree planting," said Nduva.

Key Events in the Celebrations

• High-Level Side Events on November 29, 2024, will involve discussions on trade and investment, digital transformation, and peace and security in the region.

• The 24th Ordinary Summit of EAC Heads of State will take place on November 30, 2024, marking the culmination of the celebrations.

Member States Encouraged to Participate

"Celebrating 25 years of the EAC is no small feat. It is half a century of commitment to integration. Many of us in this room may not be here for the next 25 years, but we can lay a foundation for future generations to build upon."

Nduva outlined the key events scheduled for the 25th Anniversary:

As part of the commemorations, there will also be a tree-planting exercise symbolizing the growth and sustainability of the EAC.

"The discussions will center on important topics such as trade and investment, digital transformation, and regional peace and security. These are areas critical to ensuring that the EAC continues to thrive as a model of regional integration," Nduva added.

The Secretary General urged all EAC Member States to actively participate in the celebrations, describing the milestone as a reflection of the bloc’s successes since its revival in 1999.

"As Member States, we should take pride in 25 years of a strong and growing community. This anniversary is a testament to our collective efforts. Let us come together from November 29 to 30, 2024, to celebrate our achievements and plan for the next 25 years," she said.

Nduva emphasized the significance of this anniversary:

The EAC Permanent Secretaries’ meeting, which concluded on November 26, 2024, was part of the preparations for the EAC Council of Ministers meeting scheduled for November 28, 2024. 

The Tanzanian delegation at the meeting was led by Ambassador Stephen Mbundi, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation responsible for East African Affairs.

The Treaty establishing the EAC was signed in Arusha on November 30, 1999. The theme for this year’s celebrations is “EAC@25: Celebrating Regional Integration and Development.”

"The past 25 years have been remarkable, and this anniversary gives us an opportunity to reflect on our journey while looking ahead to the future. Let us unite to celebrate the milestones we have achieved and recommit to the vision of a prosperous East African region," Nduva concluded.