Arusha, Tanzania — March 2, 2026. The East African Community (EAC) Heads of State are set to convene for the 25th Ordinary Summit on March 7, 2026, in Arusha, United Republic of Tanzania, reaffirming their commitment to deepening regional integration and improving the livelihoods of East African citizens.
Held under the theme, “Deepening Integration for Improved Livelihoods of EAC Citizens,” the Summit — the highest decision-making organ of the Community — will bring together leaders from the eight EAC Partner States to deliberate on strategic issues shaping the future of the regional bloc.
Key agenda items include reviewing progress in the implementation of regional programmes, considering institutional reports, and advancing strategic initiatives aimed at accelerating integration and promoting sustainable socioeconomic development.
Among the highlights of the Summit will be the launch of the EAC Customs Bond, a single regional customs guarantee designed to replace the current requirement for multiple national bonds along transit routes. Under the new framework, traders and clearing agents will secure one bond recognized across all Partner States, significantly reducing compliance costs and border delays.
The Customs Bond links customs administrations, insurers, and financial institutions within a unified regional system. The initiative is expected to safeguard government revenue, facilitate faster movement of goods, and enhance trade efficiency across the Community.
The Heads of State will also officially launch the 7th EAC Development Strategy (2026/27–2030/31), which outlines the Community’s strategic direction for the next five years. The Strategy builds on lessons from the previous development cycle and aligns with EAC Vision 2050, the African Union’s Agenda 2063, and the Sustainable Development Goals.
Speaking ahead of the Summit, EAC Secretary General Veronica Nduva emphasized the importance of the meeting as a platform for collective leadership and decisive regional action.
“The Summit of the EAC Heads of State remains the most important platform for guiding the Community’s integration agenda. Convening in Arusha provides an opportunity for our leaders to take strategic decisions that strengthen cooperation, promote trade, and advance shared prosperity for the people of East Africa,” she said.
She added that the launch of the Customs Bond and the 7th Development Strategy reflects the Community’s shift toward practical solutions that enhance competitiveness and economic resilience.
The Summit will also consider the Report of the Council to the Heads of State covering the period from November 30, 2024, to December 31, 2025, as well as modalities for implementing the directive of the 24th Summit on sustainable financing of the EAC budget based on a 65 percent equal contribution and 35 percent assessed contribution formula.
Other key decisions expected include the appointment of a new EAC Secretary General, the appointment of Judges to the East African Court of Justice, renewal of Deputy Secretaries General, appointment of Commissioners to the EAC Competition Authority, and assent to Bills passed by the East African Legislative Assembly.
The Summit follows an extraordinary meeting of the EAC Council of Ministers taking place from March 2 to 5, 2026, at the EAC Headquarters in Arusha.
The outcomes of the 25th Ordinary Summit are expected to reinforce policy alignment among Partner States and accelerate implementation of key regional programmes aimed at fostering inclusive growth and deeper economic integration across East Africa.
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