Regional Economic Communities (RECs) and the African Union (AU)
The Regional Economic Communities (RECs) are regional groups of African states. The RECs have developed individually and separated from one another and have different roles and structures. Generally, the purpose of the RECs is to facilitate economic integration between members of the individual regions and through the African Economic Community (AEC), which was established under the Abuja Treaty of 1991. The 1980 Lagos Plan of Action for the Development of Africa and the Abuja Treaty proposed the creation of RECs as the basis for wider African integration, with a view of regional and eventual continental integration. The RECs are increasingly involved in coordinating African Union (AU) Member States’ interests on topics such as peace and security, development and governance.
The RECs are closely integrated with the AU’s work and serve as its building blocks. The relationship between the AU and the RECs is mandated by the Abuja Treaty and the African Union Constitutive Act and guided by the 2008 Protocol on Relations between the Regional Economic Communities and the African Union, as well as the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Cooperation in the Area of Peace and Security between the AU, RECs and the Coordinating Mechanisms of the Regional Standby Brigades of Eastern and Northern Africa. The AU recognizes eight RECs:
- Arab Maghreb Union (UMA)
- Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA)
- Community of Sahel–Saharan States (CEN–SAD)
- East African Community (EAC)
- Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS)
- Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS)
- Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD)
- Southern African Development Community (SADC)
In addition, the Eastern Africa Standby Force Coordination Mechanism (EASFCOM) and North African Regional Capability (NARC) have liaison offices at the AU. [Source: African Union, RECs]
History of the East African Community (EAC)
The East African Community (EAC) is an African regional intergovernmental organization made of six member states. Established to promote regional integration and cooperation, the EAC’s history reflects the socio-political and economic dynamics of East Africa, evolving through different periods of cooperation and conflict. Before the formal establishment of the EAC, various initiatives in the early 20th century laid the groundwork for regional cooperation. For example, the East African Railways, built in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, facilitated trade and mobility among the territories, promoting economic interdependence. In 1919, the British colonial authorities formed the East African Common Services Organization (EACSO) to manage shared services among Kenya, Uganda, and Tanganyika. This organization addressed issues related to health, education, and infrastructure, fostering a sense of regional identity and cooperation, albeit under the British colonial rule. The establishment of the East African High Commission in 1948 further advanced this collaboration, but it was short-lived due to the dissolution of the High Commission in 1961 amid political differences among the member territories [Source: Britannica, East African Community].
The formal establishment of the East African Community occurred in 1967 when Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania signed the Treaty for East African Cooperation. This treaty aimed to foster economic, political, and social integration. The EAC made significant strides in establishing common policies in trade, transport, and communication. However, political turmoil and economic challenges led to the collapse of the EAC in 1977, primarily due to tensions between member states, particularly Uganda's political instability under Idi Amin and Kenya's economic policies that favored its own national interests. After a prolonged hiatus, the East African Community was reestablished on July 7, 2000, in Arusha, Tanzania, with a renewed commitment to regional integration. The new EAC Treaty was signed by the original three member states — Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania — and later expanded to include Rwanda and Burundi in 2007, followed by South Sudan in 2016 and Somalia in 2024. The renewed EAC aimed to address the challenges faced by the previous organization by implementing a more robust framework for cooperation. The goals outlined in the EAC Treaty included the establishment of a customs union, a common market, and ultimately a political federation. The EAC’s leadership recognized that regional integration was crucial for enhancing economic growth, improving trade relations, and fostering political stability [Source: EAC, History of the EAC].
Since its reestablishment, the EAC has made significant progress in various areas. The Customs Union was launched in 2005, facilitating the free movement of goods across member states. This was followed by the Common Market Protocol in 2010, which aimed to enhance the free movement of goods, services, and people within the region. The EAC has worked to harmonize policies and regulations, enhancing trade and economic cooperation. One of the landmark achievements of the EAC is the establishment of the East African Community Monetary Union, which is envisioned to create a single currency for the region. This step, while still in the planning stages, aims to deepen economic integration and enhance regional economic stability. The EAC has also made strides in infrastructure development, with projects such as the East African Railways and the expansion of road networks to improve connectivity among member states. Additionally, the EAC has been involved in addressing regional challenges like climate change, health pandemics, and security threats, demonstrating its commitment to a holistic approach to regional development [Source: EAC, History of the EAC].
As of now, the EAC continues to navigate the complexities of regional integration amid diverse political, economic, and social landscapes. The organization has made notable progress, with a focus on achieving the EAC Vision 2050, which aims for a prosperous, competitive, secure, and politically united East Africa. The EAC has established various programs to bolster trade and investment, including the East African Single Tourist Visa, which promotes tourism across member states. However, challenges remain. Political instability in member states, economic disparities, and varying levels of commitment to regional cooperation present obstacles to achieving the EAC’s objectives. Furthermore, historical rivalries and ethnic tensions can complicate collaborative efforts, as seen in instances of border disputes and trade disagreements. The Covid-19 pandemic posed significant challenges to the EAC, disrupting trade, travel, and economic activities. However, the EAC’s response to the pandemic highlighted the importance of regional cooperation in crisis management, as member states worked together to address health emergencies and economic recovery [Source: EAC, About the EAC].
As of October 2024, EAC has 8 member States:
- Burundi
- The Democratic Republic of The Congo
- Kenya
- Rwanda
- Somalia
- South Sudan
- Tanzania
- Uganda
Structure and organizations of EAC
The EAC, whose headquarter is in Arusha (Tanzania) is home to an estimated 302.2 million citizens, with over 30% residing in urban areas. Spanning 5.4 million square kilometers, the EAC has a combined Gross Domestic Product of USD 312.9 billion. The East African Community’s operations are governed by its foundational Treaty. Signed on November 30, 1999, and entering into force on July 7, 2000, the Treaty was ratified by the original three Partner States: Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. The Republic of Rwanda and the Republic of Burundi joined the EAC Treaty on June 18, 2007, and became full members on July 1, 2007. The Republic of South Sudan followed suit on April 15, 2016, and became a full member on August 15, 2016. The Democratic Republic of the Congo joined on April 8, 2022, and became a full member on July 11, 2022. The Federal Republic of Somalia joined on December 15, 2023, and became a full member on March 4, 2024 [Source: EAC, About the EAC].
The main organs of the East African Community include the Summit, the Council of Ministers, the Co-ordinating Committee, the Sectoral Committees, the East African Court of Justice, the East African Legislative Assembly, and Secretariat. The Summit, comprising the Heads of Government of Partner States, provides strategic direction towards the achievement of the Community’s goals and objectives. The Council of Ministers (or simply, the Council) serves as the central decision-making and primary governing body of the EAC. Its membership comprises Ministers or Cabinet Secretaries from Partner States responsible for regional cooperation. The Council convenes twice annually, with a meeting preceding the Summit. These meetings facilitate the connection between political decisions made at the Summits and the day-to-day operations of the Community. Regulations, directives, and decisions taken or issued by the Council are binding on the Partner States and all other organizations and institutions of the Community, excluding the Summit, the Court, and the Assembly. Each year, the Council elects a Chairperson through a rotational system, serving a one-year term as the Chairperson of the Council of Ministers [Source: EAC, Organs].
Under the Council, the Coordinating Committee holds responsibility for regional cooperation and coordinates the activities of the Sectoral Committees. It also recommends to the Council their establishment, composition, and functions. The Committee draws its membership from Permanent or Principal Secretaries responsible for regional cooperation from the Partner States. Subject to any directions given by the Council, the Coordinating Committee meets twice annually before the Council’s meetings. It may also hold extraordinary meetings at the request of the Chairperson of the Coordinating Committee. Sectoral Committees conceptualize and monitor the implementation of programs established by the Council of Ministers. The Council establishes these committees on recommendation of the Coordinating Committee. The Sectoral Committees meet as frequently as necessary to fulfill their functions [Source: EAC, Organs].
The East African Court of Justice (or simply, the Court) serves as the primary judicial organ of the Community, ensuring compliance with the EAC Treaty through the interpretation and application of the law. It was established under Article 9 of the Founding Treaty. The Court currently consists of ten judges, appointed by the Summit among sitting judges of any Partner State court of judicature or from recognized experts. The Registrar is appointed by the Council of Ministers. The Court is divided into two divisions: an Appellate division and a First Instance division. The East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) serves as the Legislative Body of the Community and plays a crucial role in advancing EAC objectives through its legislative, representative, and oversight mandates. It was established under Article 9 of the Treaty as well. The Assembly comprises 72 members: 63 elected members (nine from each Partner State) and 9 ex-officio members, including the Minister or Cabinet Secretary responsible for EAC Affairs from each Partner State, the Secretary-General, and the Counsel to the Community. The Assembly derives its authority to establish Standing Committees from its Rules of Procedure. [Source: EAC, Organs] Currently, it has six Standing Committees that execute its mandate:
- The Accounts Committee
- The Committee on Legal, Rules, and Privileges
- The Committee on Agriculture, Tourism, and Natural Resources
- The Committee on Regional Affairs and Conflict Resolution
- The Committee on Communication, Trade and Investment
- The Committee on General Purpose.
Lastly, the Secretariat, the executive organ of the Community, serves as custodian of the Treaty and ensures the proper implementation of regulations and directives adopted by the Council. It is comprised of one Secretary-General, two Deputy Secretaries-General, the Counsel to the Community, and numerous EAC staff members who carry out the day-to-day operations of the EAC as mandated by the Council. The Secretary-General, appointed by the Summit for a five-year, non-renewable term, holds the principal executive and accounting officer positions of the Community. They are also the head of the Secretariat and Secretary of the Summit. The Deputy Secretaries-General, appointed by the Summit on the recommendation of the Council, serve on a rotational basis. Each Deputy Secretary-General deputizes the Secretary-General and serves a three-year term, which is renewable once. The Counsel to the Community provides legal advice to the EAC [Source: EAC, The Secretariat].
Most important projects of EAC
Since its foundation, EAC implemented several projects aimed at enhancing regional integration, trade, infrastructure and economic growth. Current East African Community Projects are divided in 18 sectors [Source: EAC, Ongoing Projects]
- Agriculture and Food Security
- Industrialization and SME Development
- Culture and Sports
- Infrastructure
- Customs
- International Relations
- Education, Science and Technology
- Investment Promotion and Private Sector Development
- Environment and Natural Resources
- Legal and Judicial Affairs
- Financial
- Peace and Security
- Resource Mobilization
- Gender, Community Development and Civil Society
- Tourism and Wildlife Management
- Health
- Trade
- Immigration and Labour
The EAC’s Agenda for Agriculture and Food Security emphasizes the significance of agriculture for the economies of EAC countries and for the livelihoods of their citizens, with the sector contributing 25% - 40% to the GDP of its Partner States and employing over 80% of the population. Agriculture is largely characterized by smallholder mixed farming, with key food crops including maize, rice, and potatoes, and cash crops such as tea, coffee, and sugar. The EAC prioritizes cooperation in agriculture and food security, as outlined in its Treaty and the Common Market Protocol, aiming for food sufficiency and sustainable agricultural development through initiatives like the EAC Agricultural and Rural Development Policy (EAC-ARDP) and the EAC Agriculture and Rural Development Strategy (EAC-ARDS). The EAC Food Security Action Plan (FSAP), launched in 2011, has been succeeded by the EAC Food and Nutrition Strategy and Action Plan (2018-2022), focusing on enhancing food security, governance, and agricultural value chains [Source: EAC, Agricultural and Food Projects].
The EAC focuses on coordinating and enhancing transport and communication policies to improve connectivity among its Partner States. Infrastructure is deemed essential for regional integration, facilitating trade, agriculture, tourism, and the movement of labor and resources. Key infrastructure sub-sectors include roads, railways, aviation, communications, and inland waterways, all supported by the EAC Treaty. The EAC operates five modes of transport: road, rail, maritime, air transport, and oil pipeline. It emphasizes regional infrastructure development to attract investment, enhance competitiveness, and boost trade. Various Tripartite Agreements have been established, particularly for Road and Inland Waterway Transport, to regulate transport across key waterways like Lake Victoria. The transport systems in Tanzania and Kenya also serve as crucial transit routes for landlocked neighbors. To improve transport efficiency and reduce costs, Partner States have implemented reforms, including creating regulatory authorities, operational agencies, and privatizing services [Source: EAC, Infrastructures].
The EAC also aims to enhance economic development among its Partner States through the establishment of a Single Customs Territory, allowing them to benefit from economies of scale. The current regional integration effort traces its roots to a 1984 Mediation Agreement that followed the collapse of the original EAC in 1977, where Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda expressed interest in future cooperation. In 1991, the three countries held a mini-Summit and, in 1993, established the Permanent Tripartite Commission for East African Cooperation. Full cooperation began with the launch of the Secretariat in Arusha. Initially, the EAC aimed to accelerate regional integration alongside the COMESA initiative, with Kenya granting preferential market access to Tanzania and Uganda. However, after Tanzania withdrew from COMESA in 1999, the three Partner States agreed to continue preferential trade under the EAC framework. A Protocol for the EAC Customs Union was signed in March 2004, with Rwanda and Burundi joining it in 2008 and implementing its regulations in July 2009 [Source: EAC, Customs].
The EAC emphasizes the importance of peace and security as foundational elements for social and economic development within Partner States. Recognizing that a secure environment fosters regional integration, the EAC has developed strategies to control cross-border crime and ensure the safety of individuals and goods in the region. Since its establishment, EAC has created frameworks and structures to address peace and security issues, although the effectiveness of these efforts has been limited by a lack of strategic direction. In response, the EAC Council of Ministers formed an experts’ group to create a Regional Strategy for Peace and Security, which was adopted in November 2006. This strategy aims to guide EAC interventions and is designed to adapt to evolving security threats influenced by technological advancements and globalization. The Treaty for the Establishment of the EAC highlights necessity of peace and security, outlining various approaches for implementation to ensure a stable environment that promotes development. The strategy addresses issues such as cross-border crime, auto theft, drug trafficking, terrorism, and money laundering to create a conducive environment for peace and security. To enhance cooperation in these areas, the EAC established a Sectoral Council on Interstate Security, tasked with overseeing the implementation of the Regional Strategy for Peace and Security and coordinating efforts to address the growing complexities of security challenges [Source: EAC, Peace and Security].
Lastly, The EAC emphasizes common approaches to support disadvantaged and marginalized groups, including women, children, youth, the elderly, and persons with disabilities, aiming for employment creation, poverty alleviation, and improved working conditions. The EAC Treaty highlights the significant role of women in economic, social, and political development, recognizing that women comprise over 60% of the population but remain marginalized in decision-making and access to education and resources. To address these disparities, Partner States have enacted various policies and legal frameworks. The Treaty mandates the integration of gender issues into all EAC activities and emphasizes women's contributions to regional integration. Policy frameworks such as the EAC Gender and Community Development Strategic Plan provide guidelines for gender mainstreaming. The EAC has also organized conferences focused on women's roles in socio-economic development and is developing a regional strategy and financial facility to support women-owned businesses. The organization also encourages cooperation among Partner States in social welfare areas, including employment, poverty alleviation, and vocational training. The EAC Gender & Community Development Framework focuses on enhancing community infrastructure, such as access roads and healthcare centers, to empower local communities through their authorities, leveraging opportunities from the Common Market Protocol. The EAC Treaty calls for a participatory approach to regional integration, involving stakeholders like women, youth, and civil society. In the past decade, there has been increased participation from civil society organizations and professional groups in the EAC integration process, with various organizations contributing to EAC activities. Governments are encouraged to create enabling environments for these stakeholders to thrive [Source: EAC, Gender, Community Development and Civil Society].
EAC and Free Movement of People
Migration is a key factor driving regional integration in the EAC. Migration is essential for achieving the objectives of the East African Common Market Protocol, which emphasizes the importance of facilitating the free, safe, and orderly movement of people among Partner States. As the EAC navigates the complexities of migration, it is vital to recognize both the challenges and opportunities it presents. The management of migration is particularly crucial as it intertwines with issues such as irregular migration, human smuggling, human trafficking, and various cross-border crimes, including car theft and armed robbery. These challenges underscore the necessity for effective migration governance and collaboration among EAC member countries. Despite these challenges, migration offers significant opportunities that can lead to positive outcomes for both sending and receiving countries. For instance, legal labor migration can boost remittances, facilitate technology transfer, and enhance cross-border trade. Recognizing the multifaceted nature of migration, which involves various different stages, actors, policies, and stakeholders, is essential for maximizing its developmental potential. To fully harness these benefits, the EAC Partner States are committed to implementing measures that promote the free movement of persons, labor, and services. They aim to ensure that their citizens can enjoy the rights of establishment and residence within the Community [Source: EAC, Overview of Migration Management].
A cornerstone of the EAC’s regional integration strategy is the implementation of visa-free entry for citizens of Partner States. This initiative allows for seamless travel across borders, eliminating the bureaucratic burden of visa applications. The visa-free policy aligns with Article 7(1) of the EAC Common Market Protocol and has resulted in several positive outcomes, such as:
- Trade Enhancement: Streamlined travel procedures have boosted cross-border trade. Businesspeople can conduct transactions more efficiently, leading to increased economic activity and regional prosperity.
- Facilitation of Tourism: Visa-free entry has simplified travel for citizens, encouraging intra-regional tourism. This accessibility helps promote cultural exchange and showcases the diverse attractions within the region.
- Strengthening Regional Integration: The visa-free policy fosters a sense of unity among EAC citizens, encouraging cross-cultural understanding and collaboration, which is vital for deeper regional integration.
- Economic Growth: By removing barriers to travel, the visa-free entry policy has stimulated economic growth, fostering investment, job creation, and infrastructure development to support increased mobility.
- Enhancing Relations: The visa-free policy reflects a commitment to cooperation and goodwill among EAC Partner States, enhancing the region's diplomatic standing globally. [Source: EAC, Visa-Free Entry]
While the benefits of visa-free entry are huge, effective implementation requires collaborative efforts from all Partner States. This includes harmonizing immigration policies, ensuring border security, and addressing concerns related to illegal immigration. Challenges such as border security and immigration control are being addressed through technological solutions and collaborative mechanisms, ensuring that the potential of this policy is fully realized. In addition to visa-free entry, the EAC has made significant strides in modernizing travel documentation through the introduction of the East African e-Passport (EA e-Passport). Launched during the 17th Ordinary Summit of EAC Heads of State in March 2016, the EA e-Passport serves as an advanced travel document aimed at streamlining border crossings and enhancing security. The issuance of the EA e-Passport began on different dates across member states, starting in Kenya in September 2017, followed by Tanzania, Burundi, Uganda, and Rwanda. The initiative signifies a collective commitment to improving travel documentation and promoting free movement across the region [Source: EAC, The EAC Electronic Passport].
The EAC is also actively working towards harmonizing the classification, procedures, and fees for issuing Entry, Work, and Residence Permits. This initiative aligns with Article 6(9) of the EAC Common Market Protocol and aims to facilitate the free movement of workers within the region. In November 2006, the EAC Council of Ministers adopted harmonized classifications and procedures for work permits, fostering consistency and fairness in the application process. Partner States have also simplified administrative procedures by adopting a unified form for work/residence permits and special passes, thereby enhancing transparency and efficiency. In a progressive move, some countries, including Uganda, Rwanda, and Kenya, have waived work permit fees, removing financial barriers and encouraging labor mobility, which contributes to economic growth and regional development [Source: EAC, Harmonized Classification of Fees, Forms and Procedures for issuance for Entry/Work/Residents Permit Fees].
Lastly, the EAC is in the process of establishing a Regional Consultative Process on Migration (RCP) to enhance governance and facilitate discussions on migration issues among member states. This initiative emerged from meetings held in 2022, where Partner States recognized the importance of creating a platform for engaging in comprehensive migration discussions. The RCP aims to address the diverse challenges associated with migration, such as labor migration, climate-induced displacement, and the impacts of the pandemic. By fostering intergovernmental networks to consult on migration governance, the RCP will help maximize the developmental opportunities that migration can provide. With approximately 195 million people, including refugees, asylum seekers, and internally displaced persons (IDPs) in the region, the EAC countries serve as countries of origin, destination, and transit for migrants. The RCP seeks to promote and protect migrants' rights, improve labor migration practices, and address issues related to health, security, and environmental impacts.