Permanent Secretaries from partner states of the East African Community (EAC) responsible for regional integration have met at the bloc’s headquarters in Arusha as preparations intensify for the 25th Summit of EAC Heads of State scheduled for March 7, 2026.
The meeting, held as part of the Special 59th Session of the EAC Council of Ministers, reviewed key agenda items and reports prepared by senior technical experts during a meeting held between March 2 and 3, 2026.
The matters discussed will now be forwarded to the Council of Ministers for further deliberations at a meeting scheduled for March 5, 2026, also in Arusha.
Opening the session, Kenya’s Secretary for East African Community Affairs in the Office of the President and chairperson of the meeting, Caroline W. Karugu, said the regional bloc has continued to make notable progress in advancing economic integration while improving the welfare of its citizens.
She noted that the community has made significant strides in facilitating trade and investment, as well as strengthening the delivery of social services across member states.
According to Karugu, the achievements reflect the strong commitment of EAC Heads of State in promoting regional cooperation.
However, she stressed that member states must continue to identify and address emerging challenges that could slow down the implementation of regional programmes.
She added that the bloc must accelerate the implementation of strategies aimed at strengthening economic integration, including the expansion of transport and communication infrastructure to boost productivity and support inclusive economic growth across the region.
Among the key issues reviewed during the meeting was the proposed launch of the Seventh EAC Development Strategy covering the period 2026/27 to 2030/31, which is expected to guide the community’s development priorities in the coming years.
The Permanent Secretaries also discussed the appointment of a new Secretary General of the community, progress in removing non-tariff barriers affecting regional trade, the status of financial contributions by partner states, the appointment of judges to the East African Court of Justice, and a proposed EAC Mutual Defence Pact.
Tanzania’s delegation to the meeting was led by Stephen P. Mbundi, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation responsible for East African affairs.
He was accompanied by Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Finance Elia Mwandumbya, Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Industry and Trade Aristides Mbwasi, Deputy Attorney General Samwel M. Maneno, as well as directors and other senior government officials.
The outcomes of the meetings of experts, Permanent Secretaries and ministers will feed into the summit of EAC Heads of State, where regional leaders are expected to review progress in the integration agenda and set new priorities for cooperation among member countries.
