The East African Community (EAC) has taken a major step towards strengthening social protection and improving citizens’ welfare after ministers from the eight partner states approved an implementation report outlining new regional strategies on social affairs.
The report was endorsed during the first meeting of the EAC Council of Ministers responsible for Social Affairs held in Dar es Salaam on July 7, 2026. It focuses on key areas including gender equality, children’s welfare, youth empowerment, support for older persons, social security, labour, employment and migration.
The decision marks a new phase in regional integration, with EAC leaders seeking to ensure that economic growth is accompanied by social development and that ordinary citizens benefit from the opportunities created through cooperation among member states.
The meeting was chaired by Uganda’s First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for East African Community Affairs, Ms Rebecca Kadaga, who led the signing of the implementation report together with ministers from other partner states.
Tanzania’s delegation was led by Minister of State in the Office of the President responsible for Youth Development, Mr Joel Nanauka, who was accompanied by Deputy Minister for Community Development, Gender, Women and Special Groups, Ms Maryprisca Mahundi, and Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office responsible for Labour, Employment and Industrial Relations, Dr Eveline Munisi.
The delegation also included permanent secretaries, government officials, sector experts and representatives from social security institutions.
During the meeting, ministers highlighted the need for stronger regional cooperation in addressing challenges affecting communities, particularly in employment, social protection and the welfare of vulnerable groups.
They noted that coordinated policies would help improve access to social services, strengthen labour systems and create a more inclusive environment where young people, women, children, older persons and other special groups can participate fully in development.
The adoption of the report demonstrates EAC’s commitment to building a people-centred integration agenda where economic cooperation goes hand in hand with improved living standards.
The new framework is expected to guide partner states in developing and implementing policies that promote social stability, shared prosperity and sustainable development across East Africa.
