The 20th Meeting of the East African Community (EAC) Sectoral Council of Ministers on Transport, Communications and Meteorology (TCM) officially opened in Arusha on Monday, bringing together regional officials to review the implementation of key infrastructure programmes aimed at deepening regional integration and boosting economic growth.
The five-day meeting, taking place from July 6 to 10 at the EAC Headquarters, will assess progress on programmes and projects in transport, communications, information and communication technology (ICT), and meteorological services across the bloc's partner states.
The meeting began with technical experts' sessions running from July 6 to 8. These will be followed by a meeting of Permanent Secretaries on July 9 before ministers convene for the final session on July 10.
Delegates will review reports on the implementation of programmes, projects, decisions and directives adopted during previous TCM meetings, with particular attention to progress made in developing regional transport infrastructure, communications systems and weather services.
Among the key issues on the agenda is the harmonisation of road user charges for foreign-registered vehicles across EAC member states.
The initiative is expected to simplify the movement of goods, services and people across borders while reducing transport and trade costs, ultimately supporting regional economic activities.
The council is also expected to provide strategic direction for accelerating the implementation of major regional infrastructure projects, strengthening communication and ICT systems, and improving meteorological services.
Regional officials believe these measures will enhance transport safety, facilitate cross-border trade, attract investment, improve the competitiveness of the East African economy and create more employment opportunities for citizens across the region.
The Sectoral Council of Ministers on Transport, Communications and Meteorology is one of the EAC's key policy and decision-making organs.
It is responsible for providing policy guidance, overseeing the implementation of regional decisions and monitoring programmes and projects designed to strengthen regional integration in the infrastructure sectors.
Tanzania's delegation at the technical experts' meeting is led by Haji Janabi, Director of Monitoring and Evaluation at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation.
He is accompanied by Eng. Faustine Mgeta, Acting Assistant Director for Economic Infrastructure and Social Services, together with senior officials from various government ministries and institutions.
