Tanzanians have been urged to familiarise themselves with the proposed East African Community (EAC) Political Confederation and prepare to contribute their views to the draft constitution, as the government steps up public consultations ahead of the next phase of regional integration.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation conducted a public awareness exercise in Arusha on October 31, 2026, bringing together government leaders, business representatives, religious institutions, civil society organisations and special interest groups to discuss the proposed political arrangement.
The initiative seeks to broaden public understanding of the Political Confederation and ensure that different sections of society are prepared to contribute to the constitutional framework that will guide its establishment.
Opening the meeting on behalf of Arusha Regional Commissioner CPA Amos Makalla, Assistant Regional Administrative Secretary responsible for Education and Vocational Training Vicent Kayombo said the exercise brought together stakeholders from different backgrounds.
Participants included regional and district government officials, members of the business community, religious leaders, civil society organisations, women, young people and persons with disabilities.
They were briefed on the concept of the EAC Political Confederation, the various stages towards its establishment and the process of developing the draft constitution.
The awareness campaign is intended to give stakeholders an opportunity to identify issues they believe should be addressed in the proposed constitution before the formal collection of public views and recommendations begins.
The involvement of diverse groups is particularly important in ensuring that the proposed political arrangement reflects the interests and expectations of citizens rather than being shaped solely by government institutions.
The process forms part of Tanzania's efforts to promote public participation in regional integration, with the government seeking to build a common understanding of the proposed confederation and its implications for the future of the EAC.
The ministry's delegation was led by Director of Politics, Defence and Security Mwanamridu Amiry Jumaa.