The East African Community (EAC) Heads of State will meet in Arusha, Tanzania, on 7 March 2026 for the 25th Ordinary Summit.
Under the theme “Deepening Integration for Improved Livelihoods of EAC Citizens”, the gathering reaffirms Partner States’ commitment to advancing regional integration and sustainable development.
Customs Bond to Cut Trade Costs
A headline outcome will be the launch of the EAC Customs Bond, a single regional guarantee replacing multiple national bonds along transit routes. Traders and clearing agents will secure one bond recognised across all Partner States, reducing compliance costs, cutting border delays, and protecting government revenue.
By linking customs administrations, insurers, and financial institutions under one framework, the bond is expected to accelerate cross‑border trade and strengthen regional competitiveness.
Africa’s Entrepreneurs Confront Rising Non‑Tariff Trade Barriers
New Five‑Year Development Strategy
The Summit will unveil the 7th EAC Development Strategy (2026/27–2030/31), setting the bloc’s course for deeper integration and socio‑economic transformation. The plan builds on lessons from the 6th Development Strategy (2021/22–2025/26), which achieved notable progress in:
- Trade facilitation: Advancing the Single Customs Territory and reducing non‑tariff barriers.
- Infrastructure connectivity: Expanding regional road corridors, energy interconnections, and ICT backbone projects.
- Monetary cooperation: Establishing institutions to support the path toward a single currency.
- Peace and security: Strengthening conflict prevention and early warning mechanisms.
- Social sectors: Advancing health initiatives, education harmonisation, and youth empowerment programmes.
The 7th Strategy aims to deepen these gains while aligning with EAC Vision 2050, the African Union’s Agenda 2063, and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Financial Crisis Threatens Integration
Despite these achievements, the bloc faces a severe financial crisis. According to The EastAfrican, as of early 2026, member states owe more than $89.3 million in arrears, threatening the operations of the Secretariat and stalling institutions such as the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA), where MPs have gone months without pay.
- Compliant members: Only Kenya and Tanzania are up‑to‑date with contributions.
- Major defaulters: DRC ($27M), Burundi ($22.7M), South Sudan ($21.8M), Somalia ($10.5M).
- Other arrears: Rwanda ($5.2M), Uganda ($1.1M).
Proposed reforms include a hybrid funding model based on GDP per capita, which would raise contributions for larger economies such as Kenya ($12.1M) and Tanzania ($9M). There is also growing debate over sanctions, including possible suspension of habitual defaulters under Articles 143 or 146 of the EAC Treaty.
Building on the 24th Summit
The 25th Summit follows commitments made during the 24th Extraordinary Summit in January 2025, which focused on deteriorating security in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. Leaders called for an immediate ceasefire, humanitarian access, and coordination with the Southern African Development Community (SADC) to address the crisis.
This backdrop underscores the bloc’s dual focus: advancing economic integration while responding to pressing regional security and financial challenges.
Governance and Institutional Appointments
Leaders will also make appointments:
- A new EAC Secretary General.
- Judges to the East African Court of Justice.
- Renewals for Deputy Secretaries General.
- Commissioners to the EAC Competition Authority.
- Assent to Bills passed by the East African Legislative Assembly.
These decisions will reinforce institutional capacity and policy alignment across Partner States.
Secretary General’s Perspective
EAC Secretary General Veronica Nduva emphasised the Summit’s role in shaping collective leadership:
“The Summit remains the most important platform for guiding the Community’s integration agenda. Convening in Arusha provides an opportunity for our leaders to take strategic decisions that strengthen cooperation, promote trade, and advance shared prosperity for the people of East Africa.”
She added that the Customs Bond and Development Strategy reflect a shift toward practical solutions that enhance competitiveness and resilience.
