The East African Community (EAC) Heads of State are set to meet in Arusha, Tanzania on March 7 for the 25th Ordinary Summit, focusing on strengthening regional trade, integration, and improving the livelihoods of citizens. This year’s Summit is held under the theme “Deepening integration for improved livelihoods of EAC citizens” and comes with several key initiatives. Launch of a customs bond One of the highlights is the launch of the EAC Customs Bond, a single regional guarantee that replaces the need for multiple national bonds along transit routes. ALSO READ: Kagame, EAC boss discuss regional trade, integration Under this system, traders will secure one bond recognised across all Partner States, cutting costs, reducing border delays, and speeding up the movement of goods. “The bond links customs administrations, insurers, and financial institutions under a unified regional framework, reducing compliance costs, cutting border delays, protecting government revenue, and facilitating faster and more secure movement of goods across the Community,” the EAC said in an announcement. Seventh EAC development strategy Leaders will also unveil the Seventh EAC Development Strategy (2026/27–2030/31), a five-year roadmap aimed at accelerating regional integration and economic growth. The strategy builds on achievements from previous cycles and aligns with the Community’s Vision 2050, the African Union Agenda 2063, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Key appointments Appointments are also on the agenda, including a new Secretary General, judges for the East African Court of Justice, and commissioners for the EAC Competition Authority. ALSO READ: EAC pushes five-point plan to ease cross-border trade Other decisions The Heads of State will review the Council’s report covering November 2024 to December 2025, discuss sustainable financing of the regional bloc’s budget, with 65 per cent contributed equally by Partner States and 35 per cent based on each country’s capacity. They will also examine how new members, South Sudan and Somalia, which joined the Community between 2016 and 2024, respectively, are progressing in their integration. EAC Secretary General Veronica Nduva described the Summit as a vital platform for regional decision-making. “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 said. She added that the launch of the customs bond and the development strategy demonstrate the Community’s commitment to practical solutions that enhance competitiveness and economic resilience. “These milestones reflect our collective resolve to remove barriers to trade and implement a forward-looking development framework that responds to emerging regional and global priorities,” Nduva said.
