EAC Unveils New Logo and Campaign for 25th Anniversary to Promote Regional Integration

By Adonis Byemelwa

Arusha--The East African Community (EAC) has officially launched a unique logo to commemorate its 25th anniversary, marking a significant milestone in the bloc's history. This initiative is accompanied by an ambitious social media campaign designed to engage and inform ordinary East Africans about the EAC's achievements and the impact of its policies on their daily lives. The EAC Secretariat is committed to dedicating the Silver Jubilee festivities to highlighting the milestones the Community has registered over the years.

The EAC, recognized as the fastest-growing regional economic community in Africa, has made impressive strides through various policy initiatives. These initiatives have significantly improved infrastructure, industrialization, healthcare, common external tariffs, and the establishment of a common higher education area, among others.

In recent years, the EAC Heads of State Summit has consistently highlighted the importance of raising awareness about the Community’s policies, programs, and projects and engaging with ordinary citizens regarding the tangible benefits derived from these initiatives.

EAC Secretary General Ms. Veronica Nduva has emphasized that the media campaign aims to foster a deeper understanding of the integration agenda, particularly among key stakeholders at the grassroots level.

This effort aligns with Article 7 of the EAC Treaty, which emphasizes the need for people-centered integration. Ms. Nduva stated, "East Africans are true owners of the integration agenda," underscoring the importance of community involvement in the bloc’s initiatives.

The unveiling of the unique identifier took place at the EAC headquarters in Arusha, Tanzania, in the presence of Justice Nestor Kayobera, the President of the East African Court of Justice (EACJ). This identifier will be utilized by partner states’ ministries responsible for EAC Affairs, the EAC Secretariat, the EACJ, the East African Legislative Assembly, and all institutions within the bloc throughout the media campaign.

Themed "EAC at 25: Promoting Trade, Sustainable Development, Peace and Security for Improved Livelihoods," the celebrations will culminate on November 30, 2024, when the Heads of State are scheduled to convene for their 24th Ordinary Summit. Leading up to this event, a series of activities will highlight what Ms. Nduva describes as “two and a half decades of steady growth and expansion of the bloc,” with festivities planned to continue until June 30, 2025.

Over the past 25 years, the EAC has grown from three founding member states—Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda—to eight, reflecting its expanding geopolitical landscape. However, this growth has brought challenges, as not all partner states consistently speak with one voice, which has occasionally strained the bloc’s cohesion.

Despite these challenges, the revived EAC has seen its Common Market Protocol extend from the Indian Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean, creating new opportunities for the private sector, which remains the engine of economic growth in the region.

The EAC's Customs Union Protocol has transformed into a single customs territory, with significant efforts made to promote local industries. The common external tariff has been raised to 35 percent, contributing to increased trade within the region.

By September 2022, intra-regional trade stood at $10.17 billion, demonstrating a positive trajectory. Notably, trade among the seven partner states grew from 13 percent in 2019 to 15 percent in 2021. Ms. Nduva highlighted this growth, stating, “We’ve also witnessed intra-trade increase with global trade.”

Looking ahead, the EAC is set to establish a single currency by 2031, aiming to facilitate seamless trade and transactions across partner states’ borders. Efforts are underway to create a monetary institute and three other institutions as outlined in the Monetary Union Protocol. Additionally, a committee of experts is currently drafting the constitution for the EAC Political Confederation, with national consultations already completed in Burundi, Uganda, and Kenya.

“Trade is a driving force of integration and will work better when the bloc has common political aspirations and arrangements,” Ms. Nduva noted, emphasizing the need for collective political will to enhance economic cooperation within the region. She urged the mainstream media to participate actively in the campaign, encouraging a broader dialogue about the benefits of integration.

Justice Kayobera also expressed appreciation for the anniversary celebrations and the involvement of the EACJ in the campaign. He pointed out that the court, established in November 2001, is gradually increasing its visibility within the region. The EACJ is expected to relocate to Kigali, Rwanda, in February 2025, further intensifying its efforts to engage with citizens and promote the rule of law.

Behold, the EAC's 25th-anniversary celebrations not only reflect on the significant progress made over the past two and a half decades but also set the stage for future initiatives aimed at enhancing integration, trade, and sustainable development in East Africa. As the Community prepares for this landmark event, the focus remains on involving the people of East Africa in shaping the future of their regional bloc.