Profile of the East African Community
The East African Community (EAC) is the regional intergovernmental organisation of the Republics of Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda and the United Republic of Tanzania.The Headquaters of the EAC are located in Arusha,Tanzania.
Together,the five East African Countries cover an area of 1.85 million square kilometers and have population of 120 million who share a common history langauge, culture and infrastructure.These advantages provide the Partner States with a unique framework for regional co-operation and integration.The combined Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the five countries is US$ 47 billion.
The Treaty for the Establishment of the East African Community was signed on 30 November 1999 and entered into force on 7 July 2000,following its ratification by the three original Partner States Kenya, Uganda and the United Republic of Tanzania.The Republic of Rwanda and Burundi acceded to the EAC Treaty on 18 June,2007 and became full Members of the Community with effect from 1 July 2007.
Strategy for the East African Community
The East African Community operates on the basis of a five-year Development Strategy.This is a document that spells out the policy guidelines, priority programmes and implementation schedules.
The EAC strategy emphasises economic co-operation and development with astrong focus on the social dimension.The roles of the private sector and civil society in full partnership with the public sector are seen cricial to the regional intergartion and development.
The establishment of an internationally competitive single market and investment area in East Africa is given high priority alongside the development of regional infrastructure,human resource,science and Technology.
Areas of Co-operation
The regional co-operation and intergration envisaged through the EAC is broadly based.It includes co-operation in many fields,such as:
♦Trade and Investment,
♦Industrial Development
♦Monetary and Fiscal Affairs
♦Infrastructure and Services
♦Human Resources,Science and Technology
♦Free Movement of Factors of Production
♦Agriculture and Food Security
♦Environment and Natural Resources Management
♦Tourism and Wildlife Management
♦Health
♦Social and Cultural Activities
