EAC Heads of State to Meet in Arusha for 25th Ordinary Summit

Arusha, Tanzania — The leaders of the East African Community (EAC) are scheduled to convene for the 25th Ordinary Summit of the EAC Heads of State on 7 March 2026 in Arusha, Tanzania.

The Summit, held under the theme “Deepening Integration for Improved Livelihoods of EAC Citizens,” will bring together Heads of State from the Community’s eight Partner States to review progress in regional integration and deliberate on strategic priorities shaping the bloc’s future.

Regional Integration Agenda

The Summit is the highest decision-making organ of the EAC and is expected to consider reports on implementation of regional programmes, institutional performance, and policy initiatives aimed at strengthening cooperation and improving socioeconomic outcomes across East Africa.

Among the key highlights will be the launch of the EAC Customs Bond, a single regional customs guarantee designed to replace multiple national bonds currently required along transit trade routes.

Under the new system, traders and clearing agents will be able to obtain one bond recognised across all EAC Partner States, reducing the need for separate guarantees in each country of transit.

The regional bond framework is expected to lower compliance costs, reduce border delays, safeguard government revenue, and facilitate faster movement of goods within the Community by linking customs administrations with insurers and financial institutions.

Launch of Development Strategy 2026–2031

The Summit will also mark the official launch of the 7th EAC Development Strategy (2026/27–2030/31), which outlines the Community’s strategic direction over the next five years.

The strategy builds on achievements from the previous planning cycle and is aligned with regional and global development frameworks, including EAC Vision 2050, the African Union Agenda 2063, and the Sustainable Development Goals.

Leadership and Institutional Decisions

According to EAC Secretary General Veronica Nduva, the Summit provides a critical platform for collective leadership and policy coordination.

“The Summit of the EAC Heads of State remains the most important platform for guiding the Community’s integration agenda. Convening in Arusha offers our leaders an opportunity to take strategic decisions that strengthen cooperation, promote trade, and advance shared prosperity for East Africans,” she said.

Nduva noted that the planned launch of the Customs Bond and the new Development Strategy reflects the Community’s commitment to practical solutions that enhance regional competitiveness and economic resilience.

“These milestones demonstrate our collective determination to remove trade barriers and implement a forward-looking development framework responsive to emerging regional and global priorities,” she added.

Other Agenda Items

The Heads of State are expected to deliberate on several governance and policy matters, including: The Report of the Council to the Summit covering the period 30 November 2024 to 31 December 2025, Modalities for implementing the directive of the 24th Summit on sustainable financing of the EAC budget, based on a 65% equal contribution and 35% assessed contribution formula and Progress on integration of Partner States admitted into the Community between 2016 and 2024.

The Summit will also handle key appointments, including the selection of a new EAC Secretary General, the appointment of Judges to the East African Court of Justice, the renewal of Deputy Secretary-General appointments, and the nomination of Commissioners to the EAC Competition Authority. The Heads of State are also expected to assent to Bills passed by the East African Legislative Assembly.

Expected Outcomes

The outcomes of the Summit are anticipated to strengthen policy alignment among Partner States and accelerate implementation of regional programmes aimed at fostering inclusive and sustainable economic growth.

The Summit will be preceded by an extraordinary meeting of the EAC Council of Ministers scheduled from 2 to 5 March 2026 at the EAC Headquarters in Arusha.