EAC Marks The Start Of The 7th EAC Development Strategy

By Amani Joshua

 

Arusha: The #EAC has tabled a USD 110.9 million Budget for FY 2026/2027 before the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA ), marking the start of the 7th EAC Development Strategy (2026/27–2030/31).

 

While Noting the Achievements worth celebrating such as:

 

📈 Economy grew 5.8%(vs global 3.4%)

📊 Intra-EAC trade up 28% → $19.3B 

🚛 35 Non-Tariff Barriers resolved + digital customs bond launched

🕊️ Political Confederation talks resume + DRC peace support

🏥 12,500+ patients treated via regional health centres of excellence

🩺 785 postgrads, 3,300+ health pros trained

🚂 EACOP 80% complete | Lake Victoria rescue center operational

🤖 16 AI youth innovators funded

✅ ALL EAC organs received CLEAN (unqualified) audits – accountability on point!

 

EAC 2026/27 Budget Priorities:

 

Total: $110.9M | Theme: "Deepening Commitment & Realising Integration Benefits"

 

The 7 Priorities:

 

🥇 Institutional Capacity – $70.5M (64%)

🥈 Trade & Value Chains – $11.1M

🥉 Social Integration – $10.7M

4️⃣ Industrialisation – $7.2M

5️⃣ Monetary Union – $4.1M

6️⃣ Infrastructure – $4.0M

7️⃣ Peace & Security – $3.4M

 

What this aims to deliver:

 

✅ Increased intra-EAC trade

✅Industrial competitiveness

✅Climate resilience

✅Better social services

✅Macroeconomic convergence

✅Lower trade costs

✅Regional peace & security

✅Stronger institutions

 

"This Budget is our shared promise. A promise to our youth that their future is borderless; a promise to our farmers that their market is regional; and a promise to every East African that our prosperity will be shared." — Rt. Hon. Rebecca A. Kadaga the Chairperson EAC Council of Ministers Noted.

 

For more information ⬇️Download Speech: shorturl.at/qnYrh