President William Ruto has landed in Arusha, Tanzania, for the 24th Ordinary Summit of the East African Community (EAC) Heads of State.
In an update on Friday, November 29, State House announced that the summit will center on a sustainable financing plan for the eight-member economic bloc.
Key discussions during the two-day session will include the constitution of the Political Confederation of the East African Community.
President Ruto will join host President Samia Suluhu of Tanzania, Salva Kiir of South Sudan, outgoing chairman Yoweri Museveni of Uganda, and Paul Kagame of Rwanda. Others attending include Evariste Ndayishimiye of Burundi, Felix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of Somalia.
The summit also coincides with the celebration of 25 years of “remarkable progress” since the revival of the EAC.
According to Ruto, the event presents an opportunity for the regional bloc, which boasts a market of over 170 million people, to reflect on its achievements, challenges, and prospects for deeper integration.
“We must harness emerging opportunities and build a more stable and competitive EAC that will accelerate the creation of a single continental market,” Ruto remarked.
State House spokesperson Hussein Mohamed noted that President Ruto’s agenda would focus on removing trade barriers, enhancing cross-border commerce, and fostering partnerships in critical sectors.
“President Ruto will advocate for eliminating trade barriers, boosting cross-border commerce, and enhancing partnerships in energy, agriculture, and digital innovation to create jobs and improve livelihoods,” he said.
Hussein added that leaders would also address pressing issues related to peace and security while highlighting significant initiatives.
“Discussions will include measures to combat transnational crime, manage borders, and resolve conflicts. Key initiatives such as the South Sudanese Tumaini Initiative and the EAC-led Nairobi Process on restoring peace and security in Eastern DRC will feature prominently,” he explained.
On the sidelines of the summit, President Ruto is expected to hold bilateral talks with regional leaders to strengthen partnerships and regional collaboration.
