The East African Community (EAC) and its development partners have pledged to align financing with the bloc’s 7th Development Strategy, after a two-day EAC development partners forum in Arusha on 10 and 11 November.
The EAC said in a statement that the fourth forum centred on a project pipeline of 48 proposals across the eight partner states, as the Community tries to turn its 2026/27 to 2030/31 strategy into funded programmes.
What did the EAC development partners forum discuss?
According to the EAC, the pipeline covers regional economic integration, productive sectors, infrastructure, social development, science and technology, institutional strengthening, and peace and security. The Community said the forum also reviewed ongoing programmes and emerging financing opportunities.
EAC Secretary General Stephen Mbundi said the priority was to move from strategy to implementation. “Our measure of success will not simply be the amount of resources mobilised, but the impact those resources create,” he said.
How much do development partners already fund?
The EAC said its existing portfolio has 42 active projects worth about $370mn, backed by 12 major development partners through direct and indirect financing. The figures come from the Community and were not independently verified.
Julia Kronberg, head of development cooperation for Tanzania and the EAC at the German embassy in Tanzania, chairs the partners’ group. She said sustainable regional impact “requires strong alignment with EAC priorities, effective coordination and shared accountability for results”.
What happens next?
No new funding commitments were announced in the statement. The EAC said the forum aims to turn the strategy’s priorities into financing, technical cooperation and investment. Germany and the EAC concluded negotiations in August on a separate €39.8mn grant package.
FAQ
What is the EAC development partners forum?
It is a meeting where the EAC and its development partners discuss priorities, financing and coordination. The fourth edition was held at the EAC headquarters in Arusha.
How many projects are in the EAC pipeline?
The EAC said the pipeline has 48 project proposals, separate from 42 active projects worth about $370mn.
Which period does the 7th EAC Development Strategy cover?
The strategy covers 2026/27 to 2030/31, according to the EAC.
