EAC pushes for integrated regional infrastructure

ARUSHA: THE East African Community (EAC) has endorsed a series of strategic measures aimed at accelerating integrated infrastructure development, strengthening transport and digital connectivity and improving the movement of people, goods and services across the region.

The decisions are expected to enhance cross-border connectivity and advance the bloc’s regional integration agenda through improved cooperation among Partner States.

The resolutions were adopted at the conclusion of the 20th Meeting of the EAC Sectoral Council on Transport, Communications and Meteorology (TCM), held at the EAC Headquarters in Arusha on Friday.

The five-day meeting, which began on July 6, brought together more than 100 participants, including ministers, permanent secretaries, senior government officials, representatives from regional organisations, development partners and the private sector.

The Sectoral Council on TCM provides strategic policy guidance and oversight on the development of transport, aviation, communications and meteorological infrastructure, which are considered key pillars of economic growth and regional integration.

According to an EAC statement, the council reviewed progress and issued directives on regional initiatives covering roads, railways, maritime transport, telecommunications, civil aviation, airports and meteorology.

It also received updates on projects and programmes being implemented by the Lake Victoria Basin Commission (LVBC) and the Civil Aviation Safety and Security Oversight Agency (CASSOA).“

In the roads sector, the council noted progress in developing more than 15,000 kilometres of multinational road corridors across the region.

The council also directed the EAC Secretariat to conduct a study on the harmonisation of road user charges under the Tripartite Framework of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), EAC and Southern African Development Community (SADC).

The initiative seeks to promote a more efficient, predictable and integrated regional road transport system.

In the railway sector, the council directed the Secretariat to speed up the finalisation of the EAC Railways Interoperability Bill.

The proposed legislation is expected to establish a harmonised legal and regulatory framework to improve crossborder rail transport, enhance compatibility among national railway systems and strengthen regional connectivity.

On digital connectivity, the council reviewed progress towards developing the draft EAC Regional Mobile Roaming Regulations.

The regulations are aimed at reducing the cost of cross-border mobile communication, improving roaming services, strengthening consumer protection and promoting seamless regional connectivity.

“Once adopted, they are expected to facilitate greater mobility of people and businesses, support regional trade and integration and advance the development of a more connected Single Digital Market in the EAC,” the statement said. In the aviation sector, ministers assessed progress towards liberalising the regional air transport market and urged Partner States that have not yet joined the initiative to do so.

The move is expected to improve passenger and cargo movement, reduce air travel costs, promote tourism and trade, attract investment and strengthen economic integration. The council also discussed measures to strengthen Aircraft Accident and Incident Investigation (AIG) systems to improve aviation safety and enhance the effectiveness of investigations.

In maritime transport, the council considered initiatives aimed at improving inland waterways transport, including the Safety and Accessibility on Lake Victoria (SAIL) Programme.

It urged Uganda and Tanzania to expedite the full operationalisation of the Regional Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) in Mwanza following completion of its construction.

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The council said the centre represents a major milestone in strengthening maritime safety and protecting lives and livelihoods on Lake Victoria.

The ministers further called on Partner States to explore sustainable financing models, including publicprivate partnerships (PPPs), to accelerate infrastructure investment, address financing gaps and ensure long-term maintenance of regional infrastructure.

Opening the ministerial session, meeting chairperson and Uganda’s Minister of State for Transport, Julius Maganda Wandera, called for faster implementation of regional infrastructure projects to unlock the full benefits of East African integration.

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