Germany commits €64 million to strengthening EAC integration, sustainable development

Dar es Salaam. Germany has pledged €64 million (Sh176.64 billion) to support its partnership with the East African Community (EAC) over the next three years to bolster regional integration and sustainable development.

The funding will focus on key areas, including regional economic integration, digital skills, artificial intelligence (AI) research, and empowering women in health professional training and trade infrastructure development.

Of the total amount, €36 million (Sh99.36 billion) will be allocated to initiatives promoting sustainable economic growth, while €23 million (Sh63.48 billion) will enhance pandemic preparedness and help tackle outbreaks of communicable diseases.

Additionally, €5 million (Sh13.8 billion) is earmarked for nature-based solutions to support environmental conservation in the region.

This announcement was made on Thursday, December 5, 2024, following successful negotiations between the Head of the German Delegation and the Director for East Africa at the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), Mr Marcus von Essen, and the EAC Secretary General, Ms Veronica Nduva.

A statement from the EAC, signed by its Senior Public Relations Officer, Mr Simon Owaka, says Mr von Essen commended the EAC’s efforts to enhance intra-regional trade and its leadership role within the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

He emphasized that the partnership underscored a shared commitment to strengthen political and economic regional integration.

“Germany congratulates the EAC for its outstanding progress and leadership within AfCFTA. This collaboration reflects our mutual commitment to advance regional integration,” stated Mr von Essen.

Secretary General Nduva expressed gratitude to the German government for its ongoing support for East Africa’s integration, highlighting that Germany has provided over €600 million (Sh1.66 trillion) in technical and financial assistance over the past 26 years.

“The positive impact of this cooperation is evident in the lives of East African citizens, particularly in areas like health, education, and economic empowerment,” noted Ms Nduva.

The importance of healthcare was underscored, especially in light of recent outbreaks such as Mpox and the Marburg Virus, which have significantly affected health systems, livelihoods, and intra-regional trade.

Both sides agreed on the urgent need to strengthen regional capacities in the health sector, with a renewed commitment to disease prevention and rapid response efforts.

Germany also praised the EAC’s participation in the United Nations Climate Change Conference, recognising the bloc’s efforts to shape a regional stance at COP29.

The ongoing collaboration will continue to focus on integrated water resource management, a crucial strategy for addressing the challenges posed by flooding and droughts, which have hindered development across the region.

Mr von Essen also welcomed the upcoming Secretary General’s Forum in December 2024, which will foster greater engagement with the private sector and civil society in the regional integration process.

He described the forum as a key tool for promoting dialogue and collaboration within the EAC’s Consultative Dialogue Framework.

The partnership between the EAC and Germany exemplifies a wide range of joint initiatives to improve EAC citizens' living standards.

With this renewed commitment, both parties are poised to address regional challenges and capitalise on opportunities for sustainable development and stronger regional cohesion.