NAIROBI, Kenya – President William Ruto is set to travel to Arusha, Tanzania, on Friday, November 29, 2024, to participate in the 21st Ordinary Summit of the East African Community (EAC) Heads of State.
Speaking at the 9th Annual African Special Economic Zones (SEZ) meeting held at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre in Nairobi on Thursday, Ruto highlighted the summit’s focus on bolstering regional integration and improving the business environment within the bloc.
“Tomorrow in Arusha, the Heads of State of the EAC will convene to discuss, among other issues, enhancing the business climate, deepening economic integration, and approving the recently agreed Special Economic Zones (SEZ) framework,” Ruto announced.
The recently endorsed EAC Special Economic Zones Regulations 2024 aim to streamline the movement of goods across member states, fostering industrial growth and solidifying the region’s position as a hub for trade and manufacturing.
“We are expanding the scope of SEZ to facilitate the intra-regional trade of goods within the EAC, a significant step towards greater economic cohesion,” Ruto added.
The EAC Summit, which last convened in person for its 20th Ordinary Session on February 4, 2023, in Bujumbura, Burundi, has been instrumental in addressing regional challenges.
Key outcomes of that session included directives for an immediate ceasefire in Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and measures to ensure the withdrawal of foreign armed groups, underpinned by dialogue among stakeholders.
More recently, the Heads of State met virtually for the 23rd Extra-Ordinary Summit on June 7, 2024, chaired by South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir Mayardit.
Discussions centered on the appointment of a new EAC Secretary-General, the selection of a Kenyan judge for the East African Court of Justice, and addressing relations among partner states.
The EAC, headquartered in Arusha, Tanzania, comprises eight partner states: Burundi, DRC, Kenya, Rwanda, Somalia, South Sudan, Uganda, and Tanzania.
Somalia became the bloc’s newest member, officially joining on March 4, 2024, following its admission in November 2023.
Speaking at the 9th Annual African Special Economic Zones (SEZ) meeting held at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre in Nairobi on Thursday, Ruto highlighted the summit’s focus on bolstering regional integration and improving the business environment within the bloc.
“Tomorrow in Arusha, the Heads of State of the EAC will convene to discuss, among other issues, enhancing the business climate, deepening economic integration, and approving the recently agreed Special Economic Zones (SEZ) framework,” Ruto announced.
The recently endorsed EAC Special Economic Zones Regulations 2024 aim to streamline the movement of goods across member states, fostering industrial growth and solidifying the region’s position as a hub for trade and manufacturing.
“We are expanding the scope of SEZ to facilitate the intra-regional trade of goods within the EAC, a significant step towards greater economic cohesion,” Ruto added.
The EAC Summit, which last convened in person for its 20th Ordinary Session on February 4, 2023, in Bujumbura, Burundi, has been instrumental in addressing regional challenges.
Key outcomes of that session included directives for an immediate ceasefire in Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and measures to ensure the withdrawal of foreign armed groups, underpinned by dialogue among stakeholders.
More recently, the Heads of State met virtually for the 23rd Extra-Ordinary Summit on June 7, 2024, chaired by South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir Mayardit.
Discussions centered on the appointment of a new EAC Secretary-General, the selection of a Kenyan judge for the East African Court of Justice, and addressing relations among partner states.
The EAC, headquartered in Arusha, Tanzania, comprises eight partner states: Burundi, DRC, Kenya, Rwanda, Somalia, South Sudan, Uganda, and Tanzania.
Somalia became the bloc’s newest member, officially joining on March 4, 2024, following its admission in November 2023.
