China has reaffirmed its commitment to providing US$180,000 annually to the East African Community (EAC). The support, which has been ongoing, is aimed at promoting regional integration and institutional development. EAC Secretary General Amb. Stephen Mbundi and Chinese Ambassador to Tanzania and the EAC, Chen Mingjian, recently signed a Certificate of Donation at the EAC headquarters in Arusha, Tanzania. This annual contribution has supported the EAC budget and activities, including institutional development and regional trade promotion.
The EAC has used the funds to support various activities, including election observation, senior leadership engagements, and communication of the regional integration agenda. Mbundi expressed gratitude for China's longstanding financial and practical support to the regional bloc. He assured that the funds would be used transparently and accountably. China has also provided capacity-building and professional training opportunities for EAC officials, as well as logistical support. In 2023, China donated eight vehicles valued at about US$400,000 to support the EAC Secretariat's operations.
The EAC and China are exploring a broader phase of cooperation, with a focus on regional infrastructure, trade, digitalisation, and green energy. Proposed areas of cooperation include regional infrastructure and connectivity, trade and market access, industrialisation, and value addition. The two sides are also discussing digital trade, climate-change adaptation, green energy, food security, development financing, technology transfer, and human-capital development. Mbundi emphasized the EAC's interest in project-based cooperation that combines financing with technology and knowledge transfer.
The EAC is particularly interested in cooperation that aligns with its 7th Development Strategy and China's Global Development Initiative. Mbundi said the objective is to build a partnership that contributes to a more integrated and competitive East African region. Amb. Mingjian stated that China values its longstanding relationship with the EAC and is ready to deepen cooperation in areas that deliver practical development benefits. China highly values its cooperation with the EAC, reflecting its commitment to regional integration and institutional development.
The two sides also expressed interest in establishing a structured EAC-China dialogue to identify and develop priority regional projects. This dialogue aims to translate shared priorities into a focused programme of cooperation. The discussions build on talks held between the EAC Secretariat and China in June 2026. Both sides agreed to explore cooperation beyond institutional support towards strategic initiatives aimed at sustainable development and regional integration.
The EAC-China partnership currently covers various areas, including institutional financing, capacity development, logistical assistance, trade, infrastructure, knowledge exchange, and strategic engagement. The partnership has been strengthened over the years, with China providing significant support to the EAC. The EAC has benefited from China's support, which has contributed to its institutional development and regional trade promotion.
The EAC and China are poised to expand their cooperation, with a focus on delivering practical development benefits. The two sides are committed to working together to achieve their shared priorities. The expanded partnership will contribute to a more integrated and competitive East African region.
Key points
- China reaffirms US$180,000 annual support to East African Community
- EAC and China explore wider regional projects, including infrastructure and green energy
- Partnership aims to contribute to a more integrated and competitive East African region
