China has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the East African Community's integration process. Through its Tanzanian Embassy in Dar-es-salaam, China has disbursed another USD 180,000 as its annual donation to the East African Community. The donation was signed by EAC Secretary General, Ambassador Stephen Mbundi, and Chinese envoy to Tanzania and the EAC, Chen Mingjian, at the EAC Headquarters in Arusha.
The East African Community Secretary General commended the Government and People of China for their longstanding friendship and practical support to the Community. Ambassador Mbundi stated that the signing demonstrates China's continued commitment to the EAC integration agenda and reflects the strong partnership that has developed between the two sides over many years.
China's annual contribution of USD 180,000 to the EAC budget has played a crucial role in advancing regional integration and strengthening the institutional capacity of the Community. The support has been used to fund key EAC priorities, including governance and institutional development, regional trade promotion, and communication of the regional integration agenda.
Beyond annual budget support, China has provided capacity-building opportunities, professional training, and knowledge exchange programmes for EAC officials. Beijing has also extended logistical assistance, including the 2023 donation of eight vehicles valued at approximately USD 400,000 to support EAC operations and regional coordination activities.
The EAC and China have expressed their intention to broaden cooperation beyond institutional support by exploring opportunities in regional infrastructure and connectivity, trade and market access. They will jointly work to address climate-change adaptation, green energy, digitalization, technology transfer, innovation, and human-capital development.
The Community has lauded the prospect of a structured EAC–Sino dialogue to identify a focused pipeline of regional projects aligned with the 7th EAC Development Strategy and China's Global Development Initiative. Priority areas proposed for further engagement include trade-enhancing infrastructure, industrialization, and value addition.
Both parties have emphasized the importance of project-based cooperation that combines financing, technology, and knowledge transfer, capacity development, and private-sector participation. The objective is to build a forward-looking partnership that contributes to a more integrated, competitive, and prosperous East African region.
Key points
- China has disbursed another USD 180,000 as its annual donation to the East African Community.
- The EAC and China have expressed their intention to broaden cooperation beyond institutional support.
- The partnership aims to contribute to a more integrated, competitive, and prosperous East African region.
