Speakers of East African Community (EAC) partner states' parliaments gathered in Arusha for the 21st Ordinary Meeting of the Bureau of Speakers of EAC Partner States' Parliaments and the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA). The meeting concluded on Saturday, October 3, 2026, with a commitment to engage their respective governments and finance ministries to accelerate payment of outstanding contributions to the regional bloc. This move aims to address the EAC's $125 million debt burden, with member states having paid only 17 percent of their assessed contributions for the 2026/27 financial year.
The EAC faces significant financing challenges, which have raised concerns over the community's ability to finance its operations and implement regional programmes. In response, the speakers agreed to use parliamentary channels to address the arrears. The EAC has approved a $110.86 million budget for the 2026/27 financial year. A new contribution model, adopted by EAC Heads of State in March 2026, aims to make EAC financing more predictable and sustainable. The model involves 50 percent of member states' contributions being shared equally, while the remaining half is determined according to each country's economic capacity.
The new contribution model also provides for a conditional waiver of 50 percent of accumulated arrears, with the remaining balance to be cleared under an agreed repayment arrangement. Speaker of Somalia's People's Assembly, Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur, stated that the financial position of the EAC was a key issue discussed during the meeting. The speakers ultimately agreed to work with their governments and finance ministries to expedite payment of the outstanding arrears.
Deputy Speaker of Tanzania's Parliament, Daniel Sillo, emphasized the importance of cooperation among legislatures in addressing regional priorities and ensuring implementation of agreed programmes. He stated that Tanzania remains committed to being part of the EAC and building a stronger community. The country will continue to advocate for the implementation of all agreements reached.
The speakers also agreed to hold a special meeting in Nairobi on October 29 to address outstanding directives concerning elections and the remuneration system for members of the Sixth EALA, whose term is expected to begin in December 2027. The meeting will be preceded by a session of parliamentary clerks and secretaries-general on October 27 and 28.
The EAC's financing challenges have significant implications for the community's operations and regional programmes. The speakers' agreement to engage their governments and finance ministries aims to address these challenges and ensure the EAC's financial sustainability. The meeting in Nairobi will also provide an opportunity for the speakers to discuss other key issues affecting the EAC.
The commitment to engage governments and finance ministries on unpaid contributions marks a significant step towards addressing the EAC's financing challenges. The speakers' agreement to work together aims to translate into tangible benefits for citizens and ensure the effective implementation of regional programmes.
Key points
- EAC speakers agree to engage governments and finance ministries to accelerate payment of outstanding contributions.
- The EAC faces a $125 million debt burden, with member states having paid only 17 percent of their assessed contributions for the 2026/27 financial year.
- A new contribution model aims to make EAC financing more predictable and sustainable.
