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President William Ruto has called for a stable East African Community (EAC) that will speed up the creation of a single continental market.

The president made the remarks when he arrived in Arusha, Tanzania, ahead of the EAC’s Heads of State Summit on Saturday, November 30, 2024.

“We must harness emerging opportunities and build a more stable and competitive EAC that will accelerate the creation of a single continental market,” Ruto said as per a post on State House‘s X handle on Friday, November 29, 2024.

Ruto will be joined by Tanzania’s president, Samia Suluhu; Salva Kiir of South Sudan, who is also outgoing chairman; Yoweri Museveni of Uganda; Rwanda’s Paul Kagame; Evariste Ndayishimiye of Burundi; the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s Felix Tshisekedi; and Somalia’s Hassan Sheikh.

In Arusha, Ruto is expected to champion key challenges facing EAC and discuss strategies to accelerate economic integration, strengthen the region’s resilience to climate change, and address insecurity.

He will advocate for the removal of trade barriers, the boosting of cross-border commerce, and the enhancement of partnerships in energy, agriculture, and digital innovation to create jobs and improve livelihoods.

Theme

During the 24^th Ordinary Summit of the EAC, the leaders will deliberate on critical issues shaping the region.

“This high-profile gathering, held under the overarching theme of the EAC’s 25th Anniversary celebrations, serves as a platform to assess the achievements of the past 25 years while charting the way forward for deeper integration.

“Key agenda items include strengthening the region’s economic resilience, advancing peace and security, and promoting initiatives that foster intra-regional trade and development,” a statement from EAC read.

The summit will also underscore the shared commitment of partner states to unity and collaboration, focusing on collective strategies to enhance connectivity, improve cross-border infrastructure, and bolster social and economic cohesion.

“As the highest decision-making body of the EAC, the summit is expected to produce resolutions that will further cement East Africa’s position as a globally competitive and politically united region,” it added.