As the East African Community (EAC) celebrates its 25th anniversary, youth leaders from across the region are calling for the removal of barriers that impede integration and economic cooperation among the eight member states. In a gathering held in Butiama, Mwanza, Tanzania, young leaders and representatives emphasized that regional integration and the ideals of the late Mwalimu Julius Nyerere who championed East African unity and cooperation cannot be fully realized without decisive steps from EAC member states. This milestone event highlighted not only the challenges facing the EAC but also the powerful role that young people can play in overcoming them.
The Case for Integration: Unity in Diversity
Dr. Ronex Kisembo Tendo, CEO of Afrika Mashariki Fest, opened the discussion by stressing the importance of regional integration to improve trade, allow free movement of people, and foster socio-economic development. According to Kisembo, regional integration in East Africa would remain a “pipe dream” unless the leaders of member states actively dismantle current barriers that limit cross-border cooperation and trade. These barriers range from regulatory restrictions to bureaucratic hurdles that make it difficult for people and goods to move freely within the EAC.
“In terms of this accumulation…but implementation and investigation, [we have] 50 capacities that we can emerge in terms of policy formulation. But a different interesting part of the situation is that the original integration needs to be actualized. And this is only when the young people are empowered,” said Kisembo. His remarks point to the potential of young people to be catalysts for meaningful policy changes that bring member states closer together, but also highlight that this change is contingent upon governmental cooperation and structural support.
The sentiment for greater regional integration was echoed by Julius Odicho, a young Pan-Africanist from Tanzania and member of Afrika Mashariki Fest. He noted that youth participation and support are critical for actualizing the EAC’s goals, yet approximately 70% of East African youth remain uninformed about the EAC’s mission and vision. According to Odicho, educating and involving young people in the integration process is necessary to ensure the sustainability and effectiveness of the EAC’s policies.
Challenges Facing EAC Integration
Despite the promising aspirations of regional integration, the EAC has faced numerous challenges that have slowed its progress. A primary concern cited by Odicho is the “fear of the unknown” among some member states, which fear exploitation of their resources by neighboring nations. This reluctance has been a significant barrier to integration efforts, as member states worry that a regional bloc might lead to unequal benefits and potential losses for their economies.
Odicho argued that such fears should be viewed as opportunities for education and trust-building, rather than as insurmountable obstacles. “The EAC remains the best idea for our region to progress,” he said. “As East Africa Mashariki festival organizers, we’re proud to put it clear that we are looking for integration, integrity at different and diverse speculations in the sense that we learn from failure.”
In this context, the recently proposed Butiama Accord represents a bold move toward fostering deeper regional cooperation. This accord, which member states are encouraged to sign, seeks to mandate the elimination of existing trade and movement barriers across the EAC. The document would essentially formalize a commitment by EAC leaders to work together toward a unified economic and political bloc, signaling their readiness to embrace a new era of integration that prioritizes collective progress over individual reservations.
Youth as Champions of Change
The gathering of more than 400 delegates in Butiama also underscored the critical role of East African youth in shaping the future of the EAC. Youth leaders emphasized that integration must not only be a top-down process but should actively involve the grassroots, especially the younger generation, who can bring fresh perspectives and a sense of urgency to the regional project. With nearly 70% of the EAC’s population under the age of 30, the potential of youth-led change is substantial.
Young leaders at the forum shared ideas for joint ventures across sectors such as tourism, sports, technology, and education. For instance, they proposed enhanced collaboration in tourism to make East Africa a global travel destination, alongside unified representation in international sports events such as the Olympic Games. The establishment of a shared currency, they argued, would further simplify transactions and increase economic efficiency across the region.
Odicho emphasized the need for young East Africans to advocate for these changes, stating, “We want you to come and sell your goods from Kenya. As the youth, we do not want people to live in the speculations of boundaries which have got no meaning so far.” His statement underscores the desire among young people to transcend outdated border restrictions and engage in an open regional economy.
The Butiama Accord: A New Era of Regional Cooperation?
The proposed Butiama Accord represents a concrete step toward realizing the EAC’s vision. If signed by member states, the accord would compel EAC countries to implement policies that encourage free movement and cross-border trade. It also aims to create formal and informal job opportunities across the region by allowing for increased labor mobility and mutual recognition of qualifications. In a region with high youth unemployment, such initiatives could offer much-needed economic relief and stability.
The participation of high-profile figures like Maria Obote, former First Lady of Uganda and widow of Milton Obote, reflects the significance of the event in Tanzania, which was also a commemoration of Nyerere’s legacy. Her presence highlighted the historical roots of the EAC and the ongoing need to honor the vision of early African leaders who saw unity as a pathway to prosperity.
The Path Forward: Strengthening EAC through Policy and Youth Engagement
For the EAC to become a fully functional and dynamic regional bloc, policymakers must heed the calls of the youth and actively work toward implementing the Butiama Accord. It will require a concerted effort to dismantle existing trade barriers, simplify cross-border processes, and improve infrastructure to facilitate movement. Moreover, there is a need for public education and awareness campaigns to increase understanding of the EAC’s objectives among young people. Only by creating an informed and engaged citizenry can the EAC’s goals be fully realized.
While the road ahead may be challenging, the youthful energy and determination demonstrated at the Butiama conference signal that the next generation of East Africans is ready to take on the mantle of leadership. They envision a future where borders no longer define them and where their collective economic and cultural power is harnessed to create a prosperous and united East African region.
The Butiama Accord, if embraced by all member states, could mark a turning point in the EAC’s journey. As Dr. Kisembo aptly put it, “this is only when the young people are empowered. When the young people are supported, this is when we can realize that dream.” The dream of a united East Africa is not far-fetched; it only requires the commitment of leaders and the active participation of its youth. With the right policies and determination, the vision of Mwalimu Julius Nyerere and other founding fathers of the EAC may soon become a reality.
In an era where global and regional challenges require unprecedented levels of cooperation, the EAC’s potential as a robust economic and political bloc cannot be overstated. By heeding the calls of its youth, the EAC can set an example for regional integration, illustrating how unity can overcome even the most daunting of barriers.
