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The Secretariat

The Secretariat is the executive Organ of the Community. It ensures that the regulations and directives adopted by the Council of Ministers are properly implemented, and provides the Council of Ministers with strategic recommendations.

The headquarters of the EAC Secretariat is located in Arusha, Tanzania.

Vision

The vision of EAC is to be a prosperous, competitive, secure, stable and politically united East Africa.
 

Our Mission

The mission of the Community is to widen and deepen economic, political, social and cultural integration in order to improve the quality of life of the people of East Africa through increased competitiveness, value added production, trade and investments.
 

Our Values

Underpinning the EAC is our commitment to our values:
  • Professionalism
  • Accountability
  • Transparency
  • Teamwork
  • Unity in Diversity
  • Allegiance to EAC Ideals

Our Leadership

At the head of the EAC Secretariat is the Secretary General.

The Secretary-General is the principal executive and accounting officer of the Community as well as the Secretary of the Summit; he/she is appointed by the Summit for a fixed five-year, non-renewable term.

The two (2) Deputy Secretaries-General deputise and support the Secretary-General in the management and executive direction of the EAC Secretariat.

They are appointed by the Summit on recommendations of the Council and on a rotational basis. Each Deputy Secretary-General can serve a maximum of two three-year terms.

The Counsel to the Community is the principal legal adviser to the Community.

H.E Veronica Mueni Nduva, CBS

Secretary General:

H.E Veronica Mueni Nduva, CBS
Ms. Annette Ssemuwemba Mutaawe

Deputy Secretary General

Ms. Annette Ssemuwemba Mutaawe
Customs, Trade and Monetary Affairs
Hon. Andrea Aguer Ariik Malueth

Deputy Secretary General

Hon. Andrea Aguer Ariik Malueth
Infrastructure, Productive, Social and Political sectors.

How We Work

The EAC Secretariat is organised along three (3) key offices, each having distinct spheres of responsibility. These key offices coordinate seamlessly as they carry out the day-to-day work of the Community.

Executive Office of the Secretary-General

The Office of the Secretary General is the central executive body responsible for coordinating the activities of the EAC and overseeing its Institutions. The Secretary General serves as the principal executive officer and acts as the Secretary to the EAC Summit of Heads of State, ensuring effective implementation of the Community's policies and programmes. This office plays a crucial role in fostering regional integration and collaboration among Partner States, driving the EACโ€™s strategic objectives forward. The Executive Office of the Secretary General has the following Departments/Units/Offices:

Office of the Secretary General

The Office of the Secretary General at the East African Community (EAC) Secretariat serves as the head of the Secretariat, overseeing its operations and ensuring compliance with the EAC's policies. As the principal accounting officer and Secretary to the Summit, the Secretary General coordinates high-level meetings, manages financial matters, and ensures effective implementation of decisions made by the EAC Heads of State.

Counsel to the Community

The Counsel to the Community is the principal legal adviser to the Community. The Office provides legal advisory services to ensure that the East African Community's operations and policies comply with its legal frameworks. This office supports the EAC Organs and Institutions in interpreting and applying legal instruments, contributing to effective governance and the rule of law within the Community.

Corporate Communications and Public Affairs

The Corporate Communications and Public Affairs department manages the Community's external communications, ensuring a cohesive and strategic dissemination of information to the public and stakeholders. This department plays a vital role in enhancing the EAC's visibility, engaging with the media, and promoting transparency and accountability across the organisation.

Regional Co-operation in Defense

The Defense Liaison Office is tasked with enhancing collaboration and coordination among Partner States' defense forces to address regional security challenges. It facilitates joint initiatives and strategic partnerships to strengthen collective security and promote stability across the East African region.

Internal Audit

The Internal Audit Unit is tasked with providing independent assessments of the organisation's financial and operational systems to ensure compliance and effectiveness. It plays a key role in identifying risks, improving internal controls, and enhancing overall organisational efficiency.

Resource Mobilisation Office

The Resource Mobilisation Office focuses on securing financial resources to support the Community's initiatives and development projects. It works to identify and engage potential donors, partners, and funding sources, ensuring the effective allocation and management of resources to advance regional integration goals.

Finance, Human Resources and Administration

The Finance, Human Resources, and Administration Office manages the financial operations, staffing, and administrative functions essential for the smooth running of the organisation. This office ensures efficient resource allocation, supports human resource development, and maintains effective administrative processes to support the EAC's mission and objectives.

Office of the Deputy Secretary General in charge of Customs, Trade and Monetary Affairs

Customs Directorate

The Directorate of Customs is responsible for coordinating and overseeing customs policies, procedures, regulations and implementation of the Customs Union Protocol among EAC Partner States to facilitate trade, enhance regional integration, and ensure the smooth movement of goods across borders within the Community.

Trade Directorate

The Directorate of Trade is responsible for overseeing and coordinating trade policies, negotiations, and initiatives aimed at promoting intra-regional trade and economic integration among the EAC Partner States.

Monetary Affairs Directorate

The Directorate of Monetary Affairs is responsible for coordinating regional monetary policy, financial sector development, and the implementation of the EAC Monetary Union, aiming to achieve economic integration and stability across the East African Community.

Office of the Deputy Secretary General in Charge of Infrastructure, Productive, Social and Political Sectors

The Office of the Deputy Secretary General in charge of Infrastructure, Productive, Social, and Political Sectors oversees the development and coordination of key regional initiatives in infrastructure, economic productivity, social development, and political integration across the East African Community.

Infrastructure Directorate

The Directorate of Infrastructure is responsible for coordinating regional infrastructure development, focusing on improving transport (roads, railways, aviation and inland waterway transport), communication networks and meteorology to facilitate trade and integration among Partner States.

Planning Directorate

The Directorate of Planning is responsible for coordinating the development and implementation of strategic plans, policies, and programs aimed at achieving the regional integration objectives of the East African Community.

Investment Department

The Investment Department is responsible for coordinating and promoting investment opportunities within the East African Community, fostering a conducive environment for both regional and international investors, and facilitating the implementation of policies and strategies aimed at boosting economic growth and regional integration.

Productive Sectors Directorate

The Directorate of Productive Sectors focuses on enhancing the region's agricultural, industrial, environmental, tourism and energy sectors to promote sustainable development and economic growth within the East African Community. It plays a pivotal role in coordinating policies, programs, and initiatives aimed at boosting productivity and competitiveness across Partner States.

Social Sectors Directorate

The Directorate of Social Sectors oversees the development and harmonization of policies and programs related to health, education, culture, gender, and, labour and immigration across the East African Community. It aims to promote the well-being of EAC citizens by enhancing cooperation in social services and ensuring inclusive growth within the region.

Political Affairs Directorate

The Directorate of Political Affairs plays a pivotal role in shaping and coordinating political strategies and policies within the East African Community. It focuses on promoting regional integration, facilitating dialogue among Partner States, and supporting the implementation of EACโ€™s political objectives and frameworks. The Directorate comprises the Departments of Political Affairs, International Relations and Peace and Security.