Regional integration under the East African Community (EAC) holds vast opportunities for Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) to engage and benefit from East African integration. This is the clear message of a panel discussion that was held on 10th September 2024 between representatives of EAC, the East African Civil Society Organizations Forum (EACSOF), the European Union Delegation to Tanzania, and the development agency GIZ. The panel took place as part of the Tanzanian CSO week, hosted by the Foundation for Civil Society from 9 to 13 September in Arusha, Tanzania.
The discussion was held under the theme of Civil Society Organization’s Engagement in the EAC Integration Process and attended by more than 170 representatives from various Tanzanian civil society organizations and the public sector. It explored the role and status of CSO engagement in the EAC integration process and thus provided a crucial step towards a more inclusive and participatory EAC integration process – ensuring that the voices of civil society are heard and their contributions are recognised. Furthermore, the lively discussion provided a platform for debating the challenges faced by CSOs, the opportunities available for their engagement, ways in which CSOs could facilitate and advocate for citizen-led integration, and actionable recommendations that enhance their participation in the regional integration process with a special focus on regional economic integration.
Representing the EAC Secretariat, Mr. Charles Omusana, the Principal Economist for Investment and Private Sector Promotion, highlighted that the current EAC treaty provided for people-centred and market-driven process and had directives on the involvement of CSOs, the private sector, and other interest groups in the integration agenda. “This directive is embodied in the Consultative Dialogue Framework (CDF), which includes platforms such as the Secretary General’s Forum used for engagement between EAC and CSOs,” Mr. Omusana added and called upon stakeholders to utilise the platforms to enhance CSO participation.
Speaking during the session, the Head of Economics and Governance, European Union Delegation to Tanzania and EAC, Ms. Karina Dzialowska, reflected on lessons from the many years of the EU integration process, including the legislative reforms that were spearheaded by the citizens and the need for equipping CSOs with relevant tools for constructive engagements. “Looking back at the EU integration process, we cannot underestimate the opportunities, disruptions, and impacts that regional integration reforms can accelerate” she urged CSOs to actively participate in EAC policy reforms and decision-making processes by utilising the available platforms and becoming central players in the integration process.
On her remark, the CEO of EACSOF, Ms. Lilian Alex, reiterated the need to expand the civil space in Tanzania and encouraged CSOs to prioritise the regional integration agenda, reminding them of their role in the people-centred EAC integration process given their geographical coverage and nature of their work. “The Civil Society voice is shrinking in Tanzania, and there is more work to be done on national awareness for a more inclusive EAC integration process,” she added.
From the GIZ perspective, Mr. Marius Weist, the Component Lead, Organisation Development and Outreach observed that GIZ has been supporting the EAC integration on multiple fronts, including CSO engagement, with a special focus on enhancing legislative and policy frameworks to widen the space for CSOs and increasing participation of women and youth in decision-making processes within the region. “Through the Leveraging Integration Frameworks for Trade in Services and Civil Society Organizations in the East African Community (LIFTED) project, GIZ has availed resources for CSO-led innovations with a call for applications currently ongoing,” he said.
The debate underscored the importance of a people-centred integration process with stakeholders reaffirming their commitment to working together to enhance the participation and meaningful engagement of CSOs in EAC decision-making processes.
Additionally, to the panel discussion, a session on National and Regional Policy and Legislative Framework for Tanzanian CSO Engagement in the EAC Integration is schedule for 12th September 2024. It is organised by GIZ in partnership with EAC and EACSOF as part of the implementation of the EU-cofunded LIFTED project and will bring together key stakeholders from Tanzanian CSO networks, policymakers, and the EAC Secretariat to discuss the national and regional policy and legislative framework for CSO engagement in the EAC integration.
The CSO Week serves as a dynamic platform for exhibitions, discussions, networking, and outreach events. It provides a space for CSOs to converge, exchange ideas, and collectively address pressing issues vital to Tanzania's future. The EU’s support for civil society engagement in regional economic integration via the LIFTED project and other initiatives aims to foster a more inclusive and participatory EAC integration process by ensuring that the voices of civil society are heard and their contributions recognised.
About LIFTED
LIFTED “Leveraging Integration Frameworks for Trade in Services and CSOs in the EAC” is a project jointly co-financed by the European Union EU, and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). LIFTED aims to increase EAC, continental and further bilateral trade with EU in Trade in Services and Civil Society engagement in the framework of the (AfCFTA) for people-centred EAC integration. It is implemented by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) in collaboration with the EAC Secretariat.