The East African Community (EAC), East Africa Civil Society Organisations Forum (EACSOF) in partnership with GIZ through the EU Co-financed LIFTED project held a series of dialogues forums with national policymakers to address Civil Society Organisations’ issues and concerns. These forums aim to facilitate government action for improved business environment.
Conducted between September and December 2024 in all the eight EAC Partner States, the national forums convened representatives from the private sector, over 230 CSO networks, academia, and relevant government ministries. This provided a platform for CSOs to share experiences and establish platforms in each Partner State for further discussions on CSO operations in coordination with their respective ministries.
Beyond sharing of experiences, the meetings fostered supportive national and regional policies and legislative frameworks for CSO engagement in EAC integration. Participants assessed the current level of CSO involvement in regional integration, identified challenges and opportunities, and developed strategies to enhance CSO participation in the regional integration agenda. Among other measures, commitment to the existing EAC Consultative Dialogue Frameworks for CSOs and other non-state actors was recognised as a crucial tool for boosting CSO involvement in EAC regional integration matters.
During one of the forums, the Head of Economics and Governance for the European Union (EU) in Tanzania, Ms. Karina Dzialowska, highlighted the valuable lessons and best practices that EAC counter parts could benchmarks from the EU’s Civil Society Organisations. She observed that while each integration movement is unique, the experiences of EU CSOs and particularly regarding the movement of people, goods, and services, known as the "fourth freedom" could provide significant insights.
“These movements often led to substantial disruptions in labor markets and the broader economy and understanding how EU CSOs have addressed these challenges can equip EAC CSOs with strategies to manage similar issues effectively” Ms. Dzialowska added.
In the Mogadishu forum, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry in charge of EAC Affairs, Mr Mohamed Fatiir, underscored the importance of regional CSOs in building a prosperous and united East Africa Community given their role in representing and connecting individuals who drive the regional economic integration agenda.
Further, from the EAC Secretariat perspective, Ms Generose Minani, Principal Gender and Community Development Officer applauded the initiatives undertaken by Partners and national CSO chapters in holding these valuable discussions that define the citizens’ roles in the EAC integration, ensuring that the process remains people-centred.