Infrastructure and Cooperation drive transformation in East Africa

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East Africa is accelerating its regional integration through a series of strategic projects aimed at enhancing infrastructure,boosting trade,and strengthening cooperation among member countries. A recent technical mission reviewed the implementation of the East Africa Regional Integration Strategy Paper (EA-RISP 2023–2027) and assessed the performance of ongoing investments,aiming to consolidate progress and define priorities for the coming years. The review process brought together representatives from the African Union,the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA),the East African Community (EAC),the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD),the East African Power Pool,and business organizations such as the East African Business Council and the Pan-African Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

During the meetings,participants identified structural challenges limiting regional development,emphasizing the need to accelerate economic transformation to foster trade,create jobs,and reduce poverty. “The main challenge for the region’s development remains the slow pace of structural transformation,which hinders trade and inclusive growth,” said Bubacarr Sankareh,Senior Operations Advisor for East Africa at the African Development Bank (AfDB).

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The EA-RISP 2023–2027 strategy was designed to address these challenges,aligning with the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the development plans of member countries. Its focus is on two key pillars: enhancing regional infrastructure—with emphasis on energy,transport,and digital connectivity—and developing regional value chains to stimulate intra-African trade.

Major flagship projects include the first phase of the Tanzania–Burundi–DRC Standard Gauge Railway,the Burundi-Rwanda Integrated Development Project,and the Comoros Maritime Corridor and Trade Facilitation Project,all aimed at improving transportation connectivity and regional economic competitiveness. The East African Business Council highlighted the tangible impact of these investments. Its Interim Executive Director,Adrian Njau,stated that “these projects have facilitated regional integration,reduced the cost of doing business,and improved the competitiveness of local products.”

As of June 2025,multinational operations supporting regional integration in East Africa reached $6.3 billion,spread across 107 active projects. Since 2023,the regional portfolio has grown by $1.3 billion,driven by new investments in infrastructure,social sectors,and environmental sustainability.

The evaluation process provided an opportunity to extract key lessons,identify areas for improvement,and strengthen coordination with regional institutions. The mission,which included experts in integration,resilience,and public policy,reaffirmed the collective commitment of East African countries to build a more connected,inclusive,and sustainable region. With these initiatives,East Africa is consolidating its position as one of the continent’s most dynamic economic integration hubs,moving toward a future of shared growth and sustainable regional development.