Member states of the East African Community
The East African Community (EAC) is a regional intergovernmental organization in East Africa. The EAC was founded in 2000 by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania and today comprises eight member states with a combined population of 320.96 million. The total gross domestic product of these eight countries is 326.51 billion US dollars per year.Official website: https://www.eac.int/
| Country | Commencement | Population | Area | GDP |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burundi | 2007 | 12.89 M | 28,000 km² | 3.34 bn US$ |
| Congo (Dem. Republic) | 2022 | 99.01 M | 2,345,000 km² | 64.72 bn US$ |
| Kenya | 2000 | 54.03 M | 580,000 km² | 113.42 bn US$ |
| Rwanda | 2007 | 13.78 M | 26,000 km² | 13.31 bn US$ |
| Somalia | 2023 | 17.60 M | 638,000 km² | 10.42 bn US$ |
| South Sudan | 2016 | 10.91 M | 644,000 km² | |
| Tanzania | 2000 | 65.50 M | 947,000 km² | 75.73 bn US$ |
| Uganda | 2000 | 47.25 M | 242,000 km² | 45.57 bn US$ |
The main objectives of the East African Community are to promote economic, social and cultural integration among the member states. Specific goals include improving regional trade relations, harmonizing tax policies, sharing resources, strengthening infrastructure and promoting a common foreign and security policy. A long-term goal is also the introduction of a common currency and the deepening of political union.
The EAC pursues these goals through a number of institutional structures, including a common court of justice and a legislative assembly. In the long term, the introduction of a common currency is also envisaged. A significant achievement of the EAC is the introduction of the Common Market in 2010, which has since enabled the free movement of goods, people, labor and capital between member states. This has led to a noticeable increase in trade and investment within the region.