Veronica Nduva, the newly appointed Secretary-General of the East African Community (EAC), has called upon African Union (AU) Heads of State to demonstrate political will and commitment towards achieving AU targets for regional integration and development.
Speaking at the 6th mid-year coordination meeting of the African Union in Accra, Nduva highlighted the EAC’s achievements in economic integration, fostering innovation, entrepreneurship, and job creation across its member states.
The EAC comprises eight partner states, including Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, and Tanzania.
Under her leadership, the EAC has achieved significant milestones in the past 24 years, including establishing a single customs territory that has streamlined the transportation of goods, reducing time and costs for member countries.
“As the first female Secretary-General of the East African Community, I understand the challenges ahead and the responsibility to deliver impactful outcomes,” Nduva remarked, acknowledging the importance of leadership commitment to drive regional progress.
“I urge African leaders to prioritize and uphold the AU’s targets, which are crucial for improving the livelihoods of our people,” she emphasized, underscoring the transformative potential of collective political will.
With a population of over 302.2 million citizens and a combined GDP of US$312.9 billion, the East African Community remains a significant force in continental integration efforts, promoting visa-free travel and work permits among member states.
Nduva concluded with a message encouraging young girls, urging them to embrace challenges and strive for leadership roles in shaping Africa’s future.
The meeting in Accra serves as a platform for AU member states to coordinate efforts towards advancing regional integration and sustainable development goals across the continent.
