Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) Officially Admitted into the East African Community

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has joined the East African Community (EAC).

DRC was officially admitted into the bloc during the 19th Extra-Ordinary Summit of the EAC Heads of State and Government chaired by Kenya’s President Uhuru Kenyatta on Tuesday.

While welcoming DRC to EAC, Kenyatta termed its admission as a historic event that demonstrates the agility of the community to expand beyond its socio-cultural boundaries to new people and trade-centered partnerships and collaboration that will expand opportunities for citizens of the region.

“Today as chairman of the EAC, I proudly and warmly welcome our brothers and sisters from the DRC to the EAC and look forward to joining hands in strengthening our community together. Working together, we have more to gain than when we are separate,” Kenyatta said.

“Indeed, the combined population and GDP of our community will grow by 50 percent and 25 percent respectively, implying a corresponding expansion of the market for goods and services. These numbers imply expanded market opportunities for producers located within EAC under the Customs Union.” 

Kenyatta further noted that the expanded community will attract more investments across all sectors, which will create more wealth and jobs for the people.

It will also place EAC in a better position to combine resources to develop the much-needed infrastructure, especially the main transit corridors running from east to west.

“The said infrastructure is crucial in facilitating cross-border movements of goods, people and physical capital as envisaged in the EAC Common Market,” Uhuru added.

With a larger market of about 300 million people, Kenyatta expressed optimism that EAC will achieve better outcomes brought about by the economies of scale and pooling of human and financial resources.

Other East African heads of state commended DRC President Felix Tshisekedi for pushing for the inclusion of his country into the community.

“DRC’s admission into the EAC is a big event as it signals prosperity to the citizens. As leaders, let’s continually strive to ensure peace, security and stability is maintained in the region,” said Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni.

Other EAC member states include Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, and South Sudan.