East Africa is a geographically and economically homogeneous region committed to regional integration. The East African Community (EAC) consists of Burundi, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda (all of which are Least Developed Countries or “LDCs”) and Kenya (which is a non-LDC).
The EAC established a Customs Union in 2005 which was fully-fledged with zero internal tariffs as from 2010. The EAC, in fast tracking its economic integration process, ratified a more far-reaching common market protocol in July 2010. In November 2013, EAC Members signed a protocol on a monetary union.
The integration agenda of the EAC is strongly political in nature as its ultimate goal is to become a federation.
All the countries in the East African Community are members of the WTO.
Exports to the EU from East African Community are dominated by coffee, cut flowers, tea, tobacco, fish and vegetables.
Imports from the EU into the region are dominated by machinery and mechanical appliances, equipment and parts, vehicles and pharmaceutical products.
ZAEL Group International, hallmark of sustainability, has established 3 subsidiaries throughout the region and aims to develop large business investment projects in the near future.