EAC speakers agree to engage governments on unpaid contributions

Speakers of East African Community (EAC) partner states’ parliaments have agreed to engage their respective governments and finance ministries to accelerate payment of outstanding contributions to the regional bloc. The agreement was reached on Saturday October 03, 2026 at the conclusion of the 21st Ordinary Meeting of the Bureau of Speakers of EAC Partner States’ Parliaments and the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) in Arusha. The move comes as the EAC faces a $125 million debt burden, with member states having paid only 17 percent of their assessed contributions for the 2026/27 financial year. The funding shortfall has raised concerns over the community’s ability to finance its operations and implement regional programmes, prompting the speakers to commit to using parliamentary channels to address the arrears. Speaker of Somalia’s People’s Assembly, Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur, said the financial position of the EAC was among the key issues discussed during the meeting. “The discussion was lengthy, but members ultimately agreed to work with their governments and finance ministries to expedite payment of the outstanding arrears,” he said. The EAC has approved a $110.86 million budget for the 2026/27 financial year. The financing challenge follows the adoption of a new contribution model by EAC Heads of State in March 2026, under which 50 percent of member states’ contributions will be shared equally, while the remaining half will be determined according to the economic capacity of each country. The new system is intended to make EAC financing more predictable and sustainable. It also provides for a conditional waiver of 50 percent of accumulated arrears, with the remaining balance to be cleared under an agreed repayment arrangement. Mr Nur said parliamentary cooperation should translate into tangible benefits for citizens. Representing Tanzania’s Parliament, Deputy Speaker Daniel Sillo said cooperation among legislatures remained important in addressing regional priorities and ensuring implementation of agreed programmes. “Tanzania continues to take pride in being part of the EAC and remains a committed partner in building a stronger community. It will continue to advocate for the implementation of all agreements reached,” he said. The speakers also agreed to hold a special meeting in Nairobi on October 29 to address outstanding directives concerning elections and the remuneration system for members of the Sixth EALA, whose term is expected to begin in December 2027. The meeting will be preceded by a session of parliamentary clerks and secretaries-general on October 27 and 28.