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The ITTLS Cluster has proposed recommendations to speed up EAC directives for regional development, with final updates expected by September 2024 before the 15th Summit. Partner States, led by Rwanda, will reconstitute their focal points and review tourism collaboration efforts. At the NCIPs meetings in Kigali, progress under the Single Customs Territory (SCT) Framework was reported, including the deployment of the transit module and electronic exchanges of Certificates of Origin among Uganda, Rwanda, and Kenya.

The Immigration, Tourism, Trade, Labour, and Services (ITTLS) Cluster has put forth key recommendations to expedite the implementation of directives from the East African Community (EAC), aiming to boost regional development.

A follow-up meeting in September 2024 will finalize these updates before the 15th Summit. Partner States, coordinated by Rwanda, will reconstitute their ITTLS Cluster focal points by September 2024. Efforts to enhance tourism collaboration will be reviewed and activated through key platforms.

Day two of the Northern Corridor Integration Projects (NCIPs) meetings at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Kigali marked a pivotal moment in executing the directives from the 14th NCIPs Heads of State Summit.

Under the Single Customs Territory (SCT) Framework, significant progress was reported. The transit module is ready for deployment, pending final integration. Uganda and Rwanda have begun the electronic exchange of Certificates of Origin, with Kenya close to completion. Customs scanner image sharing between Kenya and Uganda is operational, and other Partner States are working towards this capability.

The development of the EAC Bond Scheme is on track, with pilot operations expected by August 2024. Uganda customs agents now access the Kenya Revenue Authority’s system, and Rwanda’s agents will soon receive training and access.

Uganda’s head of delegation, Ambassador Richard Kabonero, who is also the national coordinator for the Northern Corridor Integrated Project, expressed satisfaction with the progress reports from Partner States and Uganda’s own advancements.

He remarked, “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is spearheading these transformative regional initiatives, ensuring the effective implementation of the Northern Corridor Integration Projects.

Our strategic leadership and collaborative efforts are vital for enhancing regional connectivity, economic growth, and shared prosperity. Uganda remains committed to fostering a unified and prosperous region and looks forward to continued progress and collaboration with our Partner States.”