Regional Bloc EAC’s New Secretary General Vows to Strengthen Economic Integration

DAR ES SALAAM, Xinhua: Veronica Mueni Nduva, the newly appointed secretary general of the East African Community (EAC), a regional bloc, said that her priorities would include strengthening economic integration that encourages innovation, entrepreneurship, and job creation in addition to peace and security.

A statement by the EAC headquarters in Tanzania’s northern city of Arusha Saturday said Nduva stated her priorities shortly after she was sworn in during the 23rd extraordinary meeting of the EAC heads of state Friday.

In a Sunday interview with Xinhua, she said that her tenure will be dedicated to promoting deeper integration and development of the people of East Africa.

Nduva, EAC’s first woman secretary general, said advanced social development will also be a priority for her, with special attention being given to empowering women and youth, who are the backbone of society in the region.

Nduva replaced Peter Mathuki, who was recalled by the Kenyan government in March 2024 and redeployed as the country’s ambassador to Russia.

The EAC is an intergovernmental organization composed of eight countries, namely the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Somalia, Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Uganda, and Tanzania.