The EU-EAC CORE Programme has three objectives: i.) Supporting more robust ICT-based data ex- change protocols for the clearing of goods; ii.) Providing new impetus to promoting free movement of services; and iii.) Improving project management and reinforcing the use of internationally accepted standards as per EU Pillars for entrusting third parties with budget implementation tasks

The EU-EAC CORE programme supports the implementation of a Customs Union which is the first Regional Integration milestone and critical foundation of the East African Community (EAC); and Common Market Protocol to enhance the free movement of services from one Partner State to another as well as the rights of establishment .

At the Regional level, the main stakeholders and beneficiaries will be the EAC Secretariat in particular Directorates of Trade, the Directorate of Finance and Administration and Social Sectors, and the East Africa Business Council (EABC) as well as relevant regional associations and regulatory agencies.

At the National/Partner State level, the main stakeholders will be the relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies, including specific services sub-sector regulatory agencies, as well as national private sector associations/professional bodies and service suppliers, including associations focusing on the enhancement of women and youth. Other stakeholders will be relevant research and training institutions including Universities.

The programme focuses on moving the EAC towards a fully-fledged Customs Union by supporting more robust ICT-based data exchange protocols for the clearing of goods as well as integration of related regional customs functions and systems (like risk management and valuation, Regional Electronic Cargo Tracking System, Custom Transit Bonds, Single Window systems etc.), appropriate processes for the involvement of other agencies i.e. standards, health etc. as well as a stronger coordination and monitoring role of the EAC Secretariat.

The programme will seek to improve the implementation of agreed EAC commitments on the liberalisation of services by instituting monitoring mechanisms for the removal of restrictions in prioritised sectors, facilitating regulatory reforms for the removal of restrictions in trade in services and promoting awareness and coordination on the removal of restrictions. During the first two years, the focus will be on the insurance, accounting and distribution sectors. Additional services sectors to be covered will be decided jointly by EAC Secretariat and European Union Delegation in the 2nd year of programme implementation

Under Customs Union

i. Develop and establish regional performance standards for core customs operations, such as selectivity channels, physical inspection effectiveness, and timelines for key clearance processes (e.g., times to clear goods, selection rates for inspection, etc.). This will enhance a harmonized approach to measuring the efficiency of One-Stop Border Post (OSBP) operations and other customs operating areas.
ii. Validation of the developed regional performance standards for core customs operations by Partner States’ OSBP stakeholders.
iii. Development of a legal and regulatory instrument containing alternative dispute/conflict management/resolution arrangements between and among stakeholders and agencies performing border crossing clearance inspections and controls at the OSBPs.
iv. Validation of legal and regulatory instruments containing alternative dispute/conflict management/resolution arrangements for agencies operating at the OSBPs.
v. Building the capacity of EAC and EAC Partner States’ staff on Interconnectivity through training and Certification on Managing Integration Architecture.

Under Trade in Services

i. Development of sector - specific regional regulatory frameworks.
ii. Development of roadmaps for reviewing national laws and regulations and drafting bills.
iii. Building capacity and enhancing cooperation among service sector regulators.
iv. Supporting implementation of Regulations on the Free Movement of Services and Service Suppliers.

Under institutional Support to EAC Secretariat

i. Support the EAC Secretariat in effectively carrying out its Program Management functions regarding the EU-EAC CORE Programme (i.e., results-based monitoring and evaluation, Risk Management framework, Reporting mechanisms, annual Work plans, Programme Governance).
ii. Support the EAC Secretariat in effectively carrying out its programme management functions regarding the EU-EAC CORE Programme.

The overall outcome of The Programme is the enhanced regional integration and development goals of the EAC common market and customs union. This will be realized through several related outcomes.

Through this programme, the EAC Secretariat will develop more efficient administrative processes and systems, leading to improved overall management of regional programmes. Training and development initiatives will equip staff with advanced skills and knowledge, enabling them to manage and implement programmes more effectively. This improved capacity will ensure optimal utilization of resources, leading to both an increase in the quality and quantity of outputs. Additionally, the Secretariat will be better equipped to design and execute long-term strategies, ensuring sustainable regional development.

Under the EU-EAC CORE Programme, Partner States will adopt and implement standardized regulations, facilitating smoother and more efficient regional cooperation. Strengthened oversight mechanisms will ensure that member states adhere to commonly agreed regulations, enhancing legal and procedural consistency across the region. Enhanced training for regulatory authorities will improve their ability to monitor and enforce compliance, ensuring fair and equitable application of rules. This increased compliance will foster a culture of transparency and accountability, promoting trust among member states and stakeholders.

Comprehensive outreach programmes will educate the public and stakeholders about the benefits and opportunities provided by the Common Market Protocols. By engaging the business community, civil society, and government entities through regular consultations, a deeper understanding of the protocols will be fostered. Various media platforms will be used to disseminate information on success stories and best practices from within the region, ensuring widespread awareness and understanding. This will demonstrate tangible benefits and encourage broader participation in the intra-EAC movement of goods, services, capital, and people.

Streamlined regulations and enhanced cooperation will facilitate greater intra-regional trade and investment, boosting economic growth. These coordinated efforts will lead to the development of critical infrastructure projects, such as transport corridors and energy networks, which are essential for economic integration. Improved regulatory frameworks will allow for the freer movement of labour, enhancing employment opportunities and skills transfer across the region. Businesses will benefit from access to a larger, more integrated market, driving competitiveness and innovation. Harmonized economic policies will reduce barriers to trade and investment, fostering a more stable and predictable economic environment.

Stakeholders are engaged through , regular consultations, workshops, conferences, discussion with relevant parliamentary committees, support to advocacy efforts of relevant national Focal Points/Private Sector to push for approval of draft bills and implementation of related regulatory reforms, through development of position papers and policy briefs, having targeted consultations with various legislative organs including the law reform commissions and parliaments etc., Sector Business Membership Organizations (BMOs) and the distribution of informational materials. All perspectives gathered through various engagements are consolidated during regional-level workshops. Policy directions are then reviewed by the Regional Steering Committee, prior to being forwarded to the EAC Policy making Organs which comprises representatives from all EAC Member States.

The EU-EAC CORE Programme focuses on moving towards a fully-fledged Customs Union, by supporting more robust ICT-based data exchange protocols for the clearing of goods as well as integration of related regional customs functions and systems (like risk management and valuation, Regional Electronic Cargo Tracking System, Custom Transit Bonds, Single Window systems etc.), appropriate processes for the involvement of other agencies i.e. standards, health etc. as well as a stronger coordination and monitoring role of the EAC Secretariat.

The programme supports the development of monitoring mechanisms and regulatory reforms for removing restrictions, and promoting the development of monitoring mechanisms of non-conforming measures in trade in services; supports the removal of regulatory restrictions. It also supports regulatory reforms within the EAC Partner States, builds regulatory bodies' capacity to remove restrictions, and promotes private sector awareness and coordination among all stakeholders.

The private sector plays a crucial role in the EU-EAC CORE Programme by engaging with national and regional private sector associations and their respective members who are Small medium Enterprises undertaking trade in the EAC. The programme supports advocacy efforts and increases awareness of the benefits of the Common Market Protocols. Their involvement is vital for ensuring compliance and uptake of the opportunities created by the programme. The private sector contributes to shaping regulatory reforms, participates in capacity-building activities, and provides valuable feedback on the implementation of policies. By actively participating, the private sector helps drive economic integration, fosters a more conducive business environment, and enhances overall programme effectiveness through collaboration and innovation.

These sectors are identified as priority services sectors essential for economic activities, competitiveness, and structural economic transformation within the East African Community (EAC) region. The sectors targeted by the EU-EAC CORE Programme include: business services, distribution services, financial services, education services, communication services, tourism services and transportation services.

The EU-EAC CORE Programme is designed to help businesses navigate the regional market more effectively, enhance their operational efficiency, and support their growth and development in a competitive regional and global market. By participating in this programme, businesses can benefit in several key ways.
i. Increased Market Access: The programme promotes trade liberalisation in services, reducing barriers and restrictions, thereby providing businesses greater access to markets across the East African Community (EAC).
ii. Regulatory Clarity: The programme helps businesses understand and comply with regional regulatory requirements by developing and disseminating business guides on regulations and conducting sensitization workshops, reducing compliance costs and legal uncertainties.
iii. Capacity Building: Businesses can participate in capacity-building activities and training workshops organized under the programme. These activities enhance their knowledge and skills, making them more competitive and efficient.
iv. Networking Opportunities: The programme facilitates conferences, workshops, and other events where businesses can network with regulatory authorities, other businesses, and stakeholders, fostering collaborations and partnerships.
v. Support for Innovation: The programme encourages innovation and the development of new business models, products, and services within the EAC region by promoting regulatory reforms and removing restrictions.
vi. Improved Business Environment: The programme aims to create a more conducive business environment by addressing regulatory and administrative barriers, which can help businesses operate more smoothly and efficiently.
vii. Enhanced Competitiveness: Through professional development and training opportunities, businesses can improve their competitiveness both within the region and globally.
viii. Awareness and Advocacy: The programme increases awareness of the benefits of regional integration and the Common Market Protocols, helping businesses advocate for policies that support their growth and development.
ix. Data and Insights: Businesses benefit from collecting and analysing trade in services data, which provides valuable insights into market trends, opportunities, and challenges.
x. Support for Specific Sectors: Targeted support for priority sectors such as insurance, distribution, and accounting services helps businesses in these sectors overcome specific challenges and leverage new opportunities.
xi. Integration with Port Authority Systems: Integrating Regional Custom Interconnectivity Integration Solution (RCIIS) with Port Authority Systems will facilitate a more coordinated and efficient handling of cargo at ports.
xii. Regional Customs Valuation and Risk Management Systems: By incorporating Regional Customs Valuation and Risk Management Systems into the RCIIS, EAC Partner States can ensure a more standardized and consistent approach to customs valuation and risk assessment.
xiii. Electronic Cargo Tracking System: The integration of an Electronic Cargo Tracking System within the RCIIS will provide real-time visibility and monitoring of cargo movements across borders. This system will enhance the security of goods in transit by reducing the risk of theft and diversion.
xiv. Transit Bond Management: Incorporating Transit Bond Management into the RCIIS will streamline the handling of transit bonds, which are financial guarantees required for the movement of goods across borders.
xv. One Stop Border Post Systems: Integrating One Stop Border Post (OSBP) Systems into the RCIIS will significantly improve the efficiency of border crossings by consolidating the activities of multiple border agencies into a single location. This integration will reduce duplication of efforts, streamline inspection and clearance processes, and shorten the time required for border crossing.
xvi. Electronic Single Window: The inclusion of an Electronic Single Window system within the RCIIS will centralize the submission and processing of trade-related documents. Traders will be able to submit all required information through a single electronic portal, simplifying compliance with various regulatory requirements.
xvii. Regional Authorised Economic Operator Solution: Implementing a Regional Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) Solution within the RCIIS will recognize and reward compliant and secure traders with simplified customs procedures and reduced inspections. This integration will promote a trusted trader program, encouraging businesses to adhere to best practices in supply chain security and compliance.

The programme will develop sector-specific regional regulatory frameworks, support reviewing national laws and regulations, and draft bills to align them with the EAC Common Market Protocols. It will also promote regulatory audits and the drafting of legal texts to support these reforms. As highlighted in the 2020 EAC Common Market Scorecard (CMS), EAC Partner States’ progress in implementing their service commitments under the CMP remains slow. In some instances, new restrictions that affect trade in EAC have been introduced. Moreover, efforts to deepen service integration by adopting service regulations under the CMP, reducing restrictions, in-laws and regulations, and undertaking other forms of procedural and business environment obstacles across a range of service sectors continue to impede services and service suppliers from easily operating across regional borders.

The primary role of the Technical Assistance Team (TAT) in the EU-EAC CORE Programme includes the following responsibilities:
i. Ensuring Compliance with EU Procedures: The TAT is responsible for overseeing the programme's implementation to ensure that all activities are strictly adhered to EU procedures and regulations. This includes monitoring programme activities, providing guidance on regulatory compliance, and ensuring that all financial and administrative processes meet EU standards.
ii. Facilitating Stakeholder Collaboration: The TAT plays a crucial role in fostering effective collaboration between the European Union (EU) and the East African Community (EAC). This involves coordinating with various stakeholders to ensure that the programme's objectives align with the strategic priorities of the EU and the EAC. The team facilitates communication, builds partnerships, and promotes synergy among different entities involved in the programme.
iii. Capacity Building and Technical Support: The TAT provides technical expertise and support to enhance the capacity of EAC institutions. This includes conducting training sessions, workshops, and seminars to build skills and knowledge in key areas relevant to the programme. The team also offers ongoing technical assistance to ensure EAC partners can implement and sustain programme activities effectively.
iv. Monitoring and Evaluation: The TAT is responsible for developing and implementing robust monitoring and evaluation frameworks to assess the progress and impact of the programme. This involves collecting and analysing data, producing regular reports, and making recommendations for improvements. The goal is to ensure that the programme achieves its intended outcomes and delivers measurable benefits to the EAC region.
v. Advising on Policy and Strategy: The TAT provides strategic advice and policy recommendations to both the EU and EAC authorities on the programme. This includes identifying emerging issues, proposing solutions, and supporting the development of policies that enhance the effectiveness and sustainability of the programme through both the technical committee and the regional steering committee of the programme.
vi. Promoting Communication and Visibility: The TAT ensures that the programme's activities and achievements are effectively communicated to a broad audience. This involves developing communication strategies, producing informational materials, and managing the programme's online presence, including its website and social media platforms.
vii. Implementing ICT-Based Customs Solutions. The TAT is responsible for developing and implementing various activities outlined in the programme to deliver on its objectives. This includes conducting consultations, implementing ICT-based custom solutions, and organizing sensitisation and capacity building workshops.