The East African Community (EAC) has taken another step toward strengthening regional integration by directing its Secretariat to finalize the East African Community Railways Interoperability Bill, a proposed law designed to create a harmonized legal and technical framework for railway operations across member states. According to the EAC, the legislation is intended to improve cross-border rail transport by ensuring that national railway systems operate more efficiently together, lowering transportation costs, reducing delays at border crossings, and supporting the movement of large volumes of cargo throughout the region. The initiative forms part of the Community’s broader vision of promoting seamless trade, improving infrastructure, and accelerating economic growth among Partner States. In an official statement, the EAC said the proposed legislation is intended to “advance regional connectivity and infrastructure” through harmonized railway operations that support efficient regional trade and integration.
Once adopted, the Railways Interoperability Bill is expected to establish common technical standards for railway infrastructure and operations, including compatibility between rail systems, signaling, safety requirements, and track specifications. These measures are intended to enable trains to move across national borders with fewer operational interruptions, minimizing the need to transfer cargo between different rail networks and reducing administrative procedures that often increase transport costs. The EAC Secretariat has emphasized that the initiative will create a more integrated railway network capable of supporting regional commerce while reducing the cost and time associated with moving goods across borders.
Progress is also continuing along the Northern Corridor, where Partner States are advancing several strategic infrastructure projects aimed at improving regional logistics. These include the continued development of Kenya’s Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) Section 2B, upgrades to the Port of Kisumu on Lake Victoria, and railway connections extending into Uganda. These projects are expected to improve the movement of goods between ports, industrial centers, and inland markets while enhancing the efficiency of regional supply chains. Speaking during the 25th Ordinary Summit of the EAC Heads of State, Kenyan President William Ruto, who served as Chairperson of the EAC Summit, highlighted the significance of regional transport investment, stating that “the rail transportation sector has witnessed a remarkable transformation,” adding that continued railway expansion is expected to significantly reduce travel time and freight costs while improving regional competitiveness.
At the same time, significant investments are being made along the Central Corridor, where railway construction is expanding links between Tanzania and Burundi. The corridor is expected to provide improved access to Indian Ocean ports for landlocked countries, including Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, creating additional transport options for regional trade and reducing dependence on road freight. Enhanced rail connectivity is also expected to lower logistics costs, improve the competitiveness of regional exports, and strengthen economic cooperation among EAC Partner States.
In addition to physical infrastructure, the East African Community is advancing several digital integration initiatives designed to facilitate trade and cross-border commerce. The Community is accelerating work on regional mobile roaming regulations to make communication services more affordable for citizens traveling within the region. It is also piloting instant cross-border digital payment systems, including financial integration initiatives involving Tanzania and Rwanda, with the goal of making commercial transactions faster, more secure, and less expensive for businesses and consumers operating across borders.
The EAC has consistently emphasized that integrated transport systems and digital connectivity are central to achieving the objectives of the East African Community Treaty and the region’s long-term development agenda. According to the EAC Secretariat, harmonizing transport policies and technical standards will strengthen regional value chains, encourage investment, improve the movement of people and goods, and promote sustainable economic development throughout East Africa. By combining modern railway infrastructure with digital reforms, the Community aims to create a more competitive, connected, and resilient regional economy capable of supporting long-term growth and deeper integration among its Partner States.
