How can professionals in EAC benefit from integration?

The Democratic Republic of Congo's recent entry into the East African Community (EAC) has sparked conversations about the potential for increased integration and economic opportunities in the region. However, historical challenges in the integration process have made it a bumpy ride, especially for professionals. To shed light on this topic, CNBC Africa spoke with Stephen Asiimwe, the Executive Director of the Private Sector Foundation Uganda. Asiimwe emphasized the importance of recognizing the long journey of the integration process within the EAC, highlighting past collapses and subsequent resurrections of the community. The EAC has evolved from its initial formation involving Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda to now encompassing additional countries like Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan, and the DRC, resulting in a significant expansion in membership and economic scale. While progress has been slower in the realm of professional services compared to trade in goods, Asiimwe noted a marked improvement over time. He underscored the regulatory hurdles that have hindered the growth of professional services but expressed optimism about the positive developments witnessed thus far. As the integration process continues, Asiimwe called for a greater role for the private sector in shaping discussions and decisions within the EAC. He stressed that aligning business interests with political agendas is crucial for sustainable growth and emphasized the need for business voices to be heard at the same level as political voices in the integration discourse. Asiimwe cited examples from the past where business community-driven initiatives have led to positive changes such as the removal of border restrictions and the facilitation of free movement of goods and services. Looking ahead, Asiimwe urged for a shift towards market dynamics dictating decisions rather than political influences, advocating for increased collaboration and dialogue among EAC member states to enhance intra-regional trade. With the recent operationalization of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), Asiimwe highlighted the importance of internal cohesion within the EAC to leverage the larger market opportunities offered by AfCFTA. He emphasized that by strengthening regional partnerships and addressing infrastructural gaps, East African nations can optimize trade relations and reduce reliance on external markets. Asiimwe called for increased awareness, proactive engagement, and strategic planning to harness the full potential of intra-African trade. He urged for a collective effort to prioritize local content and enhance regional cooperation for mutual economic growth and development. The integration of the DRC into the EAC presents a significant opportunity to foster closer ties within the region and unlock new avenues for collaboration and trade. By aligning market forces with political decisions and empowering the private sector to drive discussions, East Africa can move towards a more integrated and prosperous future.