The East African Federation (EAF), or Shirikisho la Afrika Mashariki in Swahili, represents a vision of unity for the African Great Lakes region, encompassing eight member states of the East African Community (EAC): Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Kenya, Rwanda, Somalia, South Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda. This proposed federal sovereign state has been in discussion since the early 1960s, with gradual progress toward integration despite numerous challenges.
Overview of the East African Federation
The EAF aspires to become a unified political and economic entity that could reshape the African continent. With an area of 5.45 million square kilometers, it would surpass India to become the seventh-largest country in the world. The federation’s population, estimated at 343 million as of 2024, would make it the most populous country in Africa, ranking third globally after India and China.
- Proposed Capital: Arusha, Tanzania, currently the headquarters of the EAC, is suggested as the capital of the federation due to its strategic location near the Kenyan border.
- Lingua Franca: Swahili, already widely spoken across the region, has been proposed as the official language to foster unity.
- Urbanization: Only 22% of the population resides in urban areas, reflecting the largely rural nature of the region.
The federation’s economy, with a projected GDP (PPP) of $1.03 trillion, would rank as the third-largest in Africa after Nigeria and Egypt, despite a modest GDP per capita of approximately $2,991. Plans for a monetary union have been delayed until 2031, with the establishment of the East African Monetary Institute (EAMI) underway.
A Vision for Integration
Steps Toward Federation
Progress toward the EAF has been slow but steady:
- Customs Union (2005): Free trade within the region was introduced to promote economic integration.
- Common Market (2010): Facilitated free movement of goods, services, and labor.
- Monetary Union (2031): Planned as the next major step, leading to a shared currency.
- East African Confederation: Proposed as an intermediate step toward full political unification.
Drafting a Constitution
Efforts to draft a constitution resumed in May 2023 after delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and the accession of new members like the DRC and Somalia. Consultations have been held with stakeholders in various member states to ensure inclusivity.
Historical Context
Colonial Era Roots
The idea of East African unity dates back to the 1920s, when British Colonial Secretary Leo Amery proposed a white-dominated federation of Kenya, Uganda, and Tanganyika. This plan faced strong opposition from nonwhite populations and the international community.
The 1960s: A Missed Opportunity
In the early 1960s, as Kenya, Tanganyika, Uganda, and Zanzibar gained independence, their leaders—Jomo Kenyatta, Julius Nyerere, and Milton Obote—explored the possibility of forming a federation. However, political differences and national priorities hindered progress. The only union that emerged was between Tanganyika and Zanzibar, forming Tanzania in 1964.
Renewed Efforts in the 21st Century
The 2010s saw renewed discussions on federation, with South Sudan joining the EAC in 2016 and the DRC in 2022. Despite political and logistical hurdles, leaders like Uganda’s Yoweri Museveni have championed the vision of a unified East Africa, citing economic and security benefits.
Geography and Resources
Spanning from the Indian Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean, the EAF boasts abundant natural resources:
- Freshwater Lakes: Lake Victoria, the world’s second-largest freshwater lake, and Lake Tanganyika, the third-largest, provide vital water resources.
- Mineral Wealth: The DRC is a global leader in cobalt and copper production, with significant reserves in the Copperbelt region.
- Volcanic Activity: The federation would include prominent volcanoes like Mount Kilimanjaro, Mount Kenya, and Mount Nyiragongo.
Leadership and Governance
The EAC is governed by various institutions, including:
- Summit of Heads of State: Currently chaired by William Ruto, President of Kenya.
- Council of Ministers: Oversees policy implementation.
- Secretariat: Led by Secretary-General Veronica Nduva since June 2024.
These bodies aim to harmonize policies across member states, addressing issues like trade, security, and infrastructure development.
Economic Potential
The EAF holds immense economic promise:
- Unified Market: A single market with harmonized fiscal policies would attract multinational corporations and reduce operating costs.
- Youth Workforce: With 65% of the population under 30, the region has a burgeoning labor force that could drive innovation and growth.
- Trade Opportunities: Free movement of goods and services within the federation would boost regional trade.
Challenges to Federation
Despite its potential, the EAF faces significant hurdles:
Political and Governance Issues
- Varied Political Systems: Member states range from democracies like Kenya to authoritarian regimes like Rwanda, complicating governance.
- Corruption: Issues like voter suppression and media censorship could undermine efforts to establish a fair and transparent federal government.
Economic Disparities
- Income Inequality: GDP varies widely among member states, with Burundi’s GDP at $3 billion compared to Kenya’s $115 billion.
- Integration Costs: Countries like South Sudan have struggled to meet EAC standards, delaying full participation.
Ethnic and Linguistic Diversity
While Swahili serves as a unifying language, the region’s vast ethnolinguistic diversity poses challenges to cultural integration.
Public Awareness and Support
Surveys indicate low public awareness of federation plans:
- In Tanzania, only 45% of respondents were familiar with the concept.
- In Kenya, support for federalization stood at 44% as of 2021.
The Path Forward
Proponents of the EAF emphasize the need for gradual integration:
- Public Education: Raising awareness about the benefits of federation is crucial.
- Institutional Strengthening: Building robust institutions will ensure smooth governance.
- Economic Harmonization: Addressing disparities among member states will foster trust and cooperation.
Conclusion
The East African Federation represents a bold vision of unity, economic prosperity, and political stability for the region. While significant challenges remain, the potential benefits of a unified East Africa far outweigh the obstacles. By fostering collaboration and addressing disparities, the EAF could become a model of regional integration, paving the way for a brighter future for the African Great Lakes region.
