Welcome to IUCEA

Vision:  IUCEA becomes an exemplary common higher education area for a prosperous and sustainable East African Community by 2030.

Mission: To encourage and develop mutually beneficial collaboration between Member Universities and between them and Governments and other organizations, both public and private

IUCEA Core Values:  Accountability, Transparency, Unity, Diversity, Integrity, Professionalism and Teamwork

IUCEA executive members visiting IUCEA premise

Inaugural East African Community Academic and Research Network for Regional Integration Conference Opens in Arusha, United Republic of Tanzania

26th June, Arusha, Tanzania – The first East African Community Academic and Research Network for Regional Integration (EACARNRI) conference is currently underway in Arusha, Tanzania. This landmark event, organized by the Inter-University Council for East Africa (IUCEA) in collaboration with the East African Community Academic Research Network for Regional Integration and the Jean Monnet Centre of Excellence, brings together scholars and experts from East African Community Partner States to engage in critical discussions about their contribution to the EAC regional integration.

The conference will cover essential topics related to the core pillars of the East African Community, including the Customs Union, Common Market, Monetary Union, and the ultimate Political Federation. With a theme focused on “The Role of Academics and Researchers in East African Community Integration,” the event aims to leverage the collective knowledge of leading academics and researchers to enhance understanding and their contribution to the EAC integration process.

The significance of this conference cannot be overstated. As the region faces various socio-economic challenges, the insights provided by researchers and academics are invaluable. Scholars will present evidence-based solutions that can profoundly influence policy reforms, decisions and expedite the integration process. This engagement is particularly important, as the academic community’s voice has historically been underrepresented in discussions about regional integration.

“The East African Community Academic and Research Network for Regional Integration represents a transformative step towards integrating academic expertise into the EAC framework,” said Prof. Gaspard Banyankimbona, Executive Secretary of IUCEA. “Our goal is to leverage the knowledge of scholars to support the socio-economic development of the region through collaborative research and skill development.”

This conference comes at a crucial time when EAC stakeholders are taking stock and reflecting on the milestones achieved on the EAC regional integration and determining the best path forward in enhancing the regional integration. “Through EACARNRI, we are closely examining our performance in areas such as trade, the common market, movement of people, goods and services, financial matters, and ultimately, political unity,” stated Prof. Banyankimbona.

The role of academics and researchers is crucial as emphasised that the mission of  EACARNRI is to broaden expertise, opinions, consultations, and academic knowledge in economic, political, social, and cultural matters in order to facilitate the realization of a full customs union, common market, monetary union, and political integration in the East African region, as noted by Vice President Prof. Solomon Muchwa Asiimwe.

In conclusion, the EACARNRI conference is not just an academic gathering; it is a vital call to action for scholars and researchers to play a pivotal role in the EAC’s journey towards the regional integration process.

For more information, please contact:

Gai P. Manyuon 

Corporate Communications and Public Relations Officer 

Inter-University Council for East Africa (IUCEA) 

Email: gmanyuon@iucea.org 

Mobile: +256-700421986

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