The East African Community (EAC) is looking to prioritize infrastructure development in the next fiscal year with the aim of spurring intra-EAC trade. In June 2023, the community tabled before the East African Legislative Assembly (Eala) budget estimates totaling $103,842,880 for 2023/2024, out of which 43 percent ($44 million), funded by development partners, will be used on infrastructure projects.

Notably, this year, the EAC has secured funding for road projects connecting Kenya and Tanzania though Lunga Lunga; Tanzania to Burundi through Kasulu; and Kenya to Uganda through the Busia border. It has also prioritized railway, air and water/port transport.

The 2023/2024 budget will focus on nine priority areas, namely: strengthening of regional governance processes, and domestication of regional and international commitments for sustainable peace and stability; increasing sensitization, visibility, knowledge, awareness and participation of the private sector, citizens and other stakeholders in the EAC integration process, and; harmonization of trade related policies, laws and regulations, and streamlining of customs and trade facilitation systems for increased trade and investment.