Too far, too wide? Assessing the expansion of the East African Community

ISS

Published on 04 June 2025 in Research / East Africa Report

Nicodemus Minde
Researcher, East Africa Peace and Security Governance, ISS Nairobi

Too far, too wide? Assessing the expansion of the East African Community

The EAC’s expansion raises critical questions about the bloc’s capacity to absorb new member states effectively.

The expansion of the East African Community (EAC) presents opportunities and challenges for the bloc and its member states. Countries are motivated to join by geopolitical, economic and security considerations, as well as foreign policy factors. These reflect both the strategic interests of applying countries and the EAC’s regional integration goals. To maximise benefits and reduce risks, expansion must be navigated strategically.

About the author

Nicodemus Minde is a Researcher in the Institute for Security Studies’ East Africa Peace and Security Governance project in Nairobi.

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Development partners

This report is funded by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA). The ISS is also grateful for support from the members of the ISS Partnership Forum: the Hanns Seidel Foundation, the European Union, the Open Society Foundations and the governments of Denmark, Ireland, the Netherlands, Norway and Sweden.