Stephen Mbundi EAC Secretary General appointment marks a crucial leadership transition for the East African Community as the regional bloc confronts financial pressure and institutional challenges. The Tanzanian diplomat assumes the role at a time when the EAC faces mounting questions about sustainability, discipline among member states, and progress toward deeper political and economic integration.
The appointment followed a summit of EAC heads of state held in Arusha. Leaders selected Mbundi to succeed Kenya’s Veronica Nduva, who previously served as the bloc’s top administrator. By choosing a diplomat already deeply involved in regional integration matters, the leaders signaled a preference for continuity as the organisation navigates a difficult period.
The Stephen Mbundi EAC Secretary General leadership transition comes as the regional bloc expands its membership and responsibilities. At the same time, the EAC must address structural issues that have slowed progress toward its long-standing integration agenda.
Mbundi, who is 57 years old, has accumulated significant experience working within Tanzania’s regional diplomacy structures. In September 2023, President Samia Suluhu Hassan appointed him as one of two permanent secretaries in Tanzania’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation.
In that role, he oversaw Tanzania’s engagement with the East African Community. He coordinated the country’s interactions with regional institutions and helped shape policy discussions around economic and political cooperation.
Although Tanzania also belongs to the Southern African Development Community, the EAC remains the only regional bloc supervised by a dedicated permanent secretary within the ministry. Because of this structure, Mbundi frequently represented Tanzania in high-level regional meetings.
He regularly participated in consultations, negotiations, and preparatory sessions ahead of EAC heads of state summits. Consequently, the Stephen Mbundi EAC Secretary General appointment elevates a figure already familiar with the bloc’s internal processes and diplomatic environment.
This familiarity played a key role in the decision to appoint him. Rather than selecting an outsider, regional leaders chose someone with direct knowledge of the organisation’s challenges and operations.
Mbundi was born in Dar es Salaam on August 12, 1968. He studied economics at the University of Dar es Salaam, where he earned a bachelor’s degree. Later, he pursued a master’s degree in economic policy management at Makerere University in Uganda.
His academic background reflects the economic focus that dominates much of the EAC’s policy agenda. Regional leaders continue to prioritise trade integration, infrastructure development, and economic cooperation among member states.
Mbundi joined Tanzania’s civil service and diplomatic corps in the early 1990s. Over the years, he served in several senior roles within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Among his positions, he worked as acting director of the department of political, defence and security affairs. This role allowed him to engage with regional security issues that often intersect with economic integration efforts.
In 2019, the late Tanzanian president John Magufuli elevated Mbundi to ambassadorial rank. Despite this recognition, he did not receive a foreign diplomatic posting.
Instead, he remained largely behind the scenes within the ministry. His work focused on policy coordination and diplomatic engagement rather than public diplomacy.
The Stephen Mbundi EAC Secretary General role now places him at the center of regional decision-making. His five-year term will run until 2031, giving him significant time to influence the bloc’s policy direction.
However, his tenure begins amid considerable challenges. One of the most pressing issues involves the financial sustainability of the East African Community.
Several member states have repeatedly delayed their annual contributions to the organisation’s budget. These delays create funding shortages that affect the EAC Secretariat’s ability to implement programmes and initiatives.
Mbundi acknowledged these financial pressures during previous public statements while serving as Tanzania’s permanent secretary. He emphasised the need for member states to strengthen institutional discipline and financial commitments.
The Stephen Mbundi EAC Secretary General leadership will also face the complex task of reducing trade barriers within the region.
Although the EAC adopted the Common Market Protocol to facilitate free movement of goods, services, and labour, many tariff and non-tariff barriers still exist. These barriers continue to slow trade among member states.
Regional businesses frequently complain about administrative restrictions, inconsistent regulations, and border delays. As a result, companies often struggle to benefit fully from the EAC’s integrated market.
Mbundi previously addressed these concerns during a meeting between Veronica Nduva and Tanzanian business leaders in Dar es Salaam. During that discussion, he called for a frank assessment of policies that hinder trade across the region.
He emphasised that the East African Community represents a significant economic market. With more than 300 million people, the bloc offers major opportunities for regional trade and investment.
However, protectionist policies sometimes allow external competitors to gain advantages over regional companies. When member states restrict imports and exports from each other, businesses naturally turn to alternative markets.
Mbundi also highlighted another important issue affecting regional trade. Many non-tariff barriers originate from business practices rather than government policies.
In his view, companies sometimes create informal barriers that disrupt cross-border commerce. These practices complicate the broader goal of building a seamless regional market.
Now, as Stephen Mbundi EAC Secretary General, he must balance the interests of governments and private sector stakeholders. Achieving this balance will prove critical for reducing tensions and strengthening regional cooperation.
His leadership will also unfold against a backdrop of political and security challenges within parts of the region. Economic disparities, diplomatic disagreements, and security tensions among some member states continue to influence EAC policymaking.
Observers across East Africa will therefore watch Mbundi’s tenure closely. His ability to restore momentum toward deeper regional integration will determine whether the East African Community can move beyond its current difficulties and advance its long-term vision of economic and political unity.
