By Doreen Ampofo
Secretary General of the East Africa Community (EAC), Veronica Nduva, has urged African Leaders to show political will in addressing challenges that face citizens on the continent. According to her, the various regional blocs on the continent must assess priorities set out in their set targets, commit to them, and take actionable steps as sovereign countries to achieve results.
Madam Nduva, who is the first female Secretary General of the East Africa bloc, was speaking to journalists on the sidelines of the 6th Mid-year Coordination meeting of the African Union happening in Accra from July 18 to 21, 2024.
The East African Community has been cited for several achievements despite its establishment barely 25 years ago. The EAC was established in 2000 after an earlier one was dissolved in 1977. The community, made up of eight countries, has established a Single Customs Territory which has reduced the time of transporting goods from 21 to seven days, while the cost has also been reduced by more than half. It has also removed visa and work permit fees for East Africans, has one common East African Electronic Passport and one Network Area (ONA) for both calls and data, which has ensured the removal of roaming charges in the region. These are feats ECOWAS and other African regional blocs have barely achieved despite being decades older than the EAC. Madam Nduva said making any significant progress will require political will from leaders.
According to Madam Nduva, “the glue that holds us together is the political will of our leaders and head of states who sit in the summits. They are the vision bearers to form a partnership and a community that is very closely knit together.”
She said a major advantage the EAC has enjoyed is the political will from its leader, adding that the Community is willing to share its knowledge with other regional blocs to emulate. She explained that the EAC has shown that where there is a will, there is a way.
“We have leaders who are committed to the cause, who lead by example, who participate in the meetings and offer strategic and very clear policy guidelines, and then it cascades down to the other structures of the community. I believe that is the strongest reason why the East African Community continues to shine,” she indicated.
Madam Veronica Nduva, who is the first female Secretary General of the East Africa Community, advised girls to strive to be at the top.
“You must strive to be at the table, because if you are not at the table, then you are probably on the menu. You must really strive to ensure that you are not shy to go for it. I always say, try, try and try again. You just never know what could happen,” she noted.
Madam Nduva highlighted the need for mentorship as well as staying focused on academic excellence and sharpening career skills. These must, however, be done while striking a balance between being professionals, mothers, wives, and daughters.
She said, “learn how to balance. I’m a mother, I’m a daughter, and I’m a professional. When I’m at work, I’m a professional, when I’m at home, I’m a mother and wife; and when I visit my parents, I’m a daughter. So, it’s the ability and agility to be who you are where you can be.”
Madam Veronica Nduva was sworn into office on Friday, June 7, 2024. Her priorities include strengthening economic integration that encourages innovation, entrepreneurship, and job creation, as well as empowering women and youth.
