Tanzania’s Samia Suluhu Hassan can reinvigorate the EAC

The presidency of Tanzania’s Samia Suluhu Hassan (pictured) presents an exciting opportunity to reinvigorate the East African Community (EAC). With a population of more than 180 million people, EAC has enormous economic potential. It is also arguably Africa’s most advanced regional economic bloc, with a well-institutionalised secretariat in Arusha, complete with legislative and judicial arms. Were it to be firing on all cylinders the EAC would be Africa’s most important economic bloc. The lull in activity due to COVID-19 presents an opportunity to rethink the bloc’s future, especially in light of the leadership transition in Tanzania. A synchronised regional agenda for post-COVID recovery has the potential to boost economic output at a much faster pace than if individual countries went their own way.