Rwanda and Tanzania Join Hands to Enhance Connectivity and Boost Regional Integration

On 3 May 2026, Rwandan President Paul Kagame was in Tanzania for a single-day state visit. The main agenda on the bilateral agenda with Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu was to advance regional integration within the East African Community (EAC).

The EAC has set itself a lofty target to augment intra-regional trade from less than 15% to 40% by 2030. In absolute terms, trade within EAC has grown from USD 10 billion in 2021 to over USD 15 billion in 2025, but the figure is relatively low compared to other blocs around the world.

Low #connectivity and high logistical costs have been identified as a key constraint to regional integration and economic growth. Thus, efforts are being directed to extend the rail network and to expand airline flights in the region.

The issue is particularly acute for Rwanda, which is a small landlocked country. Actually, 70% of international trade goes through the port of Dar es Salaam in Tanzania. In particular, the two countries are examining the development of the #CentralCorridor into a regional trade and economic artery.