East Africa: What are the development benefits of the East African Community?

Since the formal launching of the new East African Community (EAC) in 2001, the pace of integration has been quickening. The process for a free trade area and customs union between Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania began in January 2005, and negotiations to establish a common market between these three countries, with the addition of Rwanda and Burundi, have also been initiated. Political federation is also on the cards.