What are the recommendations about the role of East African Community in fostering economic development of member states with emphasis to South Sudan?

1. Strengthening regional integration: The East African Community (EAC) should continue to work towards deepening regional integration among its member states, including South Sudan. This can be done through the implementation of common policies and regulations that promote trade, investment, and economic cooperation within the region.

2. Infrastructure development: The EAC should prioritize infrastructure development in South Sudan, including roads, railways, ports, and energy infrastructure. This will help to improve connectivity within the region and facilitate trade and investment.

3. Capacity building: The EAC should support capacity building initiatives in South Sudan to enhance the skills and capabilities of its workforce. This can include training programs, technical assistance, and knowledge sharing activities.

4. Promoting trade and investment: The EAC should work to create a conducive environment for trade and investment in South Sudan by reducing trade barriers, harmonizing regulations, and promoting cross-border investment opportunities.

5. Supporting economic diversification: The EAC should support efforts to diversify South Sudan's economy away from its heavy reliance on oil exports. This can include promoting agriculture, manufacturing, and other sectors that have the potential for growth and job creation.

6. Addressing security challenges: The EAC should work with South Sudan to address security challenges that may be hindering economic development in the country. This can include supporting peacebuilding efforts, conflict resolution initiatives, and security sector reform.

Overall, the EAC has a crucial role to play in fostering economic development in South Sudan and other member states. By promoting regional integration, infrastructure development, capacity building, trade and investment, economic diversification, and addressing security challenges, the EAC can help to unlock the economic potential of South Sudan and contribute to the overall prosperity of the region.

Recommendations for the Role of the East African Community (EAC) in Fostering Economic Development of Member States with Emphasis on South Sudan

1. Promote Regional Integration:

- Implement the EAC Common Market Protocol to facilitate free movement of goods, services, labor, and capital across borders.
- Establish border infrastructure, harmonize customs procedures, and reduce trade barriers to enhance economic activity within the region.
- Integrate South Sudan into EAC trade and investment frameworks, creating a larger market for its businesses.

2. Enhance Infrastructure Development:

- Invest in cross-border transportation networks, energy infrastructure, and communication systems to connect South Sudan with neighboring countries.
- Facilitate the construction of roads, railways, and pipelines to improve access to markets, reduce transportation costs, and attract foreign investment.
- Provide technical assistance and support to South Sudan in developing its own infrastructure capacity.

3. Foster Investment and Business Linkages:

- Promote joint ventures, partnerships, and investments between businesses in South Sudan and other EAC members.
- Create a conducive investment climate by harmonizing regulations, protecting intellectual property, and ensuring access to credit.
- Encourage the transfer of technology and capacity building to enhance the competitiveness of South Sudanese businesses.

4. Promote Regional Specialization and Value Chains:

- Identify and develop comparative advantages within the EAC, and encourage South Sudan to specialize in areas where it has potential.
- Promote the integration of South Sudan into regional value chains, creating employment opportunities and generating income.
- Support initiatives to enhance the value addition of South Sudan's raw materials through processing and manufacturing.

5. Address Non-Tariff Barriers:

- Eliminate technical barriers to trade, such as differing product standards and certification requirements.
- Streamline customs procedures and reduce delays at border crossings to facilitate trade.
- Address non-physical barriers, such as corruption and bureaucratic inefficiencies, to improve the ease of doing business in the region.

6. Enhance Human Capital Development:

- Invest in education, vocational training, and skill development to provide South Sudan with a skilled labor force.
- Promote cross-border education and training programs to facilitate the movement of skilled workers within the EAC.
- Support capacity building initiatives to strengthen institutional capacity in South Sudan's public and private sectors.

7. Create a Conducive Policy Environment:

- Harmonize macroeconomic policies and coordinate fiscal and monetary measures to promote regional economic stability.
- Promote good governance, transparency, and accountability to create a favorable investment climate.
- Reduce corruption and red tape to streamline business operations and attract foreign investment.

8. Enhance Regional Cooperation and Peacebuilding:

- Strengthen diplomatic and political ties among EAC member states to maintain regional peace and security.
- Facilitate cross-border dialogue and reconciliation efforts to address conflict and promote stability in South Sudan.
- Provide humanitarian assistance and support to address the needs of refugees and internally displaced persons.