Another Glimmer of Hope

Precisely 3 weeks ago, we sat opposite a cabinet minister of an East African nation. When the subject of regional integration was broached, the Honorable scoffed at Tanzania, one of the 5 countries in the East African Community. Like everyone knows, the largest country in this part of the world has been torn between its allegiance to the East African Community (EAC), and to the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC). But it seems as though Tanzania’s biggest issues are not necessarily that it cannot balance between its biggest trading partners – East Africa – and its second biggest – Southern Africa.

No. The issues probably come right down to largesse and certain bureaucratic inertia.

For instance, this minister indicated, whenever East African Community meetings are called, Tanzania sends a huge delegation of political appointees and their entourages – while the other countries are more lithe than anything else. Rwanda, for example, sends their most relevant minister and one or two trade policy specialists as part of any retinue. In the end, while this small country is able to achieve so much more, Tanzania it seems, is drowning in its own red tape (and probably, red ink as well). Ultimately, we found out that in the thick of things, it is easy for countries to suggest that others are conspiring against them if there is not enough information or trust between partners.

But the time is nigh, and we mustn’t let elements of institutional malaise doom an important milestone in Africa’s progress. Many businesses and people are banking on the East African Community to work. In fact, if you read between the lines, the Tripartite of the EAC, the Common Market of Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) and SADC is, clearly, at its preconditions for take-off stage. And again, Tanzania, which pulled out of COMESA in 2004, could actually make things a little easier on the rest of the countries by doing a little more. Fortunately, with recent events, and with the success of things in Bali, this could be another opportunity gained.

And although a series of adjectives could be used to describe the difficulty of East African Community negotiations, we shall exercise restraint – especially because a few days after our discussion with the Minister, and after a recent call-for-attention editorial from no less than Tanzania’s President, Jakaya Kikwete appeared in East Africa’s press, his country – albeit grudgingly – came to the table and acceded to whatever plans were on hand to move forward. Everyone celebrated.

In extrapolation, the World Trade Organization is, too, mired in much malaise. But that has been going on for too long – and people are starting to worry. Michael Froman, the United States Trade Representative, who felt that this December’s Bali Conference would doom the WTO now have renewed vigor. This kind of thing probably spurred action on trade facilitation and all those duty-free-quota-free aspects around agriculture. Perchance, an inconsequential Marc Maron was right: We do need the people of Indonesia to make the magic that might just manufacture our freedom of choice when it comes to trade issues. Or maybe, human beings must be pushed and actually shoved to move.

The above notwithstanding, Africa, as a whole, stands at a turning point – and is well on its way to what African Development Bank President, Donald Kaberuka refers to as a ‘tipping point.’ If the continent does not integrate faster, it will be left further behind by global chains and distribution networks. U.S. President Barack Obama will host African heads of state at a summit sometime next year. How much more publicity does Africa need? Integrate already and speak with one voice – even if that voice is Tanzanian kiSwahili.

The Habari Network Editorial Board

December 7, 2013