MOMBASA — The 19th Meeting of the East African Community (EAC) Sectoral Council on Transport, Communications and Meteorology kicked off in Mombasa, Kenya, with liberalization of upper airspace and reduced air fares topping the agenda.
EAC Deputy Secretary General Andrea Aguer Ariik Malueth emphasized the significance of seamless airspace, citing completion of Phase One, enabling inter-operability of air navigation systems.
Partner States agreed to operationalize EAC Upper Airspace Seamless operations, allowing nationally registered carriers to operate freely within the region.
The meeting also addressed regional programs and projects in railways, roads, maritime, communications, and meteorology.
Ariik commended progress on airport infrastructure, citing international airports in Hoima, Dodoma, Bugesera, Melchior Ndadaye, Juba, and N’djili.
However, he noted only three countries have joined the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM), urging others to expedite the process.
On maritime transport, Ariik highlighted underutilization of inland waterways, emphasizing the need for investment and improved maritime safety.
The Sectoral Council discussed synergy in resource mobilization for the East African Railways Network and development of an inter-modal transport system.
Ariik welcomed Burundi and Tanzania to the EAC One Network Area, promoting digital economy, and urged countries to support regional digital integration.
He emphasized removing barriers to regional telecoms infrastructure and services, and equipping meteorological services with automatic weather stations.
The meeting runs until October 25, with sessions for senior officials, coordination committees, and ministers.
