EAC Higher Education ministers
HABARI DAILY I Kampala, Uganda I Ministers responsible for higher education from all eight East African Community (EAC) countries have agreed on a roadmap to strengthen cooperation in universities and colleges across the region.
The commitments were made at the first-ever Regional Ministerial Conference on the EAC Common Higher Education Area (EACHEA), held in Kampala from 9–11 September 2025.
Held under the theme “Enhancing Regional Integration through Harmonised Higher Education Systems for Sustainable Development in East Africa,” the ministers pledged to accelerate the harmonisation of academic policies, qualifications, and quality standards.
Under the adopted roadmap, y 2027, the EAC will roll out a system to allow mutual recognition of degrees and professional qualifications. By 2030, national education laws and accreditation frameworks will be aligned with regional standards, ensuring that students and professionals can move freely to study and work within the bloc.
Key commitments also include scrapping visa fees for EAC students, enforcing equal tuition fees across partner states, and expanding digital learning platforms. Leaders stressed that access for women, youth, and marginalised groups must be prioritised, while new funding models will be developed through partnerships with the private sector.
The ministers agreed to meet every two years to review the progress, with the next conference scheduled for Rwanda in 2027. They thanked Uganda for hosting the inaugural meeting and applauded the Inter-University Council for East Africa (IUCEA) and other partners for their role in making the gathering a success.
“This is a historic milestone for higher education in our region. By working together, we are giving our young people the skills, recognition, and opportunities they deserve,” a minister remarked at the close of the conference.
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