USAID works with regional intergovernmental organizations—the East African Community, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development and the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa—and with regional private sector and civil society groups to implement effective solutions to regional development challenges.

We promote coordination throughout East Africa to spur economic growth. We work to address the regional issues that individual countries do not have the mandate to tackle on their own, such as to reduce trade barriers, streamline processes for cross-border trade, harmonize agricultural standards within the region, increase regional private sector investment, and improve trade in staple foods and livestock in order to increase food security in the region.

USAID works with regional organizations to track and mitigate cross-border conflict, counter violent extremism, plan for events such as El Niño, protect communities from infectious diseases that easily cross borders and prevent wildlife traffickers.  

With better information, regional entities support the systems that help prepare vulnerable communities to be more resilient to environmental shocks, such as drought. While we work to build resilience, USAID also provides both humanitarian and development assistance, when needed, to food insecure or disaster-affected areas throughout East Africa, through Food for Peace and the Office of U.S. Foreign Disaster Assistance. 

Regional policies are strengthened in order to improve health, agriculture, manage natural resources sustainably, promote adaptation to climate change across East Africa and sustain biodiversity by reducing wildlife crime.

Related Links

East Africa Regional Development Cooperation Strategy 2016 – 2021