The East African Community Integration Process and Economic Growth of Member Countries

Abstract

This study investigated the effects of East African Community integration process on economic growth of member countries. A panel data was used and generalized least square technique employed. The results show that trade within the East African Community has no significant impact on the economic growth of the member countries. However, the Community trade with the rest of the World and foreign direct investment has a significant effect on growth. The finding, therefore, suggests that for the East African Community member countries to benefit fully from the integration process, they need to streamline their custom clearance procedures and standards and establish a single custom territory.