East African Community Climate Change Policy

The East African Community (EAC) Climate Change Policy provides the regional policy framework for coordinated climate action among EAC Partner States. It establishes a common approach to addressing the impacts of climate change through adaptation, mitigation, sustainable natural resource management, climate governance, research and innovation, climate finance, and regional cooperation. The Policy aims to strengthen the resilience of communities, ecosystems, and economies while supporting sustainable development across the East African region.

The Policy promotes the integration of climate change considerations into national and regional planning, with particular emphasis on agriculture, food security, water resources, energy, health, transport, biodiversity, forestry, fisheries, coastal and marine ecosystems, disaster risk reduction, and urban development. It also encourages climate-smart agriculture, sustainable land management, renewable energy, early warning systems, technology transfer, capacity building, and enhanced participation of youth, women, civil society, academia, and the private sector in climate action.

As a regional policy framework, it guides Partner States in harmonising climate-related legislation, mobilising climate finance, strengthening institutional coordination, and implementing regional commitments under the Paris Agreement, Agenda 2063, the East African Community Treaty, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It serves as a key reference for policymakers, researchers, development partners, youth organisations, entrepreneurs, and practitioners working to build climate-resilient and sustainable development across East Africa.