Strengthening Implementation of the EAC Industrialisation Policy for Inclusive Growth

This policy brief examines the implementation of the EAC Industrialisation Policy (2012–2032) and its role in advancing structural transformation, agro-industrialisation and inclusive economic growth across the East African Community.

It highlights persistent implementation challenges, including limited access to affordable financing, infrastructure deficits, weak inter-ministerial coordination, misalignment between national and regional strategies, regulatory inconsistencies and limited institutional capacity.

The brief also examines opportunities for strengthening youth inclusion in industrialisation. It highlights the potential of entrepreneurship development, TVET, SME growth, value-chain upgrading and industrial innovation, while noting gaps in youth-specific financing, innovation incubation, formal participation mechanisms and integration of youth priorities into national implementation plans.

The brief proposes practical recommendations for EAC Partner States and the EAC Secretariat, including stronger alignment of national and regional industrial strategies, targeted financing for SMEs and youth- and women-led enterprises, investment in energy, transport and ICT infrastructure, youth-focused skills and incubation programmes, regulatory harmonisation, regional agro-industrial corridors, and stronger monitoring and accountability mechanisms.