Free Access | November 2021

How is Uganda likely to benefit from DRC’s membership in the EAC bloc?

Authors/Editors: Aida Kibirige Nattabi ,  Regean Mugume

Abstract:

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has applied to join the EAC to tap into the regional benefits of the bloc. DRC’s membership is expected to boost regional trade given its vast market of 81 million people, geographical proximity and natural resource base. Results from our study show that Uganda’s formal exports are likely to increase by USD 60 million annually. At a sectoral level, industries in food and beverages, metal (iron and steel), and mineral ores are likely to be the most impacted. However, the realisation of these benefits is contingent on the government’s efforts to; invest in agro-industrialisation to add value to agricultural products, iron and steel industry, and pursue long-term but deliberate investment in high-value manufactured products.