EABN Background and Context
The East African Budget Network (EABN) is, “A Civil Society platform that influences for prudent Fiscal policy, Monetary policy and Budget accountability that advance economic integration of East African Community” (See https://www.csbag.org/east-africa-budget-network-eabn ). Beyond individuals, Civil Society is herein also taken in consideration of, “…..a wide array of organizations: community groups, non-governmental organizations [NGOs], labour unions, indigenous groups, charitable organizations, faith-based organizations, professional associations, and foundations” (See: https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2018/04/what-is-civil-society/ . Though its functional existence was on 12th June 2018, the East African Budget Network (EABN) was formally established in Arusha- Tanzania in March 2019 by 10 Civil Society Organizations from the then 6 States of the East African Community (EAC): Rwanda, Burundi, Tanzania, Kenya, South Sudan and Uganda. This was in response to a gap of limited or no citizens’ ownership and participation in the inter-territorial monetary and fiscal policies, plus the broader influencing of public finance management beyond the Government bureaucrats (Technocrats and Politicians). As such the EABN historical mission and outlook is a “Wananchi/ Citizens-centred EAC”. Moreover, EABN is rooted in the Pan-African development philosophy as enshrined in the African Agenda (2013–2063), but with EAC structures, agenda and processes as an entry point.
The Civil Society Budget Advocacy Group (CSBAG)–Uganda, together with Centre for Economic Policy and Priorities (CEPP)-Rwanda, conceived the idea for citizens’ influencing of the public finance affairs for integration under EAC. The two institutions made initial consultations with other likeminded organizations in the East African region. After 3 major consultative engagements in Kigali (June 2018), Nairobi (November 2018) and Arusha (March 2019), a Charter of Principles for cooperation was signed by members to formally subscribe to, define the focus and operations of EABN. The EABN formally introduced itself to the EAC Secretariat and is also registered with the East African Civil Society Organizations Forum (EACSOF) for synergy. On governance structure, the current Chairperson of EABN is Rwanda while the Secretariat is in Uganda, with a Steering Committee representation from all the 6 EAC States.
What we do
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Partnerships
i) We build partnerships amongst CSOs within the region. These partnerships foster collaboration in cross boarder engagements.
ii) We also do partnerships with state actors and regional bodies such as the EAC Secretariat and with State Actors. -
Budget Analysis:
The EAC countries have harmonised their budget reading dates. They also adopt common themes. EABN coordinates a regional level analysis to identify commonalities and areas of divergence. Commitments on cross-boarder infrastructure projects, trade and tax policies and investments in social services are some of the areas for cross-border analysis. - Research and high-level policy analysis.
- The platform conducts research and policy analysis into topical issues relevant for the EAC integration.
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Capacity Building:
The platform offers capacity building to organisations and groups in member states. Budget transparency and advocacy is not so developed in other member countries as it is in some others. Supporting CSOs with advocacy tools and strategies is one of the core objectives of the platform.
EABN Selected Achievements sofar
- Secretariat established: An EABN Secretariat was established in Kampala- Uganda in February 2021, under CSBAG. The Secretariat that is supported by Mr. Julius Kapwepwe, coordinates all the activities for the EABN (Tel: +256 772 499455, Email: eabn2021@gmail.com).
- Registration with EACSOF: The EABN formerly registered with EACSOF in November 2019, upon which CSBAG became a member of the Governing Council (the Board) representing Uganda at the EACSOF headquartered in Arusha- Tanzania.
- Analysis of the EAC member budgets: The EABN has conducted analyses of the EAC member countries’ budgets for 2019 and 2020. These analyses provided evidence and also identified areas that have since guided the EABN members in coordinated Fiscal advocacy areas across the 6 States
- Engagements with the EAC Secretariat: The EABN has been engaging with the EAC Secretariat to identify areas of value addition. Some of the areas identified was intensifying advocacy on the EAC Heads of State commitments on inter-territorial connectivity regional infrastructural projects like roads, bridges, debt and development, business environment, railways and energy.
- Convening goveranace meetings: The EABN has conducted scheduled Steering Committee meetings (icnluding utilising online services given COVID-19), to review and approve work plans and furnish the members with implementation updates, plus decision-making, accordingly.
Vision
A Wananchi/ Citizens-centred East African Community.
Mission
To be a leading platform for Civil Society to influence for prudent Fiscal policy, Monetary policy and Budget accountability that advance EAC economic integration.
Objectives
- To influence for prudent Monetary and Fiscal management for EAC economic integration;
- To empower Non-State Actors for ownership, budget accountability and participation in EAC Fiscal affairs for economic integration;
- To influence EAC structures, agenda, policy processes and programs to implement key EAC projects for economic integration;
- To complement efforts of regional Governments and other actors for Africa’s economic integration.
EABN Governance
While a fully-fledged constitution is underway in respect to improved corporate governance standards, the EABN is guided by the Charter of Principles for cooperation signed by members to formally subscribe to, define the focus and operations of EABN since March 2019. The following is the current EABN Membership from across the 6 States of the EAC;
By structure;
- The Membership is the 1st and highest organ for decision-making for EABN affairs, with Chairpersonship currently held by Rwanda (under CEPP).
- The 2nd organ is a 6-member Steering Committee that meets quarterly to receive updates and provide guidance accordingly; and is comprised of TCDD, CEPP, Africa Youth Trust– Kenya, CBAS, Justice Africa/ CBPA and CSBAG.
- The 3rd organ is the EABN Secretariat to run the daily affairs, currently hosted in Uganda by CSBAG.
Relevant publications
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