"East African Military Industry Collaboration Strengthened"

East African Military Industry Partnership Discussed at Key Meeting

Dar es Salaam, February 26, 2025 – A landmark gathering of top executives from East African Community (EAC) military corporations and industries wrapped up today in Dar es Salaam after two days of intensive discussions. The conference focused on the collaboration and exchange of military technology among the region's industries, with an emphasis on boosting production capabilities for various military and civilian products.

The exchange of technological expertise in manufacturing military vehicles, weapons, bombs, ammunition, tractors, agricultural products like cashew nuts, and everyday consumer items such as stoves, machinery, and lighting solutions dominated the meeting’s agenda. There was a significant call for regional self-sufficiency, encouraging EAC member states to prioritize domestic production over imports. The goal is to use technology to improve product quality and modernize the manufacturing sector.

Speaking to the media after the meeting, Brigadier General Seif Hamisi, who is the General Manager of Mzinga Corporation, highlighted the potential for collaboration within the military industry. He noted that such conferences are held annually on a rotational basis across member countries, with Tanzania hosting this year’s event.

Brigadier General Hamisi said, "We are exploring opportunities to exchange technologies and strengthen our industries. In Tanzania, we have significant institutions such as Suma JKT, Nyumbu in Kibaha, and Mzinga in Morogoro."

In his closing address, Lieutenant General Salum Othman, Chief of Staff of the Tanzania People's Defence Force, emphasized the importance of having the necessary equipment to carry out military tasks effectively. "Due to the high costs of these materials, we often need to turn to the global market to purchase them. Therefore, cooperation is crucial," he remarked, underscoring the ongoing regional efforts to enhance self-reliance and trade within the community. He encouraged further hard work to reduce dependence on external suppliers.

Lieutenant General Othman also stressed that sustainable industrial development is closely tied to investment in science, technology, and research and development (R&D). This area is critical for advancing the region's capabilities.

In the opening session of the conference on February 25, Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs, Daniel Sillo, noted the rapid growth of global technology and its implications for military industries. He advised the EAC countries to align their production with the fast-changing technological landscape, warning against falling behind. "We must keep pace with technological advancements in production. It's essential that we stay current to avoid manufacturing outdated products," Sillo emphasized.