Rwanda in the East African Community
The eight partner states
The EAC is an intergovernmental organisation with its headquarters in Arusha, Tanzania. More than 30% of its citizens live in towns and cities.
| Partner state | Member since |
|---|---|
| Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda | Founding members |
| Rwanda | July 2007 |
| Burundi | July 2007 |
| South Sudan | September 2016 |
| Democratic Republic of the Congo | 2022 |
| Somalia | March 2024 |
Source: East African Community: Overview of the EAC; East African Community: EAC partner states; East African Community: Home page, Somalia joins the EAC1,2,3
What the EAC gives a company in Rwanda
- Customs union: goods that meet the EAC rules of origin move between partner states without import duty, and imports from outside the bloc pay the same Common External Tariff everywhere.
- Common market: citizens of partner states may take up jobs in other partner states. Rwanda and Kenya have abolished work permit fees for East African nationals.
- Easy travel: EAC citizens receive a free six-month visitor pass on arrival in Rwanda.
- One bigger market: a factory or service hub in Kigali can sell into the whole bloc, not only into Rwanda.
Non-tariff barriers, such as border checks and differing standards, still slow some trade inside the bloc.
The corridors to the sea
Rwanda is landlocked. Most of its imports and exports travel by road along two corridors.
| Corridor | Port | Route | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northern Corridor | Mombasa, Kenya | Through Kenya and Uganda | About 1,700 km |
| Central Corridor | Dar es Salaam, Tanzania | Through Tanzania | About 1,300 km |
Source: East African Community: Road transport sub-sector7
Transport costs to the sea are a real part of doing business here. Rwanda’s economic zones help, but a manufacturer should price the corridor into every export and import.
Regional risks to watch
- The border with Burundi has been closed since January 2024.
- Conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo affects trade and travel near the western border. The U.S. Department of State advises its citizens not to travel within 10 km of the DRC border in Rusizi and Rubavu districts.
- Rwanda withdrew from the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) in June 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many countries are in the East African Community?
The East African Community has eight partner states with about 331 million citizens. Rwanda joined in 2007.
Do EAC citizens need a visa for Rwanda?
No. Citizens of the East African Community get a free visitor pass of six months when they arrive in Rwanda.
Which ports serve Rwanda?
Rwanda is landlocked. Its goods travel by road along the Northern Corridor to Mombasa in Kenya and the Central Corridor to Dar es Salaam in Tanzania.
Sources
- East African Community: Overview of the EAC
- East African Community: EAC partner states
- East African Community: Home page, Somalia joins the EAC
- East African Community: Working in East Africa
- Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration: Visa on arrival
- U.S. Department of State: 2026 Investment Climate Statement, Rwanda
- East African Community: Road transport sub-sector
- International Trade Administration: Rwanda, trade agreements
Figures checked 8 November 2026. Prepared by InvestRwanda.com for general information. It is not investment, tax or legal advice; please confirm details with a qualified adviser before acting.
