This program contributes to strengthening political governance and accountability, democracy and peace processes in the EAC and ICGLR region.
Strengthening Political Governance and Accountability
In recent years this region is undergoing political restlessness and uncertainties, poor electoral management, restricted civic space and uncertain political transitions.
Our program works to strengthen governance and accountability institutions, foster citizen participation, and build a culture of democracy, accountability and peace. We do this through analytical research, public dialogues, awareness-raising, and advocacy. By connecting local and international governance dynamics, we help citizens understand and influence the political processes that affect their lives.
Countries have recorded some strides towards democratic consolidation, encouraging political pluralism and recording peaceful political transitions in Tanzania and Kenya. However, some significant accountable governance gaps exist and reported instances where the successes recorded on political governance is threatened. Tanzania, a historically peaceful country recorded a violent election in 2025 while Kenya has experienced disputed and violent electoral cycles. Uganda experiences strains on political pluralism and uncertain political transition. Civic space is restricted. Political Governance and accountability institutions such as political parties and parliaments in East Africa are weak, fragile and vulnerable to corruption and elite capture.
Political governance is the process of exercising given political or administrative power to make decisions, formulate policy and govern. It determines how national resources are allocated and policy outcomes are achieved. Political governance shapes how states are led, how resources are allocated, and how citizens engage in decision-making.
Despite efforts over the past decades, there is still wide spread prevalence of corruption in public service structures and as a consequence corruption is recognized as one of the major governance and development obstacle to poverty eradication. Corruption has affected both the quality of social service delivery and business development. Yet accountability mechanisms are weak.
Under this program we address issues related to.
- Democratic Governance and Elections
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Local governance and citizen engagement
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Effective parliamentary oversight and legislation
- Corruption and Public Accountability
- Diplomacy, peace, and stability
Our Activities
- Evidence Based Research, advocacy and training
- High Level Stakeholders and Academia interactive dialogues, webinars and colloquiums
- Civic Education and awareness
- Strengthening Parliamentary and legislative processes
EAC and ICGLR Regional Conflicts and Peace Program
In East Africa generally, good governance, peace and stability face latent risks and have remained elusive for many countries. such as the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), South Sudan and Somalia. Governance institutions are weak, electoral disputes are common and political and resource-based conflicts exist. Yet there are a few organizations engaged in this area.
Instability in neighboring countries continues to affect Tanzania’s governance environment, testing its role as a mediator, refuge host, and peace facilitator. The Eastern and Africa Great Lakes region is susceptible to political instability with persistent conflicts in countries such as in Somalia, South Sudan and the DRC. Addressing governance and accountability gaps is therefore essential for achieving sustainable peace and development both nationally and across the East African and Great Lakes region.
Under this program we support the EAC and ICGLR regional initiatives to address conflicts and peace. We host the Africa Great Lake Civil Society Platform (ICGLR), a lose network of Civil society Organizations and experts focusing on supporting the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR) peace processes. We collaborate with likeminded partners such as the Institute of Social Policy Research (ISPR) focusing on South Sudan.
Our Activities include:
- Undertaking of focused analytical inputs on events, risks and drivers of regional peace and stability
- Dialogues that promote social coherence, political harmony and peace
- Participate in regional organs and initiatives to promote peace in the region.
- Support and participate in expert teams of regional Missions
For more about this program and outputs read our blog posts under the latest news , reports and publications sections.
Fundraising, Resource Mobilization and Partnership:
We are actively seeking for partners, donors and to support our work. We are actively looking for partners to support, sponsor or partner with us in delivering the projects under this program.
For more about this program contact us via: Governance and Economic Policy Centre, Tel: +255 754 844410/ +254 717 872034, Email: info@gepc.or.tz or moses@gepc.or.tz Website: www.gepc.or.tz