The East African Community (EAC) is taking part in the 30th Session of the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30) held from 10 to 21 November 2025 in Belém, Brazil. The conference is taking place in the Amazon region, a global symbol of biodiversity and environmental stewardship. COP30 marks a pivotal moment for advancing climate action and sustainable development. Representing all eight Partner States, the EAC delegation's engagements at COP30 are guided by unified key messages that reflect shared priorities and the community's collective commitment to climate action.
A Region United for Climate Action
Ahead of COP30, the EAC, supported by German Development Cooperation, convened regional experts to develop unified key messages. The EAC Deputy Secretary General, Hon. Andrea Ariik Malueth, who is leading the delegation int Belém, noted that “COP30 is a defining moment for East Africa to demonstrate that regional cooperation is key to building climate resilience. Our united position ensures that Partner States speak with one voice at the global stage.”
The regional position aligns Partner States around four key priorities:
Scaling climate-finance access for Developing Countries and vulnerable communities.
Advancing Nature-based Solutions (NbS) to enhance resilience and protect livelihoods.
Strengthening transboundary water cooperation in basins such as Lake Victoria and Lake Tanganyika.
Accelerating nationally determined contributions implementation through regional coordination and technical support.
Highlighting the EAC’s presence at COP30, is the unveiling of the Preview Edition of the Lake Victoria State of the Basin Report (SoBR 2025), developed by the Lake Victoria Basin Commission (LVBC) with support from GIZ. The report shares comprehensive insights on ecological health, socio-economic dynamics, and governance trends of the Lake Victoria Basin – home to over 45 million people across five EAC Partner States.
It also demonstrates the efficiencies gained through the strong alignment of German Technical and Financial Cooperation. The SoBR draws on data from the Water Information System (WIS), financed by BMZ through KfW under the “Lake Victoria Basin Integrated Water Resource Management Program Phase 1–3” (total volume: EUR 60 million). This system is a cornerstone in enabling LVBC to effectively fulfil its mandate of coordinating the sustainable development and management of resources in the Lake Victoria Basin.
Speaking on behalf of the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development, Julia Kronberg, Head of Development Cooperation in Tanzania and EAC, emphasised the value of regional collaboration in addressing climate challenges. “Germany is proud to partner with the East African Community in promoting data-driven climate action. We hope that the report will provide a sound basis for selecting and financing demand-driven investments in green and sustainable infrastructure projects, cross-border water resource management, and climate change adaptation measures that are tailored to actual needs and challenges.” she noted.
LVBC Executive Secretary Dr Masinde Bwire added that “The State of the Basin Report provides evidence-based insights that are critical for policy and action. It is a tool that strengthens transboundary cooperation and supports communities who depend on Lake Victoria for their livelihoods.”
In addition to the SoBR preview, the EAC is co-hosting seven other side events focusing on carbon markets, blue economy, climate-smart agriculture, clean cooking and just transition, regional co-operation in implementation of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), and the scaling up of NbS initiatives.
Partnership Engagements and Project Pitching
Alongside side events, the EAC delegation is actively engaging in bilateral meetings and project pitching sessions with development partners and international financial institutions to mobilise financing for regional climate action.
Projects presented include:
Community Climate Resilience for Food Security in the EAC Region, strengthening adaptation and climate-smart agriculture.
Access to Renewable Energy and Clean Technologies, promoting affordable and sustainable energy solutions.
Blue Economy – Source to the Sea, advancing integrated management of inland and coastal ecosystems for climate resilience and sustainable livelihoods.
Mr Simon Kiarie Acting Director for Productive Sectors in EAC, noted that “these projects reflect East Africa’s shared ambition to transform regional strategies into tangible investments that improve livelihoods, strengthen resilience, and unlock opportunities for sustainable growth.”
These engagements aim to translate COP30 partnerships into concrete investments that drive climate-resilient development across the EAC region.