BY DAVID CHIKOKO
President Samia Suluhu Hassan has appointed former East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) senior official, Mr Charles Ngeleja Kadonya, Permanent Secretary (PS) in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, responsible for East African Community (EAC) Affairs.
The appointment places Mr Kadonya at the centre of Tanzania’s engagement with the regional cooperation bloc at a time when the EAC is pushing reforms on financing, institutional efficiency, trade facilitation and deeper integration among partner states. He assumed his duties formally in Dodoma on July 1, after being sworn-in by the President the same day.
Mr Kadonya takes over the portfolio previously held by Amb Stephen Patrick Mbundi, who was appointed Secretary General (SG) of the EAC in March 2026. Amb Mbundi formally assumed office at the EAC headquarters in Arusha in April, succeeding Kenya’s Ms Veronica Nduva.
The EAC Think Tank (EACTTA) has hailed the appointment, saying it would serve to deepen regional integration. “EACTTA wholeheartedly stands besides you, ready to support your efforts as and when needed.” said the EACTTA President, Mr Philip Wambungu, in a statement made available to The Arusha News.
Mr Kadonya, a technocrat and academician, brings to the ministry long experience in regional affairs, having served for 19 years at the EALA. He served as Acting Clerk November 30, 2019 – August 4, 2021 and as Principal Clerk Assistant August 4, 2021 – July 2, 2025.
His appointment is therefore expected to strengthen Tanzania’s technical and institutional handling of EAC matters, particularly at a time when the Community grapples with questions of funding, decision-making, implementation of regional commitments and removal of barriers to trade and the free movement of people.
The EAC, headquartered in Arusha, has in recent years expanded its membership and policy ambitions, but has also faced persistent challenges linked to delayed membership fees by partner states, non-tariff barriers, institutional reforms and policy coordination among member countries.
