Arusha, Tanzania – March 2026
Ambassador Stephen Patrick Mbundi, a seasoned Tanzanian diplomat and government official with more than 28 years of professional experience, has been appointed as the new Secretary General of the East African Community (EAC).
Prior to his appointment, Ambassador Mbundi served as Permanent Secretary in Tanzania’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, where he was responsible for East African Community affairs.
In his role as Permanent Secretary, Ambassador Mbundi played a significant policy and administrative role in shaping Tanzania’s foreign relations, particularly in advancing regional integration and cooperation within the East African Community.
Throughout his career, he frequently represented Tanzania in high-level regional and international meetings, contributing to diplomatic dialogue and strengthening collaboration among EAC partner states.
Ambassador Mbundi has also worked closely with EAC organs and institutions, development partners, and private sector organizations to advance the regional integration agenda. His engagements with counterparts across the EAC Partner States have focused on addressing challenges affecting regional cooperation and promoting sustainable economic and political integration in East Africa.
His appointment is expected to bring extensive diplomatic expertise and institutional experience to the EAC Secretariat as the Community continues to pursue deeper regional integration, trade cooperation, and economic development.
The East African Community, headquartered in Arusha, Tanzania, is a regional intergovernmental organization comprising partner states working together to promote economic, political, and social integration across East Africa.
