(JUBA) – Three member states of the East African Community are carrying large unpaid contributions to the regional bloc, with South Sudan counted among the countries whose arrears are now driving a push for stricter funding rules. Burundi and the Democratic Republic of Congo top the list, but South Sudan’s outstanding debt of US$21.8 million places it firmly among the defaulters whose payment records are causing concern in Arusha.
According to official figures released by the EAC, total unpaid contributions from member states had reached US$89.4 million by the end of January 2026. The DRC leads with arrears of US$27.7 million, followed by Burundi at US$22.7 million. South Sudan owes US$21.8 million, while Somalia, the newest member of the bloc, has built up US$10 million in unpaid contributions. In contrast, Rwanda, Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania have all met their financial obligations in full.
These arrears come at a time when the EAC is trying to push forward with deeper economic integration, improve regional security and expand development programmes across East Africa. Officials have warned that the continued failure by some member states to pay their statutory contributions is beginning to put pressure on the Community’s operations. This has forced a series of reforms aimed at making the institution financially stable.
The funding difficulties exist alongside what the EAC describes as a period of solid progress. Presenting the EAC Budget Policy Statement for the 2026/27 financial year, Secretary General Stephen Patrick Mbundi reported a 28 percent increase in trade within the bloc, which reached US$19.3 billion in 2025. Growth was supported by the removal of non tariff barriers and the introduction of new digital trade facilitation measures. The Community also moved forward on regional health preparedness and supported youth led innovation across member states.
Yet these gains have made the funding gap more visible, as the EAC’s responsibilities grow while resources remain scarce. Mbundi noted that delayed and missing payments from partner states, combined with a static budget ceiling and unfilled staff positions, continue to place undue pressure on existing personnel and slow the delivery of community programmes.
The strain is particularly clear in staffing. The EAC currently has 163 vacant positions out of an approved total of 469, leaving many departments stretched. A phased recruitment plan has been prepared, but its success depends on improved financial contributions from member states.
From July 2026, a new funding formula takes effect. Member states will no longer contribute equal amounts. Instead, half of each country’s contribution will remain equal, while the remaining 50 percent will be calculated based on the size of each country’s economy. Officials believe this will create a fairer system and reduce resistance from nations with smaller economies. At the same time, the EAC Council of Ministers has been directed to develop sanctions for countries that fail to meet their financial commitments, signalling a tougher approach than in the past.
These reforms are expected to play a vital part in funding a proposed budget of US$110.9 million for the 2026/27 financial year. Member states are expected to provide 58 percent of that amount, with development partners covering the rest. For South Sudan, where government revenue is heavily dependent on oil exports and where the local currency trades at approximately 5,800 South Sudanese Pounds to one US dollar in June 2026, allocating US$21.8 million to clear EAC arrears would represent a significant fiscal decision. At current market rates, that sum equates to roughly 126.4 billion SSP, a figure that competes with other urgent spending needs in health, infrastructure and civil service salaries.
Mbundi told lawmakers that decisions taken in this budget cycle will shape the direction of the Community for years to come. The EAC serves more than 300 million people, and more than half of the resources needed to deliver on its integration goals are raised from member states. How South Sudan and the other indebted nations respond to the new incentives and pressure measures will help determine how quickly that vision becomes a reality.