In its ninth edition this year, the 2025 GACS tour will cover a total of 6,000 kilometers over 55 days, passing through major towns, border towns, and remote villages
Arusha. A cycling expedition of over 50 riders from East African Community (EAC) member states, known as the Great African Cycling Safari (GACS), has reignited discussions on the East African Monetary Union (EAMU) and the long-awaited single currency for the region.
In its ninth edition this year, the 2025 GACS tour will cover a total of 6,000 kilometers over 55 days, passing through major towns, border towns, and remote villages.
The initiative aims to weave a living narrative of integration, engaging citizens directly on the EAC agenda, climate change, food security, peace and safety, and cycling tourism.
During their visit to EAC headquarters in Arusha on Friday, September 5, 2025, the cyclists said key challenges to regional integration include financial transactions, border formalities, and telecommunications systems that are incompatible across countries.
Expedition Road Manager John Semujju said the group experienced significant difficulties when exchanging currencies between countries, which also affected local business planning and Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs).
“Financial transactions remain challenging. Every time we move from one country to another, we must exchange currency, which fluctuates constantly. Moving from Tanzania to Kenya, for example, raises uncertainties in value, complicating financial planning,” he said
While EAC Partner States are implementing the protocol on the Establishment of the East African Monetary Union (EAMU), signed in November 2013, the original target of a common currency by 2024 has been postponed.
Secretary-General Veronica Nduva confirmed that the revised timeline now aims for 2031.
“The Monetary Union was expected to be established in 2024 as per the Monetary Union Roadmap, but this was not realized. The revised target is now 2031,” she stated.
Semujju also pointed out communication barriers as a significant obstacle. “While we share a common language, Kiswahili, practical communication is hindered by incompatible telecommunications systems.”
“A traveler to Burundi requires a local line, while one going to Rwanda needs additional. Data connectivity is restricted by national boundaries, forcing multiple SIM cards. A unified telecommunications network could serve all of East Africa seamlessly,” he said.
“If banks can operate across these countries, why can’t telecom companies? For example, Airtel cannot provide seamless service across borders. A Tanzanian Airtel SIM card cannot function in Kenya, Uganda, or Rwanda. This fragmentation is inefficient and costly. A unified system would greatly enhance regional integration,” added Mr Semujju.
The cyclists also highlighted border crossing difficulties, particularly the need for multiple travel documents, including passports.
“As we traverse these borders, we urge the free movement of people and goods. EAC is meant to be one, yet it is divided into multiple ‘rooms.’ Imagine a house where each room requires a permit (passport) to enter. Similarly, essential spaces require authorization,” he said.
“We call on our leaders to open these borders and allow the free flow of economic opportunities, as a common market protocol said,” added Mr Semujju.
In response, Secretary-General Nduva assured that the EAC Secretariat is addressing the issues raised.
She commended the cyclists for drawing attention to behavioral and environmental challenges affecting food security across the region, despite fertile soils in member states.
“We have taken note of your efforts, and next year we will integrate your inputs into our programs and funding to support your expedition, which has significantly helped bring EAC closer to its citizens,” said Ms Nduva, urging member states to support future editions of the cycling tour and to leverage sports as a tool to advance regional integration.
During their visit, the cyclists also met senior EAC officials to request logistical support from member states, including uniforms, bicycle maintenance, food and water supplies, and security, to ensure a smooth and impactful journey.
