Businesses to boom in Common Market

To make this possible, the partner states have agreed to mutually recognise the academic and professional qualifications granted, experience obtained, requirements met and licences or certifications granted in other partner states.

Also, they have agreed to harmonise their curricula, examinations, standards, certification and accreditation of educational and training institutions.

But even more interesting is the fact that under the Common Market, East African citizens will enjoy the right to establish themselves in any member state.

The right of establishment shall entitle a national of another partner state to engage in an economic activity in another member state without restrictions.

The rights are also applicable to a spouse, child and dependant of the person.

“Companies and firms established in accordance with the national laws of a partner state and having their registered office, central administration or principal place of business, and which undertake substantial economic activities in the partner state shall, for purposes of establishment, be accorded non discriminatory treatment in other partner states,” says the protocol.

Citizens will also enjoy the right of residence in partner states that have agreed to this provision.

The right of residence shall apply to the spouse, child and a dependant of a worker or self-employed person.

Individuals will also be allowed to access and use land and premises in any partner state, except in Tanzania.

The partner states have agreed to adopt “variable geometry” — a system whereby some countries can move faster than others in implementing the Common Market.

This came in handy when it emerged that Tanzania had reservations on the Common Market protocol.