The East African Community (EAC), Japan, and the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) have partnered to strengthen border security, combat cross-border crime, and facilitate regional trade by providing 16 patrol vehicles to EAC Partner States.
Each of the eight EAC Partner States is receiving two vehicles to support security operations at key and porous border points, improving the mobility of frontline officers and their ability to respond to security threats.
The initiative is funded by the Government of Japan and implemented by UNOPS under a project dubbed Creating a Secure Trading and Customs Environment in the East African Community through Enhancing Border Security.
The project follows technical assessments conducted by the EAC Secretariat at One-Stop Border Posts (OSBPs) across the region, which identified transport and mobility gaps affecting border patrols and responses to cross-border crime.
The vehicles are expected to strengthen patrol operations and improve efforts to combat smuggling, trafficking and other illicit activities while creating a safer environment for the movement of people and goods.
Speaking during the official handover ceremony at the EAC Headquarters, Secretary General Amb. Stephen P. Mbundi thanked the Government and people of Japan for their support and commended UNOPS for coordinating the procurement and delivery of the vehicles.
He said the technical assessments informed the decision to prioritise transport support for frontline security officers across all eight Partner States.
“We expect these vehicles to strengthen border operations and contribute to a safer and more enabling environment for cross-border trade. I urge all Partner States to ensure that the vehicles are deployed exclusively at designated border areas to serve their intended purpose,” said Amb. Mbundi.
He emphasised that effective border management is essential for protecting communities, combating transnational crime and building confidence among traders, investors and travellers.
The initiative also supports the EAC’s broader regional integration agenda by strengthening security at border points, which are critical to trade, investment and economic cooperation among Partner States.
Jin Hashimoto, Head of Cooperation at the Embassy of Japan in Tanzania, reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to regional peace, security and development.
“Effective border management is essential not only for preventing illicit activities and ensuring security, but also for facilitating legitimate trade and the movement of people. Japan remains committed to being a trusted partner for African countries, working alongside them in accordance with their needs and priorities,” he said.
UNOPS supported the procurement process, drawing on its expertise to ensure the investment addresses the operational needs of border authorities and contributes to regional security priorities.
Massimo Diana, Director of the UNOPS East and Southern Africa Multi-Country Office, said the partnership went beyond the provision of equipment to supporting communities and economic development.
“The value of this partnership goes beyond the delivery of vehicles. Border security is not only about protecting boundaries; it is about creating the conditions for communities and economies to thrive,” he said.
Diana added that collaboration among Japan, the EAC and UNOPS was translating shared regional priorities into practical solutions to strengthen institutional capacity, facilitate legitimate trade and advance economic integration across East Africa.
The initiative highlights the role of international partnerships and targeted investments in addressing border security challenges while supporting the EAC’s ambition to build a more secure, connected and economically integrated region.
