Effect Of East African Community Regional Integration on Socio- economic Welfare in Rwanda

Assia Uwamahoro and Joseph Akumuntu
University of Kigali, Rwanda
Email: uwassiah07@gmail.com

Abstract: This study investigated the effect of East African Community (EAC) regional Integration on socio-economic welfare, with particular emphasis on examining the effect of the free movement of labour under the EAC regional integration framework on socio-economic welfare in Rwanda. Guided by the Harris–Todaro Migration Theory, the study adopted a descriptive cross-sectional mixed-methods design. From a target population of 279 individuals drawn from Government institutions, EAC bodies, private sector actors, traders, transport operators and community members, a sample of 164 respondents was selected. Data were ultimately collected from 152 respondents, comprising 136 respondents who completed and returned questionnaires, which were subsequently analyzed, and 16 key informants. Data were collected using questionnaire, interviews, and document review. Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS version 23, while qualitative data were analyzed thematically. Findings revealed that labour mobility positively contributed to socio-economic welfare through increased employment opportunities, income generation, skills transfer, and access to regional labour markets. Correlation analysis showed a strong positive relationship between free movement of labour and socio-economic welfare (r = 0.675, p < 0.01). Regression results indicated a significant positive effect (β = 0.523, p < 0.001). The study concluded that labour mobility significantly enhances socio-economic welfare in Rwanda and recommended strengthening the implementation of the EAC Common Market Protocol.