The Democratic Republic of Congo has submitted an application to become a member of the East African Community (ECA), president Félix Tshisekedi announced on June 13, 2019.

"This membership will break down customs barriers and boost exchanges between our respective countries," M. Tshisekedi said in the first day of his visit in Tanzania.  

According to the official, those countries must adopt a development policy focused on democracy and freedom to promote African talents that will be able to compete with the rest of the world.

While indicating support to the railway project that will link Tanzania to Rwanda and DRC, he explained the necessity for cross-border road and energy infrastructures.

A member of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) DRC shares its borders with four ECA member countries.