INTRODUCTION

A MANIFESTO FOR THE TECHNOCRATIC FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF EASTAFRICA

A COMPREHENSIVE VISION FOR THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF AFRICA (FREA)

by Bbumba Emmanuel Ezekiel

2024 

This is a compilation of all my proposed policy ideas for a Unified Tech-centred East Africa.

An alternative name for FREA shall be the Swahili word "Mashariki". 

CENTRAL THOUGHT

The Federal Republic of East Africa shall be guided by the transformative ideology of Afro-futurism.

Afro-futurism is the champion of African Heritage, Dignity, and Unity, synergistically interwoven with forward-thinking Technological Advancement, serving as the core values and driving forces of the Land.

Afro-futurism is primarily focused on accelerating the unification agenda for the member states of the East African Community, with the ultimate purpose of striving for a glorious and technologically advanced future for all East African People. By catering for the far-future, the near-future shall automatically align into place.

Afro-futurism caters to the philosophical, psychological, and socio-cultural needs of the people of East Africa, with the aim of consolidating a unifying identity deeply rooted in the rich historical heritage of the land.

Afrofuturism holds that each and every soul in the land must be actively encouraged and empowered to achieve their greatest potential, especially through their productive, creative, and intellectual talents, to uphold the pride, heritage, and dignity of the land. This shall be achieved through enabling policies and robust investment in education, research, and innovation.

THE EMBLEM

The Federal Republic of East Africa shall proudly bear an Emblem called the Seal of East Africa. It shall comprise a standard Shield Shape, a design element that many East African Cultures share in common. The surface composition of this shield shall feature carefully curated scientific-technological symbols harmoniously blended with rich identifying attributes of East Africa, such as the Nile, the Congo River, the Savannah, Lake Victoria, and Unique Game. This shield shall be rendered in golden brown hues, with dark grey deepening for contrast and visual impact.

THE FLAG

The flag shall prominently bear the Seal of East Africa at its centre foreground, resplendent in its brilliant golden brown. Behind it, streaks of yellow sunshine will radiate from the back centre, symbolising the abundant sunshine in the land and the necessary illumination sought in the spirit of Afro-futurism. The general background of the flag shall be white, symbolising Peace and Unity in the Land.

ANTHEM

The current East African Community Anthem shall be amended and enriched to fully accommodate the ideals of Afro-futurism, reflecting the technological aspirations of the Federal Republic.

THE FEDERATED STATES

The Federal Republic of East Africa shall comprise the unified Federal States of Tanzania, Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan, DRC (Shall be renamed Zaire), and Somalia.

THE CURRENCY OF FREA

The East African Nyota shall be the central currency of the Federal Republic, facilitating seamless trade and economic integration. All other currencies shall be equated and converted equitably over a period of five years into this unified currency. A provisional relation shall be 1 Nyota = 1 Kilo of Sugar, providing an initial benchmark for value.

"Nyota" comes from the Swahili word meaning "Star," symbolising the aspirations and bright future of the Federal Republic.

TAXES

All major taxes shall be consistent with the average of what is provided for in the countries of Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, and Rwanda currently, ensuring a fair and balanced fiscal framework. Tax policies shall be designed to incentivise innovation and technological development.

LOCAL GOVERNMENTS

A hybrid system of Nyerere's Ujamaa and the Local Council system shall constitute the local governments of all the federal states, fostering community-driven development. Major cities with Construction Companies shall have unique Governmental Structures tailored to the regions in which they are based, promoting localised solutions and efficient governance. Regular democratic practices shall be maintained in all these avenues, ensuring transparency and accountability.

HEALTH CARE

Private pharmaceutical companies are to be encouraged but heavily regulated directly by the Ministry of Health, ensuring access to quality and affordable healthcare.

Strategic partnerships with more affluent Countries, especially Japan, China, and India, are to be fostered to ensure the rapid development of the health sector of the Federal Republic, including technology transfer and capacity building.

Health services shall be tiered, providing comprehensive care to all citizens.

All Tier One health services, mostly involving basic immunisation, basic health treatments, and Child and Maternal Health Care, are to be free of charge, ensuring fundamental healthcare access for all.

Tier two Health services, involving medium complexity ailments, are to be particularly covered by the state and by the individual, promoting shared responsibility. This is to apply for the short term as the Federal Republic's resources grow.

All Tier three Health Services, mostly encompassing complex expensive treatments, are to be fully covered by an individual or by community contributions in the short term as the FREA's resources grow, with the long-term goal of universal healthcare coverage.

MOTTO

"Urithi, Teknolojia na Jamii," translating to the English Phrase "Heritage, Technology, and Community," encapsulating the core values of the Federal Republic.

THE GOVERNMENT STRUCTURE

The government structure is organised in the same pattern at all geographical levels, ensuring consistency and efficiency:

The Republic Level - This is the Entire East African Region of Unified Countries, representing the highest level of governance.

The State level - These are the Countries/State: Tanzania, Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan, DRC, and Somalia, forming the constituent units of the Federal Republic.

The district level - this is the equivalent of an Area the Size of 10,000Km2 or a Major City (Above 100,000 population currently). Each City sits in its own District and commands a group of Districts in its immediate context as its territory, especially in terms of approving and procuring Construction Projects as described later in this document.

The division level - This is what is currently the Sub-county level in the East African Countries, representing a localised administrative unit.

The Ujamaa level (Parish Level) This is the smallest Unit of Government in FREA - Each Ujamaa must have a Well Facilitated Public Tech-Hub called the Ujamaa Tech Hub, a Hospital, a Primary School, a Secondary School, a Community Park, A Community Hall and not more than 10 religious gathering spaces, fostering community development and access to essential services.

SCALE OF FEES OF MAJOR PROFESSIONS - (An average minimum credentials professional considered here - other disciplines and positions may build around this basis following government issues guidelines)

Teachers - 120 currency points, recognising the vital role of educators in shaping the future.

Consultants (Doctors, Lawyers, Architects, Scientists, Assorted Researchers etc) - 100 currency points, valuing expertise and specialised knowledge.

Armed Officers (Police, Army, Prisons) - 70 currency points, acknowledging the importance of security and law enforcement.

Support Staff - 50 currency points, recognising the contributions of essential support personnel.

NATIONAL LANGUAGES

Africaneta, a version of English that extensively incorporates words from various East African Languages, especially Swahili, will be the FREA's cultural and general business language. It is a combination of majorly British English and some chosen African words and phrases. With time, Africaneta will grow gradually, incorporating more African phrases, fostering a unique linguistic identity. The Ministry of African Heritage will be in charge of this endeavour. It will regularly update the National Africaneta dictionary.

FREA'S ECONOMIC STRUCTURE

The three pillars of the Federal Republic are: a Robust well-integrated Education to Labour System, the Ujamaa Tech Hubs, and the City-linked Construction Companies.

These three pillars shall be rooted in a stable foundation of an Intellectual Property-aligned Industry and Innovation environment, fostering creativity and economic growth.

CULTURAL REFORMS TO BOOST AFRICAN PRIDE

State attire for Government Officials such as Administrators, Teachers, Doctors, Police-Prisons-Army Personnel, shall involve the utilisation of Bark cloth, Kente, leather, and Cotton to produce remarkable designs, promoting African craftsmanship and cultural identity. The Federal Republic shall enforce this through the Ministry of Heritage.

Research into varied comfortable and remarkable Afro styles shall be supported by the Ministry of Heritage, encouraging innovation in fashion and design.

African art, sculpture, architecture, cinema, music, and literature shall be deeply supported, fostering cultural expression and creativity. Each Major City shall be required to have a thriving City Museum, preserving and showcasing African heritage.

Central to Cultural Awareness shall be content from aspects of Afrocentric Heritage:

FREA's CALENDAR

The Federal Republic will follow the global Gregorian Calendar, but every first of January will be the memorial for the Unification of East Africa, celebrating unity and progress. Each State may continue to celebrate its individual independence days from colonial rule, honouring their unique histories.

Every Full Moon night shall be recognised as a Night of Truth, during which African Heritage, Design, and Art shall be promoted by markets and media, fostering cultural appreciation and economic opportunity.

CULTURAL VISION FOR AFRICA 2100 AND BEYOND

The eventual target for the Afro-futurism Movement is to ensure that by the year 2100 petty subsistence poverty is completely eliminated in the entire Africa, and the Continent has developed Robust Sustainable Cities which shall equip all African People to exercise their full intelligent creative potential in support of the technological future of humanity and the waiting Universe beyond.

LIST OF MAJOR CITIES IN EAST AFRICA

These cities shall be the Primary Cities to drive development in FREA.

UGANDA:

Kampala

Gulu

Lira

Mbarara

Jinja

KENYA:

Nairobi

Mombasa

Nakuru

Eldoret

Kisumu

TANZANIA:

Dar es Salaam

Mwanza

Arusha

Dodoma

Mbeya

DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO (ZAIRE):

Kinshasa

Lubumbashi

Mbuji-Mayi

Kananga

Kisangani

RWANDA:

Kigali

Butare

Gitarama

BURUNDI:

Bujumbura

Gitega

Muyinga

Ngozi

SOUTH SUDAN:

Juba

Malakal

Wau

SOMALIA:

Mogadishu

Hargeisa

Bosaso

Galkayo