DAR ES SALAAM, April 26 (Xinhua) -- Tanzanian diplomat Stephen Mbundi on Saturday assumed office as secretary general of the East African Community (EAC), pledging to strengthen financial discipline among member states to improve the bloc's effectiveness.

Mbundi took over leadership at the EAC headquarters in Arusha from outgoing Secretary General Veronica Nduva of Kenya, following his appointment by heads of state during the 25th EAC Summit held on March 7. He will serve a five-year term ending in 2031.

Speaking after the handover ceremony, Mbundi said ensuring timely financial contributions from member states will be his immediate priority.

Mbundi also pledged to tackle non-tariff barriers that continue to constrain intra-regional trade, noting that their removal would boost competitiveness and facilitate cross-border commerce.

Beyond financial reforms, he outlined plans to enhance trade, improve the business environment, and reduce transport costs across the region, calling for climate-resilient infrastructure, particularly in road development, to address growing environmental challenges.