Editor,

Reference is made to Adam Kyamatare’s article, "The economic gains from opening borders” (The New Times, January 27).

I’m resolutely rooting for the East African Community (EAC) or any regional economic bloc that’s motivated to build a common market and eventually move towards integration.

But it’s also fair to say that countries entering this type of agreements do not always have the ability to compete on the same level from the get-go(as mentioned on education).

The above is not necessarily due to ineffectiveness of some countries vs. others, but sometimes to past circumstances that have given a lead to some countries (and we should applaud those that have done well).

Rwanda for example, has an education system which may not be at par with that of Kenya or Uganda, but to be fair, Rwanda’s current academic system has been in place for just a few years.

So, when EAC agreements come into full effect, it is likely that there will be initial adjustments, to the benefit of some workforces and detriment of others. Until efficiencies kick in through competition/supply and the playing field is leveled.

Time – and work as always – will be the great equaliser. So long live the EAC.

Diyana, Rwanda