A virtual extraordinary Summit for East African Heads of State kicked off on Wednesday with leaders set to discuss DR Congo’s proposed entry into the regional trading bloc. 

In addition to discussing DR Congo’s admission into the EAC, which is widely expected to be approved, another item on the agenda is the amendment of the Quorum Rule of the Summit of EAC Heads of State. 

DR Congo’s admission would bolster the region’s economic and trade potential. It would increase EAC’s members to seven and icrease its population to more than 260 people up from 170 people. This, according to economists, would expand the region's market and investment opportunities. 

The issue of amendment of the quorum rule of the Summit of EAC Heads of State is particularly important since, previously, whenever any leader was unavailable, a Summit would be postponed and thus delaying progress on key decisions and projects of the region.