As the Democratic Republic of Congo joins the East African trade bloc, it is a 'historic' day.

The Democratic Republic of Congo has been officially accepted to the East African Community (EAC) trade bloc, in a step that has been termed "historic."

Kenya's President Kenyatta described the occasion as momentous: "This is historic... the region benefits more when we work together than when we work alone.

"There will be tremendous growth in the community as market prospects emerge."

The consumer market in the Democratic Republic of Congo, which is estimated to be around 90 million people, is predicted to grow to around 300 million people in the region.
President Museveni of Uganda was equally ecstatic about the admission: "After a period of separation caused by colonialism, the DRC has finally reconnected with the EAC. This is very crucial. It's good it's happening when I'm still alive, I'm a very happy man."

President Kenyatta presided over a virtual meeting amongst the EAC heads of state.

DR Congo joins the EAC as the seventh member, joining Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda three years after applying.

Although Congolese nationals will eventually be able to make use of the benefits that come with membership in the community, such as free movement of people, products, services, and money, improvements will take time.

Before the EAC rules and regulations take effect, DR Congo's parliament must ratify them and deposit the instruments of acceptance with the secretariat.

A proposal for simultaneous translation of French and Swahili at community meetings is also expected to be considered by the EAC.

The bloc's official languages are now English and Swahili. Swahili, French, Lingala, Kituba (Kikongo), and Tshiluba are the main languages spoken in the Democratic Republic of Congo.