Assessing the Effectiveness of East African Community Interventions in Combating Economic Crimes in Tanzania

The purpose of the study was to investigate the effectiveness of the East African Community (EAC) interventions in combating economic crimes in Tanzania, with a focus on the performance of collaborative mechanisms among EAC law enforcement agencies. Guided by collective action theory and rational choice theory, the research employed a mixed-methods design, integrating both qualitative and quantitative approaches. Data were gathered from key stakeholders such as law enforcement personnel, policymakers, legal professionals, and civil society representatives using structured interviews and questionnaires. The sampling strategy combined both probability and non-probability techniques to ensure a balanced representation. Ethical standards were upheld through institutional approval and informed consent procedures. Findings indicate that while formal structures for regional cooperation exist, their effectiveness is undermined by bureaucratic red tape, limited technological capacity, and insufficient political will. These obstacles impede efficient intelligence-sharing and coordination across borders, weakening the region's overall response to economic crime. The study recommends enhancing institutional capacity through increased funding, specialized training, and the integration of advanced technologies. Strengthening regional cooperation through improved communication and intelligence-sharing is essential, as is reinforcing political commitment to combat corruption and promote accountability. Public engagement should be heightened through awareness campaigns involving civil society and the private sector. Finally, the study advocates for the creation of a centralized EAC Economic Crimes Unit to lead and coordinate regional anti-crime initiatives.