EAC Seed and Plant Varieties Bill, 2025

The East African Community Seed and Plant Varieties Bill, 2025 proposes a harmonised regional framework for the evaluation, release and registration of plant varieties, seed certification, seed testing, seed marketing and protection of plant breeders’ rights across EAC Partner States.

The Bill aims to strengthen cooperation among national seed authorities, facilitate the movement of quality seed within the Community, support private-sector investment in seed production and distribution, and promote innovation in plant breeding.

The resource is particularly relevant to farmers, youth and women in agribusiness, seed companies, plant breeders, agtech companies, researchers, policymakers and civil society organisations.

The East African Legislative Assembly is conducting regional public hearings on the proposed Bill from 24–28 August 2026 to gather stakeholder views, identify implementation challenges and generate recommendations for consideration by the Assembly.

This resource provides access to the proposed legislation and the official concept note guiding the public participation process.