EAFRINET aims to attain realistic self-reliance in taxonomy through a network of East African taxonomic institutions, each with unique expertise, and cooperating to reach a common goal. EAFRINET provides a self-sustaining infrastructure for taxonomic services and for increasing taxonomic capacity.

EAFRINET therefore intends to:

• Support national and regional programmes for sustainable agricultural development, conservation and sustainable use of the environment and biodiversity.
• Assist member governments to meet their commitments to Agenda 21 of UNCED and their obligations to the Convention on Biological Diversity.
• Provide effective support to help member governments achieve full implementation of the CBD.
• Provide member countries with the best possible taxonomic services and advice in support of biological programmes.