The Common Market is the East African Community's (EAC) second significant regional integration pillar, enforced since 2010 following the EAC Treaty. This milestone follows the Customs Union, which was established in January 2010. Despite market access commitments within professional service markets, the absence of recognition for foreign qualifications and experience remains a central obstacle to trading in professional services. This limitation hampers the unrestricted mobility of professionals across borders, whether as individuals or professional firms.

The Mutual Recognition Agreements (MRAs) signed by the four countries - Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, and the United Republic of Tanzania - represent a significant stride towards addressing the abovementioned challenge. Following a prolonged period of dormancy, additional countries, such as South Sudan is now joining while efforts are underway to establish Competent Authorities in other EAC Partner States. These MRAs encompass various professions in the countries mentioned above, including accountants, architects, engineers, and veterinarians.

German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) through Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) Tanzania has signed an agreement with the EAC Secretariat to implement together a project called "Digitalisation of East African Trade and Integration (DIGEAT)". The project's main objective is to simplify cross-border access to labour markets in the EAC partner states for engineers. 

DIGEAT stands at the forefront of revolutionising the digital implementation of MRAs. This pioneering effort calls for an in-depth study to identify any current obstacles hindering the recognition of engineers and to measure the readiness of EAC partner states that have signed MRAs for full-scale implementation. This thorough analysis covers various factors, including Competent Authorities governance structures, registration procedures, and adherence to national legislation. Furthermore, it involves benchmarking against national/regional standards, evaluating associated legal frameworks, considering labour economics, and assessing digital readiness. By delving into these critical areas, DIGEAT aims to ensure a seamless transition towards digital operationalisation while setting a precedent for efficient and effective implementation of MRAs across various sectors and regions.

Henceforth, GIZ Tanzania/EAC cordially invites qualified consultancy firms to submit tenders for this consultancy. Prospective consultants should possess a robust network and exhibit the requisite resources to complete the assigned task successfully.

Interested candidates can access the tender documents by clicking [here](https://www.giz.de/en/worldwide/136046.html). 

**Submission of offer:**

Please submit technical and financial proposal by email to **tz_quotation@giz.de** latest by **21st April 2024**.

We will answer your request during office hours from 8:00 to 15:00 hours local time, Monday to Friday, except public holidays.

Late Bids, Partial Bids, Bids not received shall not be accepted for evaluation irrespective of the circumstances.

GIZ is not obliged to follow any condition in nominating the supplier and has the right to accept or reject any or all bids.



Tender Invitation - Consultancy Services to Conduct a Baseline Study for the Project Digitalisation for East African Trade and Integration (DIGEAT) (GIZ)

On 8th March 2023, the EAC-GIZ Cluster Programme, in collaboration with the EAC Secretariat, East African Women in Business Platform (EAWiBP), East African Business Council (EABC), and representatives from regional private sector and civil society organisations, jointly celebrated International Women’s Day 2024, themed “Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress”, at the EAC Secretariat Headquarters in Arusha, Tanzania.

The theme emphasises the critical need to channel resources and support towards women's empowerment, particularly in the realm of financial inclusion.

The celebration was accompanied by a dialogue and capacity building sessions to discuss how women can effectively contribute to economic development in the region when included and involved in the engagements and decision making in all factors of social, political, and economic development, including in health, Finance and education. The session provided opportunities to advance women’s financial literacy and digital skills, identified entry points for advancing the investments in women and their role in financial markets in the EAC and provided an outlook for gender inclusion in pandemic preparedness, prevention and response in East Africa Region.

In her opening remarks, Dr Irene Charles Isaka, Director of Social Sectors, EAC emphasized the importance of promoting gender equality and inclusion. She highlighted the significance of the campaign theme "Inspire Inclusion" as a call to champion women's participation in all aspects of society. She noted that despite progress made in the region in promoting women’s inclusion in all aspects, challenges remain, including a significant funding deficit for gender-equality measures. She then underscored the need for individual and collective efforts to support women's inclusion in leadership, decision-making, and economic empowerment initiatives with a call for progressive mindsets and inclusive behaviors to further advance gender equality.

"Investing in women is not only a moral imperative but also a strategic imperative." In her remarks, Janice Kimaro, on behalf of the chairperson of EAWiBP, emphasised that women represent a vast reservoir of untapped potential and that her organisation was committed to empowering women entrepreneurs and professionals across the region. She added that by investing in women’s empowerment, the region can unlock unprecedented opportunities for development and peace.

![Picture1.jpg](https://strapi.eacgermany.org/uploads/Picture1_adee1e566e.jpg)

Mr  John Bosco Kalisa, CEO of EABC, uncovered the disparities in economic participation and empowerment between genders based on the gender gap report 2024. He noted a 21% pay gap and the underrepresentation of women in the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields. He outlined the significant initiatives that EABC was championing in the promotion of women’s economic empowerment through the SMEs platform, the removal of NTBs, trade facilitation, and policy engagement. He concluded by urging the EAC Partner States to promote equality, inclusion, and diversity to accelerate gender parity, access to affordable finance, foster innovation, promote STEM education for girls, implement effective gender policies, share trade information, raise awareness on gender issues, and create a supportive environment for women and girls to benefit from the AfCFTA protocol on women and youth in Africa.

In his closing remarks, Mr  Bjoern Richter, Cluster Coordinator, EAC-GIZ, commended the EAC Partner States for promoting female leaders at the Secretariat, demonstrating political will to promote inclusive decision-making and leadership. He urged relevant partners to support women's economic livelihoods, and financial and digital inclusion to ensure gender equality in all aspects. Bjoern also alluded to the work the EAC-GIZ programme does with the EAC Secretariat, regional private sectors, and civil society, contributing to closing the gender digital divide, ensuring an effective pandemic response within the EAC borders, and improving cross-border trade for women SMEs. Finally, he urged the EAC Partner States to increase their contributions towards inclusive gender-policy development, programming, and implementation to foster inclusivity in the region's economic development.

Find more information on EAWiBP [here](https://eawibp.org/). 

Find more information on the EAC-GIZ support to Gender, Community Development & Civil Society Mobilization [here](https://www.eacgermany.org/sector/gender-community-development-and-civil-society-mobilization).

Watch the brief coverage of the 2024 International Women's Day celebrations in Arusha, Tanzania [here](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GvTd4hgofIQ). 


International Women’s Day 2024 – “Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress” (GIZ)


From 6 to 8 March, the 3rd East African Community Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) Conference took place in Nairobi, Kenya, with an appeal to all stakeholders to work together to enable the Community to tap into and benefit from STI opportunities and accelerate their diffusion. Making the appeal, Ms. Hendrina C. Doroba, the Division Manager in charge of Education and Skills Development at the African Development Bank (AfDB) East Africa Regional Office, noted that accelerating the development and diffusion of STI in East Africa will not only lead to the growth of innovative solutions to regional challenges but also drive the commercialization of such innovations for industrial development.

Ms. Doroba emphasised that there is still much to be done to harness its full potential and accelerate socio-economic transformation as outlined in the EAC Vision 2050 and Agenda 2063 of the Africa we want. “Today, East Africa’s innovation level is insufficient to reach ambitious levels of inclusive growth and development due to prevailing technological and innovation constraints, which include financing, and information asymmetries that need to be addressed to harness STI full potential fully,” said Ms. Doroba, adding that the situation had been worsened by the slow global recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic and the ongoing Russian-Ukraine war. “A critical pathway in responding to these challenges and ensuring that STI works for East Africa is the urgent need to train the next generation of scientists and innovators, who should take the lead in driving the region’s development agenda,” she added.

Ms. Doroba, who represented AfDB East Africa Director General Nnenna Lily Nwabufo at the conference’s opening session, said that any inclusive growth and sustainable development call for the growth of innovations to promote the creation of new enterprises, increase productivity, support new jobs, and drive economic prosperity. She observed that the slow progress in building the skilled workforce in STI has adversely affected the Community’s ability to transform its economies and increase productivity and competitiveness. “It is essential to note that the quality of learning at all levels of skills development, particularly in science, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), is low compared to other regions. For example, for Africa as a continent, of all students that graduated from higher education institutions in 2021, those in STEM fields were on average 21.7% compared to 25.6% in other regions,” she highlighted.

“Addressing this could be made possible by combining our interventions with the power of science, technology, and innovations through enhancing the capacity of our high education and research institutions and promoting multi-stakeholder partnerships for homegrown solutions to our development challenges,” noted Ms. Doroba.

The AfDB official said that harnessing science, technology, and innovation requires deliberate investments in human capital development tailored to the changing socio-economic development ecosystem.

Ms. Doroba said that to promote STI solutions for a resilient East Africa and enhance value addition and competitiveness in the region, the Bank is working with other partners to train scientists and innovators through quality and relevant STEM skills. “The Bank has done this through our Skills for Employability and Productivity for Africa (SEPA) Action Plan (2022-2025), guiding our investments, operations, and strategic engagements in science and innovation in Africa,” she added.

“The Action Plan aims to develop a skilled and competitive workforce capable of increasing productivity and spurring innovation for access to decent jobs and improved quality of life for the people in Africa,” said Ms. Doroba.

Officially opening the conference on behalf of Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Education, Hon. Ezekiel Machogu, the Director General of the National Council of Science and Technology, Prof. Walter Oyawa, called for increased efforts in science diplomacy and science communication to enhance appreciation of STI by various stakeholders. Prof. Oyawa noted that there was a need for scientists and innovators to communicate more with politicians about the need to allocate more resources to investments in STI, noting that this would yield immense benefits for the region, as has been the case with developed countries.

He observed that mistrust in science and technology had escalated among members of the public, adding that the reduction in trust was responsible for the rejection of vaccines and genetically modified organisms, among other technologies.

Speaking at the event, the Executive Secretary of the East African Science and Technology Commission (EASTECO), Dr. Sylvance Okoth, disclosed that EASTECO has developed STI policies, strategies, and regulations to operationalize various aspects of various EAC policy instruments in its quest to promote the development, management, and application of science and technology in Partner States. “This STI conference is therefore one of the interventions through which science and technology promote the EAC integration agenda, as it accords stakeholders an opportunity to come together to exchange scientific information and, in the process, create new linkages and strengthen bonds of collaboration,” said Dr. Okoth.

“Through these interventions, the commission aims to enhance production, dissemination, and adoption of new and emerging technologies and innovations to spur social and economic enterprises in the region,” added the Executive Secretary.

In his remarks, the Executive Secretary of the Inter-University Council of East Africa (IUCEA), Prof. Gaspard Banyamkimbona, urged conference participants to engage in open dialogue, build new connections, and forge collaborations that will propel scientific advancements and contribute to sustainable development in the region.

“Let us use this platform to foster cross-disciplinary exchange, challenge existing paradigms, and collectively seek solutions that address the most complex problems facing our communities,” said Prof. Banyankimbona. “Together, we can harness the power of science, technology, and innovation to build a brighter future for East Africa, one where scientific advancements translate into tangible benefits for our citizens and where collaborative RDI initiatives pave the way for a more prosperous and sustainable future for generations to come,” he added.

On his part, Mr. Bjorn Richter, the EAC GIZ Cluster Coordinator, noted that GIZ had supported STI since the establishment of the Community in 1999, adding that the aim of this support was to bring innovation to drive intra-regional trade and economic growth in East Africa.

Mr. Richter further added that Germany’s aim was to foster a digital skills innovation ecosystem with universities to develop joint investment pipelines with the private sector.

He disclosed that his country’s current priority was digital transformation and green transition, adding that the focus was shifting more towards digital e-commerce to power trade and GDP growth while mitigating the negative effects of climate change.

Find more information on the EAC-GIZ support on this topic [here](https://www.eacgermany.org/sector/education-and-training#digital-skills). 

Accelerating Development & Diffusion of STI Solutions for a Green, Inclusive & Resilient East Africa

Data protection is increasingly important, especially to ensure privacy and protect sensitive data, as well as consumer and human rights. In addition, sound data protection frameworks encourage trade, investment, and ease regional integration. For these reasons, countries in the East African Community are increasingly setting up data protection frameworks and data protection authorities to enforce these frameworks. However, the countries are at very different stages in the development and operationalization of these frameworks. While some countries have active data protection authorities, other countries have no legal framework. Several countries are in the very initial stages of setting up their data protection authority. There is, therefore, a great potential for the new authorities and countries with no legislation to learn from other countries with more experience.

It is against this background that the European Commission, through two initiatives (the Data Governance in Africa Initiative and the African Union European Union (AU-EU) Digital for Development (D4D) Hub Project), and in collaboration with the East African Community (EAC), is supporting the implementation of data protection frameworks in East Africa. Through a series of workshops, research initiatives, and study visits, the project is paving the way for knowledge exchange and peer-to-peer learning among countries at varying stages of data protection law development. The first knowledge exchange took place on September 13 to 14, 2023, as stakeholders convened in Nairobi, Kenya, with the participation of key regional stakeholders, including representatives from the data protection sector, local private enterprises, and civil society organisations.

From 6 to 7 March, the East Africa Exchange on Data Protection took place in Kampala, Uganda, hosted by the Uganda Data Protection Authority, the Personal Data Protection Office (PDPO). The exchange advanced discussions on the importance of regional cooperation in establishing common data protection standards. Further, it aimed to enhance knowledge and experience sharing in data protection law enforcement at the East African regional level, fostering peer-to-peer connections, best practices exchanges, and learning opportunities.

In attendance at the event were data protection authorities in the EAC (Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Somalia), representatives from the Ministries of ICT and agencies responsible for the development of data protection laws from all EAC countries, Ministries for EAC Affairs, the EAC Secretariat, the East Africa Business Council (EABC), the Africa Union Commission (AUC), the Network of African Data Protection Authorities (NADPA), and development partners, among others.

For the Personal Data Protection Office (PDPO), Ms Stella Alibateese, National Personal Data Protection Director, emphasised that “We must recognise the diverse stages of development and implementation of data protection and privacy laws across the East African Community Partner States. Within this diversity lies our strength—the unparalleled opportunity for knowledge exchange, peer learning, and collective growth. Our resolve to address cross-border challenges and embrace a future of shared regulation has never been stronger.”

The EAC Deputy Secretary General in charge of Customs, Trade, and Monetary Affairs, Annette Ssemuwemba, noted that “In East Africa, safeguarding data is not just a necessity but a cornerstone for progress. Establishing robust data protection agencies and harmonising regulations is imperative for fostering trust, enabling seamless collaboration, and driving regional integration. As we unite our efforts to protect data, we forge a path towards a digitally secure and interconnected East Africa."

The Deputy Ambassador of the EU Delegation to Uganda, Mr Guillaume Chartrain, highlighted that “Data protection is not merely a technical or legal issue but a fundamental prerequisite for upholding democracy, fostering economic growth, and safeguarding individual rights. This is a lesson we have learned in Europe, and we stand ready to support the East African region and the African continent as a whole on its journey towards a responsible and citizen-centred approach to personal data protection.”

Further, the Data Governance for Africa Initiative Head of Programme, Franz von Weizsäecker, noted, “We are happy to support the African Union, its Regional Economic Communities such as EAC, and its member states in their efforts to develop and implement state-of-the art data policies. I am looking forward to understanding the priorities of Eastern African data protection authorities so that we can design suitable support mechanisms for regional initiatives.”
Two research projects prepared by Strathmore University (Kenya) were presented: a legal gap analysis covering the existing data protection frameworks in the EAC, highlighting their similarities and differences, as well as a collection of relevant resources for the data protection authorities. Participants worked together to agree on a shared vision for the EAC as well as immediate steps that can be taken to ease cross-border data flows, trade, and regional integration.

The participants discussed how best support could be provided to countries lacking adequate laws or authorities in this domain, ensuring they are brought up to par with established standards. There was emphasis on improving coordination and flow of information at the national and regional level, between development partners and other interested stakeholders, as well as within the national ecosystem. This helps avoid duplication of efforts.

The AU-EU D4Dhub Project Coordinator, Cristina de Lorenzo, said, “For the AU-EU D4D Hub Project, fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange in data protection across East Africa is a vital step towards building a resilient digital future for Africa. Through our initiatives, we support African institutions to create an enabling environment for an inclusive and sustainable digital transformation. This event in Kampala marks another significant milestone in our shared journey towards harmonising standards and facilitating cross-border cooperation.”

**Background**

The Data Governance in Africa Initiative supports the African Union (AU) and its member states to form development-oriented and human-centric data regulation, data use, and data infrastructure at continental, regional, and member state levels. The Initiative provides concrete support for a single digital market in Africa by harmonising regulations on data, creating cross-border data flow, and promoting investments in secure and sustainable data infrastructure facilities. Funded by the European Union and its five Member States (Belgium, Estonia, Finland, France, and Germany), under the Global Gateway strategy, the project is implemented from 1 January 2023 to 31 July 2026. This activity is implemented by GIZ. 

The AU-EU D4D Hub is a Team Europe project, co-funded by the European Union and jointly implemented by Enabel, GIZ, Estonia Development Cooperation, AFD, Expertise France, and LuxDev. It is part of the D4D Hub, an EU-led platform that creates and leverages partnerships to shape a sustainable digital future worldwide. This activity is implemented by GIZ. The project supports African institutions to create an enabling environment for an inclusive and sustainable digital transformation. It provides demand-driven technical assistance, promotes knowledge sharing, and facilitates multi-stakeholder dialogues.

Find more information [here](https://d4dhub.eu/au-eu-project). 



EU and EAC Build Bridges for Data Protection in East Africa

The EAC Secretariat, with the support of the EAC-GIZ programme, commissioned a scoping study on pharmaceutical waste management as part of the implementation of the EAC Medicines and Health Technologies Policy 2018 and the EAC Regional Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Plan of Action 2017-2027. The study undertaken in six EAC Partner States (Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania Mainland, and Uganda) aimed to establish the status of pharmaceutical waste management in the EAC and make practical recommendations for the effective, safe, and sustainable disposal of pharmaceutical waste.

Residues from pharmaceutical products have been detected in drinking water, natural water bodies, and wastewater. They can pose serious environmental and health hazards to humans, animals, and plants on land and in water bodies. The mass production of antibiotics, their excessive and haphazard use, and the many pathways of their release into the environment have all been linked to a significant increase in the number of pathogens with anti-microbial resistance, posing a severe threat to public health. Contamination of wastewater systems by pharmaceutical residues causes the greatest environmental hazard because conventional treatment systems are not designed to remove them.

The study addressed 312 stakeholders, including national medicines regulatory agencies, national medical stores, national environment agencies, pharmaceutical product manufacturers, dispensing pharmacies, hospitals and clinics, pharmaceutical stores, garbage collectors’ companies, and Ministries of Health, to collect data on the amount of pharmaceutical waste produced and its disposal.

The findings show that pharmaceutical waste accumulates annually due to consumption, overproduction, rejected consignments, unused donations, patient leftovers, and over-prescription. The study considered the variation of methodologies, records, and definitions in the Partner States to determine the rough estimates for pharmaceutical waste disposals.

The disposal is estimated at an annual cumulative of 33.4 thousand metric tonnes, an average of 0.3kg per person. Private households contribute 5 to 15% of total generated waste. Manufacturers, regulators, health facilities, and stores dispose of solid waste through incineration, while some hospitals, retail chemists, and warehouses use burning, landfill, or garbage collection as the almost exclusive disposal method. Further, liquid waste is diluted and poured into sinks, sewers, or the environment.
So far, consumers are least involved in pharmaceutical waste disposal, and there is minimal engagement and guidance by the authorities for households on the appropriate disposal of pharmaceutical waste. For instance, a very small percentage (less than 1%), almost negligible percentage of households return unused or expired medicines to the chemists, hospitals, stores, or the relevant authorities for safe disposal.

The only method for pharmaceutical waste disposal approved by the regulatory authorities is incineration under clearly specified conditions. Landfilling or simple burning of pharma waste is hazardous, and dilution and disposal through wastewater are the most unsafe methods.
All EAC Partner States have policies and guidelines for the management of pharmaceutical waste in place. However, the policies are seldom enforced due to lack of resources, among other factors, including:

- There are few incinerators, and they are often not in line with recommended standards.
- Cumbersome disposal processes, e.g., too many administrative steps
- Logistical problems such as lack of transport, proper collection, and temporary storage space for pharmaceutical waste.
- Lack of harmonised guidelines at the regional level for the Partner States.
- There is little public awareness about the hazards of handling pharmaceutical waste.

In this regard, this scoping study proposes several practical measures as best practices for the management of unavoidable pharmaceutical waste in East Africa:

- Enforcing the implementation of existing laws, regulations, and guidelines on pharmaceutical waste management.
- Introduce waste segregation as part of the general waste management system to separate hazardous waste.
- Train employees in factories, health facilities, etc. on the proper disposal of pharmaceutical waste.
- Conduct awareness-creation campaigns and educate citizens on proper pharmaceutical waste disposal processes, including household waste collectors, in all efforts of proper waste handling.
- Develop a strategy and a clear roadmap to address the challenges of pharmaceutical waste management in the region.
- Governments should enforce the rational prescription of drugs.

As a follow-on to the validation of the study, the Partner States, with support from the EAC Secretariat, will develop a regionally harmonised guideline for a common approach in the EAC Region. Communication and information material to make the public and private sector aware of appropriate pharmaceutical waste management approaches. This will include industry, key public institutions, private medical stores, health facilities, pharmacies, and household garbage collectors. Additionally, a regional survey on the suitability of the existing incinerators across Partner States will be conducted.

Find more on the EAC-GIZ support to pharmaceuticals [here](https://www.eacgermany.org/sector/industrialisation-sme-development#pharma).

Photo: © Muvunyi Ernest

The Study on Pharmaceutical Waste Management and Consumer Protection in the EAC Partner States (GIZ)

The recent operational workshop on mutual recognition agreements (MRAs) for engineers in the EAC, facilitated by the GIZ project, Digitilization for East African Trade and Integration (DIGEAT), represents a transformative moment with profound implications for engineers, the labour market, fresh graduates, and ingenuity. This significant event brought together key stakeholders, policymakers, and engineering sector representatives to reflect on past achievements and set the stage for a visionary future.

For engineers, the workshop signified a pivotal milestone towards enhancing their professional recognition and mobility within the region. 

Hon. Engineer Joseph M. Mbugua, the Principal Secretary of the State Department for Roads and Transport, Kenya, and the Guest of Honour to the event shared the Ministry's satisfaction with the active engagement in Engineering MRAs. In his address, he underscored engineers' pivotal role in regional development, aligning with national and global goals such as Agenda 2063 and the Sustainable Development Goals. Mbugua urged the participants to collaborate to establish a robust framework that ensures the upholding of quality standards and transparency, a crucial component in fostering regional trade. The workshop officially commenced with a salutation to GIZ for their commendable contribution to promoting and facilitating Trade in Services in the EAC. 

The workshop is a debut to foster a more dynamic and interconnected engineering sector in the labour market. The expedited implementation of MRAs, as advocated by Eng. Margaret Ogai, CEO/Registrar of the Engineers Board Kenya (EBK) and other stakeholders, is expected to streamline the recognition of engineers across national boundaries. This facilitates the sharing of knowledge and opens up fresh opportunities for employment and progression for engineers in the region.

The senior registrars expressed their belief that the emphasis on harmonising education prerequisites, standardising academic credentials, and incorporating a streamlined digital platform signals a more seamless transition into the engineering profession for young graduates. Collaboration with the Inter-University Council for East Africa (IUCEA) and the proactive steps suggested by Protais Manirakiza, Commissioner of Urban, Housing and Design representing Burundi, indicate a forward-looking approach to nurturing the next generation of engineers, ensuring their talents are acknowledged and valued.

Additionally, the emphasis on evaluating existing frameworks and auto-verification processes demonstrates a commitment to staying well-informed of technological advancements and ensuring that innovation is at the core of the engineering profession.

In conclusion, the workshop's impact resonates far and wide, promising a future where engineers are recognised as key drivers of regional development. The urgency echoed throughout the workshop emphasises the need for a collaborative and inclusive approach, setting the stage for a transformative journey towards elevating the recognition of engineers across the region. 

Find more information on DIGEAT [here](https://www.eacgermany.org/projects/digitalisation-for-east-african-trade-and-integration-digeat).  

Find a clip covering the brief of the workshop [here](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aJEd0oK1SCI). 


Unlocking Opportunities: Engineers Convene for a Game-Changing Workshop to Revive the Stalled MRA Process from 2011 in the EAC (GIZ)

From 7 to 8 February, the EAC regional experts in the agricultural, pharmaceutical, and leather sectors convened in Nairobi, Kenya, to review the progress achieved within their respective industries and to formulate recommendations aimed at enhancing growth and scaling up regional trade.
 
The two-day workshop, dubbed ‘Regional Focal Persons Workshop to Monitor the Implementation of the EAC Fruits & Vegetables; Leather & Leather Products; and Pharmaceutical Sectors Strategies and Action Plans’, comprised of experts from EAC Partner States, the EAC Secretariat, the East African Business Council and representatives from GIZ/GFA.
 
The workshop served as a platform for critical discussions and progress reporting, aiming to identify quick wins and streamline collaborative efforts across the region.

![MicrosoftTeams-image (92).png](https://strapi.eacgermany.org/uploads/Microsoft_Teams_image_92_85aa185323.png)
 
In the fruits and vegetables sector, the experts emphasised the importance of harmonising agricultural and food safety standards within the region. They highlighted the need to support the development and adoption of a code of conduct for farmers and exporters, aiming to strengthen self-monitoring frameworks. Additionally, the experts stressed the significance of prioritising the development and improvement of quality planting seeds and seedlings.
 
They also advocated for enhanced data collection mechanisms, utilising digital technology. Recommendations included fast-tracking initiatives using digital and remote sensing for streamlined data collection and advocating for the inclusion of nuts in reports.

On the pharmaceuticals front, the experts noted significant ongoing projects, singling out the developments in Kenya, where two Biovax vaccine manufacturing plans are being set up, while in Rwanda, a BioNTech Vaccines manufacturing plant is set to go into production by end the of 2024.
 
They underscored the urgent need for Partner States to expedite and streamline approval processes for pharmaceutical waste disposal, citing the potential risks associated with prolonged procedures. The meeting emphasised the importance of developing harmonised regulations and guidelines for pharmaceutical waste management across the EAC region, aiming to ensure consistent and effective waste management practices, thereby enhancing environmental sustainability and public safety.
 
On the leather sector, the experts highlighted the need for investment and adoption of modern processing technologies to address existing challenges. These challenges include the high cost of production and the production of low-quality leather products.
 
Notable issues identified included low volumes of locally produced leather products, limited capacities of tanneries, and insufficient technology and manpower. The experts also pointed out the unfavourable competition faced by the leather market from cheap imported products and the weak linkages between Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and formal retail outlets.

Recommendations included the development of minimum acceptable standards for hides and skins, integration of quality leather requirements into animal husbandry practices, and implementation of subsidised exchange programmes to address limited access to experts in the leather processing section.
 
Additionally, the experts highlighted the necessity of developing user-friendly tools and self-assessment toolkits to enhance the capacity of MSMEs to meet international requirements. The importance of fostering public-private partnerships to pool financial resources and support infrastructure development was also stressed.
 
Dr. Julius Otim, who spoke on behalf of the EAC Secretary General, Hon. (Dr.) Peter Mathuki, emphasised the progress made in implementing sectoral strategies, noting that they are in alignment with Council Directives.
 
On her part, Ms. Purity Kamau, acting on behalf of Dr. Juma Mukhwana, the Principal Secretary for Industry in the Ministry of Investments, Trade, and Industry, Kenya, underscored the significance of regional collaboration. Ms. Kamau highlighted the EAC Industrialization Strategy (2012-2032) as a pivotal framework guiding regional development efforts, particularly through strategic value chain interventions.
 
Dr. Thomas Walter, representing GIZ and GFA, reiterated the organisations' commitment to supporting sectoral development initiatives in addition to the importance of effective policy measures in enhancing regional trade and economic growth.
 
The report of the workshop is set to be presented to the Sectoral Committee on Industrialization and the Sectoral Council of Trade, Industry, Finance, and Investment (SCTIFI) in May 2024 for further consideration.

Find more information on the GIZ/GFA support to the agricultural, pharmaceutical, and leather sectors [here](https://www.eacgermany.org/sector/agriculture-food-security) and [here](https://www.eacgermany.org/sector/industrialisation-sme-development). 

EAC Experts Adopt Strategies to Boost the Regions Agricultural, Pharmaceutical and Leather Sector (GIZ)

From 5th to 6th February 2024, a delegation of the East African Community (EAC), led by Hon. Andrea Aguer Arik Malueth, the Deputy Secretary General (Infrastructure, Productive, Social and Political Sectors), paid a visit to the ECOWAS Commission in Abuja, Nigeria, for a benchmarking mission in order to enhance Integration in the East African Region.

The EAC Delegation was welcomed by H.E. Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, the President of the ECOWAS Commission. In his address, Dr. Touray highlighted the importance of collaboration among the Regional Economic Communities (RECs). Adding that “it is good we learn from each other”. 

Hon. Andrea Aguer Arik Malueth equally stressed the importance for EAC to learn from the experiences of ECOWAS in their journey to effectively promote trade and Integration: “We believe that EAC and ECOWAS can learn from each other and jointly promote regional integration in Africa”.

The EAC delegation held discussions with the Office of the Vice President on institutional reforms implemented at the ECOWAS Commission in the last decade. Further, sectoral discussions were held with the Commissioner for Internal Services, the Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, the Commissioner for Infrastructure, Energy and Digitalization, as well as the Commissioner Economic Affairs and Agriculture.

Both sides agreed to further foster bilateral engagement to strengthen peer learning between RECs.

**Background**

The mission was supported by GIZ as part of the cooperation between the German Government and the EAC on organisational development. 

GIZ, via the SEAMPEC II project, works to strengthen the capacities of the EAC Secretariat to implement the 6th EAC Development Strategy, which focuses on increasing value-addition, industrial development, innovation and investment.

Find more information [here](https://www.eacgermany.org/sector/organisational-development-and-outreach). 


The EAC Visits ECOWAS Commission for a Benchmarking Mission (GIZ)

The Great African Cycling Safari (GACs), previously known as the Tour d’EAC, started in 2016. Ever since, youths from across the EAC Partner States have participated in this cycling event, which is considered the world’s longest endurance cycling course. In 55 days, participants cover 6,000 kilometres across East Africa, traversing Kenya, Tanzania, Burundi, Rwanda, and Uganda.

In 2023, the event was supported by the EAC Secretariat, EAC-GIZ, and Equity Bank, amongst others. Its purpose was to sensitise East Africans on the EAC integration process and to focus on boosting food security and mitigating the effects of climate change.

Along the route, the cyclists had the chance to be immersed in the vibrant local communities, learning about their food security and climate change challenges and how they could find the most efficient solutions to solve them. The interactions with the local communities gave citizens a deeper understanding of food security and climate change and provided opportunities to bring the benefits of East African regional integration closer to them.

Prior to the grand finale in Kampala, Uganda, a regional dialogue on food security and climate change was held. Mr. Valent Arinitwe, Principal Forestry Officer, Uganda, emphasized the importance of sustainable forestry practices in ensuring long-term food security for the region. He highlighted the need for collaborative efforts between the government, private sector, and local communities to protect and restore forests, which play a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance and supporting agricultural productivity.

![IMG-20230815-WA0012.jpg](https://strapi.eacgermany.org/uploads/IMG_20230815_WA_0012_361c4d7caa.jpg)_Public dialogue and tree planting session at the Arusha Technical Institute by the Cyclist together with the EAC and GIZ_

Following their encounters with citizens across the EAC, the young cyclists developed recommendations on how the EAC could counteract the damaging effects of climate change and secure food for East Africans:

- Young people should be more involved in the decision-making process because they have unique perspectives and innovative ideas on effective solutions to global challenges such as hunger, malnutrition, and climate change.
- Improved data on food security will lead to a more accurate understanding of the challenges and vulnerabilities and help to develop targeted interventions that address the root causes of food insecurity on a regional scale.
- A focus on locally sourced food rather than on global markets, with short supply chains, community-supported agriculture, and local producers and consumers, reduces dependence on long-distance transportation and global supply chains. Networks among farmers, producers, and consumers within a community promote resilience, sustainability, and a sense of shared responsibility for food security.
- The EAC Partner States, in collaboration with other stakeholders, are urged to provide appropriate training and capacity building to promote the use of appropriate practices, technologies, and best practices to secure food in the region.
- The EAC Partner States should put the Right to Food as a human right at the centre of their policies, programmes, and governance procedures pertaining to food. This will give local communities and indigenous peoples decision-making power concerning their food systems.

Find more inforamtion on EAC-GIZ [here](https://www.eacgermany.org/who-we-are/about-german-development-cooperation). 


Cycling Across East Africa to Raise Awareness on Food Security and Climate Change (GIZ)

Since the Common Market Protocol (CMP) came into force in 2010, the EAC has become one of the continent’s most integrated regions. Great progress was made towards achieving the region’s integration goals in the services sector, both at national and regional levels, with exportation services growing by 46.6%. However, due to new emerging barriers, including restrictions of laws and regulations and business environment obstacles across a range of service sectors, the implementation of the commitments slowed down.

The first EAC Trade in Services (TiS) Strategy 2023–2033 aims to enhance the service sector in the region and increase intra-EAC trade in services and exports of services to the continent and the world.

EAC Partner States made commitments to liberalise a total of 136 sub-sectors in seven priority sectors: business, communications, distribution, education, finance, transport, and tourism and travel. The selection of the sectors was based mainly on their role as an intermediate input across the region’s economy, their degree of tradability, the extent to which they provide employment, and their prioritisation under the AfCFTA.

In addition to these sectors, five cross-cutting interventions have also been prioritised:

- Reinforce the (public and private) institutional framework for service sector development.
- Generate information to drive service policies and business strategies.
- Build the capacity of service sector firms to enhance export capability and competitiveness.
- Reinvigorate and broaden service integration and regulatory reform.
- Address horizontal restrictions.

Supported by the EAC-GIZ programme SEAMPEC II, the EAC developed an implementation plan for the EAC TiS Strategy with concrete outputs, key performance indicators, time frames, responsible institutions and stakeholders, budgets, and sources of funding.

The implementation of the strategy has already yielded tangible results, such as:

- Adaption of Minimum Standards for Tour Operators, Travel Agents, and Tour Guides
- Development of the EAC Tourism Barometer
- Increased private sector participation in the Trade in Services liberalisation process
- Advancement of the One Network Area in all EAC Partner States
- Development of roadmaps for Mutual Recognition Agreements 

Find more information on the EAC Trade in Services Strategy [here](https://strapi.eacgermany.org/uploads/EAC_Strategy_for_Trade_in_Services_Adopted_Feb_2023_upload_002_4a97957722.pdf).

Find more information on SEAMPEC II [here](https://www.eacgermany.org/projects/support-to-east-african-market-driven-and-people-centered-integration-seampec). 

April 16th, 2024