The EAC Digital Skills for an Innovative East Africa (dSkills@EA) project, in collaboration with GIZ and the Inter-University Council for East Africa (IUCEA), kicked off its capacity building programme on 25 June 2024. This initiative, funded by the German government, seeks to equip young innovators and aspiring entrepreneurs in the region with the tools and knowledge necessary to launch and scale their startups.

![Launch of the regional innovation network.jpg](https://strapi.eacgermany.org/uploads/Launch_of_the_regional_innovation_network_376c4e7bec.jpg)

The Innovators Sprint Up Programme was initiated following a Training Needs Assessment that revealed a significant gap in business knowledge among participants. Only 22% of the participants had prior knowledge of business concepts, while the remaining 78% lacked the essential skills for entrepreneurial success. Based on these findings, the programme was designed to address the needs of the participants by offering modules such as Design Thinking, Business Model Canvas, Marketing, Financial Planning, and Investor Readiness.

This collaborative effort brought together EAC Partner States, including Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda. Further, the initiative is supported by a consortium of Entrepreneur Support Organizations (ESOs), including E4Impact Foundation, Ennovate Ventures, Aclis, Koneta Hub, and Cinolu Hub, under the leadership of The Association of Startups and SME Enablers of Kenya (ASSEK).

"Digital skills are a cornerstone for driving economic growth and enhancing regional competitiveness within the East African Community. By fostering proficiency in digital tools and technologies, dSkills@EA is playing a pivotal role in transforming the economic and social fabric of East Africa," remarked David Roos, dSkills@EA project.

The programme focuses on several key training areas identified by young innovators. These include Business Modeling, Market Research, Financial Planning, Marketing and Customer Acquisition, Access to Funding, and Mentorship. The following modules have been crucial in shaping the participants' entrepreneurial journeys:

**1. Design Thinking**

Design Thinking is a foundational module in the programme, particularly for early-stage innovators. Many participants initially struggled to understand their users’ needs. This module taught them to empathise with their target customers, developing solutions that are tailored to real-world challenges. Sankale Olkiado, Founder of LaGrange, noted, "For the last two days, I have gained a lot in Design Thinking. It is a very impactful module that has helped me streamline my startup in such a profound way."

**2. Business Model Canvas (BMC)**

Understanding how to structure a viable business model is crucial for any startup's success. This module helped participants redesign and refine their business models to ensure financial stability and scalability. "Following the BMC training, I had to make a tonne of changes and rethink the idea I formerly presented and come up with something more workable," said Charles Rubangakene, a participant.

**3. Marketing**

Effective marketing is essential for reaching customers and promoting a business. Participants learnt how to position their businesses, create compelling value propositions, and communicate effectively with their target audiences. “The Marketing Module has made me visualise my business from a more detailed perspective,” noted Derick Kainan Omona.

![Picture1.jpg](https://strapi.eacgermany.org/uploads/Picture1_e829fb424d.jpg)

Furthermore, the Innovators Sprint Up Programme has reached over 300 young innovators in East Africa. These entrepreneurs have participated in intensive boot camps where they refined their business ideas and prototypes. The programme serves as a catalyst for job creation, entrepreneurship, and innovation, contributing to the region's economic growth and development.

By August 2024, the programme had successfully hosted four industry mentorship sessions, offering young innovators the opportunity to deepen their knowledge and gain practical tools for business success. These sessions covered topics like branding, sales, leadership management, and intellectual property, providing participants with a well-rounded entrepreneurial skill set.

"This has been a very powerful and impactful session. Growth indeed is a seed-cutting process," remarked Moses Kazimoto, President of the University of Dar es Salaam.

**The Impact of the Programme**

The programme has had a profound impact on the lives and careers of many young innovators. Nalule Grace Nakabuye from Rwanda, for example, has significantly elevated her business, Apollo’s Irembo, thanks to the knowledge and skills she acquired through the programme. Similarly, many other participants have expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to learn and grow.

One participant, Kimonyi Esther Nthenya from Nairobi, Kenya, shared her experience: "I joined dSkills@EA with zero know-how of what entrepreneurship entails. The Innovators Sprint Up Programme has helped bring to life a startup entrepreneur who is now fully equipped with entrepreneurship knowledge and skills."

Participants in the program gained advanced business skills through modules like Sales and Negotiation, Financial Accounting, Commercialisation, and Intellectual Property Protection. These modules equipped them to maximise profits, manage finances, bring innovations to market, and protect their ideas.

The dSkills@EA Innovators Sprint Up Programme is playing a crucial role in empowering the next generation of East African entrepreneurs. By equipping young innovators with the skills and knowledge necessary to launch and grow their businesses, the programme is driving job creation, fostering innovation, and contributing to the region's overall economic development. The collaboration between the EAC, GIZ, IUCEA, and other partners ensures that the impact of this programme will be felt across the East African region for years to come.

Find more information about the dSkills@EA Innovators Sprint Up Programme [here](https://mailchi.mp/0d858bd0a8b7/assek-newsletter-july-17776568).
Find more information on the dSkills@EA project [here](https://www.eacgermany.org/projects/digital-skills-for-an-innovative-east-african-industry). 

Empowering East African Innovators: The dSkills@EA Innovators Sprint Up Programme (GIZ)

Regional integration under the East African Community (EAC) holds vast opportunities for Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) to engage and benefit from East African integration. This is the clear message of a panel discussion that was held on 10th September 2024 between representatives of EAC, the East African Civil Society Organizations Forum (EACSOF), the European Union Delegation to Tanzania, and the development agency GIZ. The panel took place as part of the Tanzanian CSO week, hosted by the Foundation for Civil Society from 9 to 13 September in Arusha, Tanzania.

The discussion was held under the theme of **Civil Society Organization’s Engagement in the EAC Integration Process** and attended by more than 170 representatives from various Tanzanian civil society organizations and the public sector. It explored the role and status of CSO engagement in the EAC integration process and thus provided a crucial step towards a more inclusive and participatory EAC integration process – ensuring that the voices of civil society are heard and their contributions are recognised. Furthermore, the lively discussion provided a platform for debating the challenges faced by CSOs, the opportunities available for their engagement, ways in which CSOs could facilitate and advocate for citizen-led integration, and actionable recommendations that enhance their participation in the regional integration process with a special focus on regional economic integration.

Representing the EAC Secretariat, Mr. Charles Omusana, the Principal Economist for Investment and Private Sector Promotion, highlighted that the current EAC treaty provided for people-centred and market-driven process and had directives on the involvement of CSOs, the private sector, and other interest groups in the integration agenda. “This directive is embodied in the Consultative Dialogue Framework (CDF), which includes platforms such as the Secretary General’s Forum used for engagement between EAC and CSOs,” Mr. Omusana added and called upon stakeholders to utilise the platforms to enhance CSO participation.

Speaking during the session, the Head of Economics and Governance, European Union Delegation to Tanzania and EAC, Ms. Karina Dzialowska, reflected on lessons from the many years of the EU integration process, including the legislative reforms that were spearheaded by the citizens and the need for equipping CSOs with relevant tools for constructive engagements. “Looking back at the EU integration process, we cannot underestimate the opportunities, disruptions, and impacts that regional integration reforms can accelerate” she urged CSOs to actively participate in EAC policy reforms and decision-making processes by utilising the available platforms and becoming central players in the integration process. 

![2 CSO Week 3.jpg](https://strapi.eacgermany.org/uploads/2_CSO_Week_3_f20966f7aa.jpg)

On her remark, the CEO of EACSOF, Ms. Lilian Alex, reiterated the need to expand the civil space in Tanzania and encouraged CSOs to prioritise the regional integration agenda, reminding them of their role in the people-centred EAC integration process given their geographical coverage and nature of their work. “The Civil Society voice is shrinking in Tanzania, and there is more work to be done on national awareness for a more inclusive EAC integration process,” she added.

From the GIZ perspective, Mr. Marius Weist, the Component Lead, Organisation Development and Outreach observed that GIZ has been supporting the EAC integration on multiple fronts, including CSO engagement, with a special focus on enhancing legislative and policy frameworks to widen the space for CSOs and increasing participation of women and youth in decision-making processes within the region. “Through the Leveraging Integration Frameworks for Trade in Services and Civil Society Organizations in the East African Community (LIFTED) project, GIZ has availed resources for CSO-led innovations with a call for applications currently ongoing,” he said.

The debate underscored the importance of a people-centred integration process with stakeholders reaffirming their commitment to working together to enhance the participation and meaningful engagement of CSOs in EAC decision-making processes.

Additionally, to the panel discussion, a session on **National and Regional Policy and Legislative Framework for Tanzanian CSO Engagement in the EAC Integration** is schedule for 12th September 2024. It is organised by GIZ in partnership with EAC and EACSOF as part of the implementation of the EU-cofunded LIFTED project and will bring together key stakeholders from Tanzanian CSO networks, policymakers, and the EAC Secretariat to discuss the national and regional policy and legislative framework for CSO engagement in the EAC integration.  
 
The CSO Week serves as a dynamic platform for exhibitions, discussions, networking, and outreach events. It provides a space for CSOs to converge, exchange ideas, and collectively address pressing issues vital to Tanzania's future. The EU’s support for civil society engagement in regional economic integration via the LIFTED project and other initiatives aims to foster a more inclusive and participatory EAC integration process by ensuring that the voices of civil society are heard and their contributions recognised.

**About LIFTED**
  
LIFTED “Leveraging Integration Frameworks for Trade in Services and CSOs in the EAC” is a project jointly co-financed by the European Union EU, and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). LIFTED aims to increase EAC, continental and further bilateral trade with EU in Trade in Services and Civil Society engagement in the framework of the (AfCFTA) for people-centred EAC integration. It is implemented by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) in collaboration with the EAC Secretariat.


EAC, EACSOF, and EU Highlight Opportunities for CSO Engagement in Regional Economic Integration (GIZ)  

The African Cashew Alliance (ACA) has opened an online application for Editions 19 and 20 of the Cashew Master Training Program (MTP) with a special call for East African participants. 

With funding support from the European Union (EU), the Organization of African Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) and the Bundesministerium für wirtschaftliche Zusammenarbeit und Entwicklung (BMZ), the 19th edition of the MTP will for the first time be held in East Africa. MTP 20 will meanwhile take place in West Africa. 

Application is open to people working in the private and public sectors, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and development partners promoting cashew value chains in Africa and beyond.  The applicants must be mandated by their host institution and will go through a transparent selection process in line with fixed criteria.

Interested applicants can proceed to https://mtp.cashewknowledgehub.com/ to read about the MTP, the terms and conditions, and register. 

**About the MTP**

The Master Training Programme aims to increase theoretical knowledge and practical skills of African cashew experts along the value chain and consequently to further promote the competitiveness of the African cashew sector. It is an intensive three-week training held in three different sessions involving both classroom and practical sessions on various aspects of the Cashew value chain ranging from production and processing to economics, cashew market dynamics, marketing and financing mechanisms, and cross-cutting issues like facilitation skills, negotiation skills, decision-making, gender, among others. The MTP is implemented by the ACA. with support from the GIZ/MOVE/ComCashew Project, Ghana’s Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA), the Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana (CRIG), the Conseil du Coton et de l’ Anacarde (CCA), The East Africa Community (EAC), GIZ Support to East African Integration (SEAMPEC II), the Consultative International Cashew Council (CICC), the Cashewnut Board of Tanzania (CBT), and the Institute of Nuts of Mozambique (INCAJU).

**Training Location**

MTP 19 will take place in Mozambique, Tanzania, and Kenya, while MTP 20 will be held in Côte d'Ivoire and Ghana by the ACA with expert support from GIZ/MOVE, MOFA, CRIG, and other national institutions and companies involved in the cashew sector. The working languages will be English, French, and Portuguese (with translation service).

**Timelines**

The 19 and 20 Editions of the MTP are expected to start in January 2025 and end by July 2025. Specific timelines for these Editions will be communicated to successful applicants. 

**Application deadline** 

Online application for the 19 and 20 Editions of the MTP end on 30 September 2024. 

For more information, contact: mtp@africancashewalliance.org

![Registration Launch 19-East Africa-EN.jpg](https://strapi.eacgermany.org/uploads/Registration_Launch_19_East_Africa_EN_f1268067e8.jpg)

Photo: ©GIZ/MOVE-ComCashew & ACA/ MTP17

Cashew Master Training Programme: Online Application for Next Editions Opened (GIZ)

On 12 August 2023, the Inter-University Council of East Africa (IUCEA), and the East African Science and Technology Commission (EASTECO), supported by GIZ through the Digital Skills for an Innovative East African Industry project (dSkills@EA), successfully concluded a co-creation workshop on the establishment of an East African Digital Skills, AI Research, and Innovation Alliance in Arusha, Tanzania, at the sidelines of the Regional Education Conference.

The conference was organised in response to the deliberations of the 19th meeting of the EAC Sectoral Council of Education, Science and Technology, Culture, and Sports (SCESTCS) held on June 22, 2024, in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, where the council emphasised the need to engage stakeholders and Partner States in establishing a digital skills alliance.

The workshop brought together key stakeholders from across the region, including representatives from academia, the private sector, civil society, and Partner States, to discuss the creation of a regional alliance aimed at enhancing digital skills, research, and innovation. 

Dr. Irene Charles Isaka, the Director of the Social Sector at the EAC, informed the meeting that the EAC pre-conference workshop is in line with Article 105 of the EAC Treaty and addresses the goals set in the EAC Strategic Plan 2025. It also follows the Sectoral Council Directive aimed at advancing digital transformation in the region.

She observed that by forming the alliance and utilising the combined expertise and commitments of development partners, the meeting has set the stage for a coordinated approach to integrating emerging technologies both regionally and globally. She further highlighted that Digital skills are critical and cut across all sectors, including health, services, and industries, to drive sustainable development in East Africa.

Prof. Gaspard Banyankimbona, Executive Secretary of IUCEA, stated, "Our region's educational institutions play a critical role in fostering innovation and driving socio-economic development. The establishment of this Alliance will demonstrate the commitment of our academic institutions, industry partners, and policymakers to work together to address the digital skills gap and ensure that our students are equipped for the challenges of the future."

Dr. Sylvance Okoth, Executive Secretary of EASTECO, stated, "Our mandate is to promote and coordinate the development of science, technology, and innovation to support regional integration for socio-economic development. Establishing the alliance will provide a platform to consolidate the various science and technology policies of the Partner States and develop a comprehensive regional Artificial Intelligence Framework that will drive the uptake of AI technology for socio-economic development in East Africa."

Mr. David Roos, Project Manager at dSkills@EA, stated that the EAC Education Conference marked a significant step forward with a crucial partner meeting focused on implementing the East African Digital Skills, AI Research, and Innovation Alliance. This initiative was endorsed by the EAC Education Ministers at the 19th Sectoral Council meeting. Under the leadership of the EAC Secretariat, IUCEA, EASTECO, and EABC, this partner-oriented initiative aims to unite member states, the private sector, and civil society in addressing the challenges at the intersection between higher education and economic integration.

**The meeting recommended the following actions:**

- Share a whitepaper of the recommendations of the meeting with all stakeholders and hold a validation session for feedback and alignment.
- Develop an implementation roadmap, constitute a founding board, and aim for a launch in early 2025.
- Draft an inclusive strategic plan to address key needs such as raising awareness and political will, securing resources for local AI solutions, and building regional AI skills and infrastructure.
- Advocate for the development of an EAC regional Artificial Intelligence Strategy to guide the implementation of Digital Skills, AI Research, and Innovation Alliance in the region.

The outcomes of the workshop were presented to a wider network at the Inaugural EAC Regional Education Conference on 13 August 2024. The subsequent collaboration with all stakeholders will play a critical role in shaping the region’s AI technological landscape. The workshop aligns with the African Union's focus on 2024 as the Year of Education, which aims to address the pressing educational challenges within Africa.

Find more information on dSkills@EA [here](https://www.eacgermany.org/projects/digital-skills-for-an-innovative-east-african-industry). 

East Africa Advances Digital Skills and AI Innovation with New Regional Alliance (GIZ)

On 12 August 2024, the EAC-GIZ Programme joins the global community to commemorate International Youth Day, themed "From Clicks to Progress: Youth Digital Pathways for Sustainable Development". This theme emphasises the crucial role of digital technology in empowering youth and fostering sustainable economic growth. Digital technology offers unprecedented opportunities for education, entrepreneurship, and civic engagement, enabling young people to access information, develop skills, and create innovative solutions to address local and global challenges.

Youth participation in the EAC integration is enshrined in Article 120(c) of the EAC Treaty, which advocates for a common approach to youth involvement through education, training, and mainstreaming across EAC policies, programmes, and projects. This strategic intervention aims to realise a fully integrated community.

The EAC, in close collaboration with GIZ, has been at the forefront of promoting youth engagement in regional economic integration, recognising the transformative potential of digital technology through various initiatives to support youth in harnessing these opportunities.

Through the joint EAC and GIZ project, Digital Skills for an Innovative East African Industry (dSkills@EA), numerous training workshops on digital skills have been conducted across the region. These trainings are equipping young people with essential skills in coding, digital marketing, and data analysis, enabling them to secure employment in the digital economy and start tech-based businesses. In the ongoing initiative, a total of 84 young people across the seven EAC Partner States will be trained in short-term digital training through the project.

EAC-GIZ has supported digital startups through partnerships with local incubators and accelerators in the region and provided mentorship, funding, and networking opportunities to young entrepreneurs. This support has led to the creation of innovative startups that drive economic growth and address social issues in the region. Further, the establishment of regional digital platforms has connected young people across borders, enabling them to collaborate on projects, share knowledge, and participate in regional dialogues on sustainable social and economic growth and development.

In policy, EAC-GIZ has facilitated youth engagement in key policy development, review, and implementation processes at national, regional, and continental levels through platforms like the East African Youth Network (EAYN) and the East African Youth Ambassador’s Platform (EACYAP), particularly in the development of the AfCFTA Protocol on women and youth in trade in Africa and the review of the EAC Simplified Trade Regime. 

With co-funding from the European Union, EAC-GIZ aims to further boost youth involvement in policy-making and develop the EAC youth policy and two regional gender strategies.

In light of addressing youth unemployment and improving digital skills through training, entrepreneurship, and innovation in East Africa, EAC-GIZ recommends that the EAC Partner States invest in digital infrastructure, promote digital literacy in education, create an enabling environment for digital innovation, i.e., reduce regulatory barriers, foster public-private partnerships, and enhance regional collaboration on digital initiatives.

While reflecting on the success of the youth in line with the afore-mentioned theme, International Youth Day also underscores the challenges faced by youth in the region, including educational barriers, limited access to healthcare, and economic instability. The EAC-GIZ Programme, continues to make significant contributions to promoting youth engagement in the digital economy. Nevertheless, with continued support from the EAC Secretariat and Partner States, the full potential of young people can be unlocked to build a prosperous and sustainable future for the region.

Find more information on the dSkill@EA project [here](https://www.eacgermany.org/projects/digital-skills-for-an-innovative-east-african-industry). 
Find more information on EAC-GIZ support to youth engagement in policy [here](https://www.eacgermany.org/sector/gender-community-development-and-civil-society-mobilization).

Driving Digital Progress – EAC-GIZ Reflects on Youth Empowerment Through Digital Innovation on International Youth Day 2024 (GIZ)

On 31 July 2024, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between EAC-GIZ and the East Africa Civil Society Organizations Forum (EACSOF), marking a pivotal moment in the step towards enhanced civil society participation and engagement and especially bolstering the involvement of women and youth in regional economic integration processes.

The signing ceremony was hosted by Mr Marius Weist, Team Lead for Organisational Development and Outreach, along with the respective CSO advisors from EAC-GIZ. Representing EACSOF, Ms. Lilian Kimaro and her team were in attendance.

![giz_eacsof_mou_signing (3).jpeg](https://strapi.eacgermany.org/uploads/giz_eacsof_mou_signing_3_ff61e21e12.jpeg)

In his address, Mr Weist emphasised the indispensable role of civil society organizations (CSOs), women, and youth in the EAC integration process. Today marks a joint milestone on our journey towards stronger engagement of CSOs in processes that drive EAC's economic integration, he stated.

Ms. Kimaro, CEO of EACSOF, expressed her unwavering commitment to the MoU's objectives, highlighting its critical support for CSOs in regional economic integration. With our growing membership from newly joined EAC countries, this support is timely and will significantly enhance our capacity to work towards a people-centred, economically integrated EAC. She affirmed that we are dedicated to achieving the intended results.

![kimaro eacsof.jpg](https://strapi.eacgermany.org/uploads/kimaro_eacsof_8f9c18bf6d.jpg)

Key areas of collaboration in the MoU include capacity development for CSOs, resource mobilisation, and the implementation of the consultative dialogue framework. It is in line with the objectives of the Leveraging Integration Frameworks for Trade in Services and CSOs in the EAC Region (LIFTED) initiative, implemented by GIZ and co-funded by the European Union (EU) and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). The initiative also supports the enhancement of service liberalisation and exports in selected sectors at both regional and continental levels.

By focusing on these strategic areas, GIZ and EACSOF aim to make a substantial impact on regional development and stability, leveraging their combined expertise and resources. This partnership signifies a major step forward in strengthening civil society participation and regional stabilisation within the EAC region.


GIZ and EACSOF Forge Strategic Alliance to Amplify Civil Society's Role in EAC Integration (GIZ)

On 31 July 2024, the EAC, together with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and GIZ, announced the successful conclusion of the Water Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Project in the region.

The US$2.5 million WASH project commenced in 2021 with the aim of strengthening the capacities of EAC Partner States to prevent and control the spread of COVID-19 and other infectious diseases using hygiene measures, risk communication, and community sensitization.
The three-year project has achieved remarkable milestones, including the installation and renovation of 43 fixed handwashing facilities at the Points of Entry and border hotspots of all seven Partner States, namely Burundi, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Uganda, and the United Republic of Tanzania.

The project has reached over five million individuals living in border communities across the region, encouraging protective health and hygiene behaviours to prevent the spread of zoonotic and water-borne infectious diseases, including COVID-19 and Ebola.

![wash 3.jpg](https://strapi.eacgermany.org/uploads/wash_3_080fbe2827.jpg)

Speaking during the closing ceremony at Rubavu district in Rwanda, the EAC Deputy Secretary General, in charge of Infrastructure, Productive, Social, and Political Sectors, Hon. Andrea Aguer Ariik, said that proper health and hygiene facilities and services at the border points are a critical factor in the two integration pillars of Customs Union and Common Market, as has been demonstrated by the effective management of COVID-19 and other communicable diseases such as Ebola.

Hon. Ariik, who represented EAC Secretary General H.E. Veronica Nduva at the event, disclosed that hand wash facilities installed in the Partner States have been well received, adding that they perform a vital role in ensuring that health and hygiene are maintained at the border points. The DSG commended the IOM and GIZ for supporting the Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) project. “I urge Partner States to promote use of the facilities that have been installed and put in place measures of support such as provision of clean water at the points of entry and the authorities to ensure appropriate regular maintenance,’’ he said.

The DSG revealed that apart from the construction of the facilities, the project also conducted awareness programmes for the communities living at the borders on the importance of hygiene and health practices in helping to curb the spread of infectious and zoonotic diseases, including COVID 19, MPox, and Ebola.

On her part, the German Ambassador to Rwanda, H.E. Heike Uta Dettmann, said the project underscores Germany’s unwavering commitment to ensuring inclusive development and health equity in the border communities. “Over the past three years, we have witnessed remarkable progress of the 43 high-standard handwashing facilities that have been installed at points of entry and border hotspots across all EAC partner states, significantly enhancing access to essential hygiene practices,” said Amb. Dettmann.

Mr. Ash Carl, the IOM Rwanda Chief of Mission, said the free movement of people, including across borders and within countries, is one vehicle through which diseases spread. “With human mobility expected to increase as the factors that cause people to migrate multiply, it’s critical to support better health outcomes by strengthening border officials’ capacities, conducting hygiene awareness campaigns, and enhancing border health screening and referral systems,” said Mr. Carl.

![wash.jpg](https://strapi.eacgermany.org/uploads/wash_fd0dcb546c.jpg)

During the ceremony, the EAC handed over two new handwashing stations to the Governor of Rubavu on behalf of the Rwandan Government and highlighted the critical linkages between human mobility and health, emphasising the importance of robust WASH infrastructure in preventing the spread of diseases. The closing ceremony brought together high-level representatives from the EAC, GIZ, and IOM, as well as national focal points from relevant Ministries of Health, Infrastructure, Water, and EAC Affairs from the Partner States.

Find more information on the EAC-GIZ Pandemic Preparedness and One Health programme [here](https://www.eacgermany.org/sector/health). 

Photo: ©IOM2024

EAC, IOM, and GIZ Announce Successful Completion of the Water Sanitation and Hygiene Project, Benefiting Over 5 Million East Africans (GIZ)

On July 29, 2024, the East African Community (EAC) Secretariat urged EAC Partner States to educate their citizens on preventing and managing Mpox (Monkeypox) following outbreaks in Burundi and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). reported by the World Health Organization (WHO).

Burundi has reported three cases in Bujumbura and Isare, which were verified by national laboratories and the WHO. The Burundian Health Ministry confirmed that measures are being undertaken to manage the disease and that the patients are receiving treatment and showing improvement.

The DRC, which has reported over 21,000 cases and 1,000 deaths since 2022, faces a significant outbreak, particularly affecting children under five (39%), and nearly two-thirds (62%) of the deaths are also among children. According to the WHO, in 2023, there were 14,626 cases and 654 deaths, and by the end of May 2024, 7,851 cases and 384 deaths had been reported. Additionally, health experts have identified a new strain of the virus in one part of the country.

Geographically, Burundi borders the DRC, Rwanda, and Tanzania, while the DRC borders five EAC Partner States: Tanzania, Burundi, Rwanda, Uganda, and South Sudan. This therefore requires member states to employ risk communication and community engagement approaches as a step towards preventative measures.

Emphasising this point, the EAC Deputy Secretary General in charge of Infrastructure, Productive, Social, and Political, Hon. Andrea Aguer Ariik Malueth, stressed, “EAC Partner States must provide necessary information about the disease and take preventive measures”. The DSG added that factual risk communication, community engagement, and enhanced surveillance were crucial steps to managing the disease in the countries and in the region at large.

Symptoms of Mpox include a skin rash or lesions, fever, an intense headache, muscle aches, back pain, general body weakness, and swollen lymph nodes. To reduce the risk of infection, the public should avoid contact with infected individuals and animals (rodents and non-human primates), use personal protective equipment when caring for those infected, practice good hygiene, and cook meat thoroughly before consumption. Those who suspect they have Mpox should isolate themselves and seek medical advice. While a vaccine against Mpox is available, the WHO recommends vaccination primarily for those at high risk of exposure.

The EAC will convene a meeting of health experts to deliberate on the situation. Moreover, in anticipation of pandemics and epidemics in the region, the EAC, with support from GIZ and the Africa CDC, has established a pool of rapidly deployable experts ready to be deployed in areas of disease outbreaks in the region.

Find more information on the EAC website [here](https://www.eac.int/press-releases/147-health/3144-eac-calls-for-heightened-public-awareness-to-combat-spread-of-mpox).

**Background**

GIZ, in close collaboration with the EAC Secretariat and other partners, co-creates regional approaches to strengthen the prevention and control of outbreaks of infectious diseases with epidemic potential. The regional approach aims to create structures and capacities relevant for all EAC Partner States to facilitate a uniform, effective, responsible, and balanced approach to pandemic preparedness at regional and national government levels. It supports mainstreaming of the One Health approach in the EAC region and institutionalises risk and crisis communication with the objective of empowering citizens to take informed decisions related to existing or emerging risks.

Among other successful initiatives, GIZ has supported the EAC in strengthening ten border areas with the DRC and other EAC Partner States by providing handwashing facilities and health promotion activities to encourage protective health and hygiene (WASH) behaviors. This aims to prevent the spread of zoonotic and water-borne infectious diseases. The promotion initiative has reached 700,000 individuals. Further, the WASH project, conducted in seven EAC Partner States has reached about five million individuals. 

Find more information on the EAC-GIZ Pandemic Preparedness and One Health programme [here](https://www.eacgermany.org/sector/health). 

EAC Calls for Heightened Public Awareness to Combat Spread of Mpox (GIZ)

In the face of recurring health crises and outbreaks of infectious diseases such as Ebola, malaria, yellow fever, and COVID-19. GIZ programmes across Regional Economic Communities (RECs) in Africa, together with their partners, are constantly engaging and co-creating collaborative and coordinated Pandemic Preparedness and One Health approaches to disease management.

Aligning with these efforts, in June 2024, the GIZ Regional Programme, Support for Pandemic Prevention in the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), invited the joint East African Community (EAC) and GIZ Pandemic Preparedness programme to a stakeholder’s workshop hosted by the West African Health Organization in Banjul, Gambia. The meeting aimed to develop collaborative mechanisms for the effective engagement of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and community leaders in epidemic preparedness, with a particular focus on Risk Communication and Community Engagement (RCCE).

The discussions highlighted the fundamental role of CSOs, given their deep-rooted community presence and local expertise, in leading efforts of awareness raising, providing primary health care and services, including health education and campaigns, and facilitating the involvement of public health authorities and community leaders to enhance the acceptance and implementation of public health measures.

Speaking on behalf of the Director General of the West Arican Health Organisation (WAHO), Baboucarr Faal further emphasised the discussions by noting that community leaders and civil society enjoy high trust and credibility within their communities. He urged them to use this opportunity to sensitise, disseminate accurate information, and ensure adherence to the recommended guidelines during emergencies.

Additionally, the Deputy Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Health and the WAHO Gambia Focal Point, Babading Sabaly, noted that Risk Communication and Community Engagement are vital tools in the response, control, and recovery phases of public health emergencies, as outlined in the International Health Regulations.

For the EAC-GIZ Pandemic Preparedness programme, this meeting not only provided a platform to share experiences but was also a strategic step towards understanding and benchmarking the initiatives and approaches that have been undertaken by other African RECs and how they could be customised for the East African region.

Find more information on the EAC-GIZ Pandemic Preparedness programme [here](https://www.eacgermany.org/sector/health). 

Strengthening the Participation of Civil Society Organizations in Pandemic Preparedness – The Case of ECOWAS and EAC (GIZ)

The "Digital Skills for an Innovative East African Industry (dSkills@EA)" project aims to strengthen the employment and innovation-related digital skills of young people in all East African Community (EAC) Partner States. The project focuses on improving practice-oriented education, providing demand-driven digital skills training, and promoting entrepreneurship and innovation.

Duty station: Arusha
Job title: Internship
Duration: 01.09.2024- 28.02.2025

**Responsibilities**

- Assist in developing and implementing digital skills training modules.
- Support the organization of workshops and training sessions.
- Conduct research and gather data on digital skills and innovation.
- Assist in preparing reports and project documentation.
- Participate in field visits and assist in monitoring and evaluating training activities.
- Provide administrative support to the project team as needed.

**Required qualifications, competences, and experience**

- Enrolled in a university degree program in business, policy, IT, education, or a related field.
- Strong interest in digital skills development and innovation / entrepreneurship.
- Good research and analytical skills.
- Excellent communication skills.
- Ability to work independently and take initiative.
- Prior experience or knowledge in digital skills training is an advantage.

**Other knowledge, additional competences**

- Good intercultural skills, experience in working in an international context, excellent communication and cooperation skills and strategic thinking are among your special strengths.
- Express your thoughts very well in writing and orally in English; knowledge of German is not required but would be an additional benefit. 
- Good team player, well organized, able to work independently and grasp new topics and knowledge areas quickly. 
- Proficient user of the Microsoft Office applications.

**Applications:**
Citizens of all EAC Partner States can apply for the position. 

**Only applications from students who are currently enrolled at an institution of higher learning or have graduated not longer than six months ago can be considered.**

Interested candidates should use this link: https://www.fuzu.com/jobs/internship-giz-dskills-ea-2024-01-arusha-giz-tz

Closing date for submission: 24.07.2024.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

GIZ Tanzania is an equal opportunities employer and encourages applications from all qualified and eligible candidates regardless of their gender, origin, religion/belief, disability, or any other minority group


September 18th, 2024