On 29 September, the world marks International Day of Awareness on Food Loss and Waste Reduction. In line with the theme “Reducing Food Loss and Waste: Taking Action to Transform Food Systems”, the East African Community (EAC), in collaboration with the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, works together with Partner States across all agricultural levels, from cross-border traders and SMEs to government policymakers and international exporters, to strengthen value addition in the Fruits and Vegetable (F&V) sub-sector.

The sub-sector plays a significant role in the economic development of the region, variably contributing between 20% and 30% of agricultural Gross Domestic Product (GDP) on average. The volume of EAC trade in the global F&V market is estimated at around 1.28 million tons per year. Despite this contribution, the F&V sector in the EAC is beset by significant levels of post-harvest losses, at times reaching 35% to 60%, that make it difficult for the region to optimally reap the opportunities in the sector. Research conducted in the EAC over the years has established and documented that post-harvest losses occur throughout the F&V value chain. The relevance of Post-Harvest Loss Management (PHLM) stems from the fact that it is central to poverty reduction, improvement of livelihood through sustainable food security, increased confidence of farmers, economic development and environmental sustainability. In this regard, the EAC, with the support of GIZ’s “Support to East African Market-Driven and People-Centred Integration” SEAMPEC, through the GFA consulting group, developed the “EAC Post-Harvest Loss Management Strategy and Action Plan for the Fruits and Vegetables Value Chain, 2020-2030.” 

Adoption of the strategy came at a time when the world was tackling the global challenge of how to ensure food security for a growing population while ensuring long-term sustainable development. To achieve zero hunger, strategic investment to support the reduction of post-harvest loss and food waste is required. According to the Food Agriculture Organization (FAO), food production will need to grow by 70% to feed the world population, which will reach 9 billion by 2050. Further trends like increasing urban population, shift of lifestyle and diet patterns of the rising middle class in emerging economies along with climate change put considerable pressure on the planet’s resources, declining freshwater resources and biodiversity and loss of fertile land. 

The strategy aims at providing strategic and targeted investment in the EAC F&V sub-sector to reduce post-harvest losses from the current 40% to 20% on average by 2030. To achieve this, the “Support to East African Integration” (SEAMPEC II) programme, supports the EAC in the implementation of the strategy and action plan. The strategy proposes the adoption of a series of interventions, such as promoting good production practices to address pre-harvest losses, strengthening market systems and infrastructure and incorporating climate change management systems. 

It highlights factors that lead to post-harvest losses; these include:

- Lack of local availability of post-harvest tools. 
- Limited technical know-how in handling practices that can reduce losses.
- Poor transportation systems including rural roads. 
- Poor market infrastructure among others. 
- Inadequate investment in substantive programs to monitor and systematically evaluate losses at the pre-harvest stage by EAC Partner States.

In this regard, the strategy focuses on interventions in cultivation, agricultural extension services and pest management systems. To counter the above challenges, the Action Plan proposes various interventions, among them; promotion of good production practices to address pre-harvest losses; strengthening of research and development (R&D) and policy frameworks; strengthening market systems & infrastructure; improving safety and quality infrastructure; incorporating climate change management systems; building local skills and knowledge base and strengthening partnership, coordination, institutional and policy frameworks.

Find the EAC Post Harvest Loss Management Strategy and Action Plan 2020-2030 [here](https://strapi.eacgermany.org/uploads/EAC_PHLM_SAP_read_2022_08_ccd0f7f2b6.pdf).

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

Photo: ©Roshni Lodhia


International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste – Reducing Food Loss and Waste in the EAC Fruits and Vegetables Sub-Sector (GIZ)

Tourism is one of the most significant sectors in all the economies of the EAC region. Its contribution to GDP is quite substantial, averaging around 10%. The sector contributes an average of about 17.0% to export earnings and generates about 7.1% of employment in the region. Moreover, tourism has important linkages with other sectors of the economy, including agriculture, manufacturing, insurance and finance. 

Following the significant decline in cash flows in the tourism sector during the COVID-19 pandemic, the East African Community (EAC) and Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, via the “Support to East African Market-Driven and People-Centred Integration” (SEAMPEC) project, have implemented interventions in the EAC Tourism Recovery Plan since 2021. The joint successful interventions include the 1st EAC Regional Tourism EXPO, capacity building initiatives for stakeholders, the regional brand "Tembea Nyumbani," and a joint regional tourism campaign with the East African Tourism Platform (EATP).

The Secretariat, in collaboration with all seven EAC Partner States, is implementing the “East African Community Tourism Marketing Strategy 2021-2025”, which aims to position the EAC as the leading sustainable regional tourism destination in Africa. In line with this strategy, the EAC with the support of SEAMPEC successor project “Support to East African Integration” SEAMPEC II, collaborated with the EAC experts from the national bodies of the tourism industry as well as the private sector, in the successful development of an [EAC Regional Tourism Promotional video](here), the EAC Tourism e-Catalogue, the EAC Tourism Destination brand that considers the Partner States’ unique identity and distinctiveness to attract visitors from the region and globally, and support to the annual regional and national tourism fairs in the EAC Partner States such as the Pearl of Africa Tourism Expo 2023 and the upcoming 3rd EAC Regional Tourism Expo in Nairobi, Kenya in November 2023.

Additionally, GIZ has worked with the EAC Secretariat to foster cross-border tourism through the removal of barriers and restrictions for EAC tour operators and other categories of service providers for easier provision of services in the region under the Common Market. In particular, the EAC Secretariat and Partner States, with support from SEAMPEC II, have achieved the following milestones: development of the EAC minimum standards for tourism service providers; common classification criteria for accommodation establishments and restaurants and validation of a tourism barometer aimed at monitoring short-term tourism trends on a regular basis to provide tourism stakeholders with up-to-date analysis on international tourism. 

In another support area, EAC and GIZ also cooperate to strengthen institutional and private sector capacities in the region to develop and jointly market the region as a single tourism destination. In 2023, selected public officials from the National Tourism Boards in the EAC Partner States were enrolled in an Executive Course via the Cornell University Scholarship for a course on “Sustainable Tourism Destination Management”. 

Mr. Frederick Omondi from the Tourism Regulatory Authority in Kenya, one of the public officials enrolled in the course, stated that “The Sustainable Tourism Destination Management course was a timely intervention for me because of the very rich content and new concepts that were in sync with my areas of passion and work related responsibilities: dealing with issues around developing standards and quality assurance for sustainable tourism development in my country.” He also highlighted that the course broadened his understanding of the invisible burdens of tourism impacts on the social and natural environment.  "Tourism has become a social phenomenon, and therefore, it is every individual's and collective responsibility to protect and preserve both the social and natural assets on which tourism thrives." He further underscored the need to build the capacity of relevant stakeholders in the tourism industry in natural conservation and protection so that the sector is prepared to tackle the negative impacts of climate change from a point of knowledge and understanding based on scientific data. 

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


International Tourism Day 2023 – EAC and GIZ Reflect on the Successes of Joint Cooperation in the Tourism Sector (GIZ)

Lack of information on trade regulations is one of the key challenges faced by women-cross border traders in the EAC region. Now, as part of the EAC regional integration process, a multi-stakeholders initiative is tackling this issue and more.

From 4 to 15, September, the East African Women in Business Platform (EAWiBP), in partnership with GIZ via the “Support to East African Integration Programme” (SEAMPEC II) and in collaboration with the East African Business Council (EABC), conducted trade facilitation forums at the Namanga, Malaba and Busia One Stop Border Posts (OSBPs). The objective was to bring together cross-border women traders and representatives of border agencies to discuss challenges facing women traders and chart out policy recommendations to facilitate free movement of goods across the EAC region and beyond.

Additionally, the forums aimed at creating awareness, developing capacities and deliberating on the efficiency and impact of trading instruments such as the EAC Simplified Trade Regime (STR), EAC tariff treatment and deliberate on what AfCFTA trade instruments would be ideal for women cross-border traders to trade more easily and boost both intra-EAC and continental trade. 

The forums facilitated a public-private dialogue between the women cross-border traders and government agencies. The cross-border traders were not only sensitized on the STR of the EAC and AfCFTA, EAC and AfCFTA Tarriff and cross border trade challenges but also on initiatives undertaken by the border agencies in facilitating cross-border trade. The border officials presented their role in the implementation of the STRs as well as the challenges that they face in facilitating cross-border trade.

During the trade facilitation forum at the Namanga OSBP, held from 4 to 5 September, a capacity development workshop for women entrepreneurs was conducted. The workshop was attended by 60 women and youth SMEs from Kenya and Tanzania.

Mr. Lameck Wesonga, Technical Advisor, GIZ, highlighted that women formed 80% of the cross-border traders in the region. He noted that the SEAMPEC II Programme has partnered with EAWiBP to develop capacities through training and technical assistance for businesses and government agencies to help them comply with trade regulations and facilitate women traders participation in regional and continental trade. He urged the women cross-border traders at Namanga to take advantage of the capacity development opportunity and equip themselves with the knowledge and skills necessary for trading in the region and AfCFTA. 

The Regional Coordinator of EAWiBP, Ms. Janice Kimaro, stated that information asymmetry is still a major challenge facing small-scale traders in the EAC region. She said that small-scale traders in the EAC region were often at a disadvantage when it came to trading under the EAC STR and the AfCFTA because they lacked the information and resources they needed to navigate the complex trade rules and regulations. She concluded that the new capacity development initiative is a step towards addressing this challenge and helping small-scale traders take advantage of the opportunities offered by the EAC Bloc and AfCFTA.

Mr. Amedeus Mzee, a representative from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and East Africa Cooperation, Tanzania, applauded the establishment of border markets, which he said play a pivotal role in streamlining and enhancing cross-border trade. These markets serve as crucial hubs where traders from neighboring countries can come together to exchange goods and foster economic cooperation. They not only facilitate trade and strengthen ties between communities on either side of the border but also help reduce trade barriers and promote economic growth in border countries. In essence, the creation of such markets is a significant step towards harnessing the full potential of cross-border trade for the benefit of both nations involved. 

The representative noted that the recommendations that have been highlighted during the discussion will be presented to the respective government ministries and departments for action. This commitment underscores the government's dedication to supporting and nurturing cross-border trade. 

**The key recommendations from the workshop were:**

- The governments of Tanzania and Kenya were urged to simplify and improve the passport procedures to enable women cross-border traders to easily access the ordinary passport.
- The Border Customs Departments in Tanzania and Kenya at the border of Namanga were urged to conduct regular awareness creation on the STR list of priority goods to women cross-border traders. 
- The governments of Kenya and Tanzania to conduct regular public-private dialogue as a mechanism of providing updates on the progress of the issues raised by the women cross-border traders at Namanga.

Find more information on SEAMPEC II and EAWiBP Partnership [here](https://www.eacgermany.org/news/giz-and-ea-wi-bp-join-hands-to-empower-women-entrepreneurs-in-the-eac-giz).

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


GIZ, EAWiBP and EABC Join Hands to Develop Capacities to Improve the Participation of Women Entrepreneurs (SMEs) in the EAC and AfCFTA Integration Processes (GIZ) 

On 15 September, the joint EAC and GIZ Water Programme, “Lake Victoria Basin Integrated Water Resources Management Programme” (LVBC-IWRM), supported the 12th Mara Day celebration, which was held at Mugumu Town, Serengeti District, Tanzania. The theme of the day was “Hifadhi Mto Mara kwa Ustawi wa Viumbe Hai na Uchumi Endelevu” i.e.  Conservation of Mara River for Biodiversity and Sustainable Economy. The celebrations aimed at acknowledging stakeholder collaboration and engagement in promoting integrated and sustainable conservation of the Mara Ecosystem.  

The main objectives for the celebrations were: 

- Creating awareness among stakeholders on the importance of the Mara River Basin and its resources.
- Recognizing the contribution of different actors in the management of the Mara River Basin.
- Promoting public-private partnerships to improve the management of Mara’s water resources and biodiversity.

The celebrations featured presentations during a pre-scientific conference, exhibitions, show casing and exchanging of experiences and practices by various stakeholders, tree planting and school children’s competitions.

The event was graced by representatives from key Ministries and agencies in Tanzania and Kenya. From Tanzania, the Ministry of Water, Lake Victoria Basin Water Board, Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism, Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of East Africa and Foreign affairs, Vice President Office and the Regional Commissioners from the Mara region were in attendance.

From Kenya, the representatives from the Ministry of East African Community and Regional Development, Ministry of Water, Sanitation and Irrigation, Ministry of Environment and Forestry, Kenya Forestry service (KFS), National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA) and County Government of Nakuru, Narok and Bomet participated.

**Background**

The Lake Victoria Basin Integrated Water Resources Management Program (LVB IWRMP) is a cornerstone of the EAC’s efforts to address the challenges facing the Lake Victoria Basin and its water resources.

The project, steered by the EAC and implemented by GIZ on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), supports the EAC Secretariat and its specialized organisation, the Lake Victoria Basin Commission (LVBC), in promotion of sustainable economic use and environmental protection of the EAC’s water resources, with a focus on the Lake Victoria Basin, based on appropriate regional frameworks and effective Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) institutions.

Watch the Pre-Scientific Conference [here](https://youtu.be/hwc4wLj-uVs). 

Find more information on LVBC-IRWM [here](https://www.eacgermany.org/projects/lake-victoria-basin-integrated-water-resource-management-programme-lvb-iwrmp).

The EAC-GIZ Water Programme joins the 12th Mara Day Celebrations: Hifadhi Mto Mara kwa Ustawi wa Viumbe Hai na Uchumi Endelevu (GIZ) 

SEAMPEC II supports EAC integration on three levels. Firstly, it aims at supporting regional and continental trade in products with potential to foster sustainable economic transformation such as agricultural commodities. For this, it supports the implementation of regional agreements that improve framework conditions for increasing value-addition in pharmaceuticals, fruits & vegetables as well as leather and leather products.

Secondly, SEAMPEC II focuses on strengthening regional and continental trade in services with potential to support sustainable economic transformation, among them ICT, e Commerce and tourism. The programme also assists the private sector in developing policy positions and recommendations. Additionally, SEAMPEC II supports the EAC to jointly formulate harmonised positions in the negotiations for the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and build capacities of the relevant stakeholders to engage in the continental trade.

Thirdly, on the level of organisational development, SEAMPEC II aims at strengthening capacities of the EAC Secretariat to implement the 6th EAC Development Strategy. Additionally, the programme works on the level of individual capacity development to equip staff of EAC and relevant regional organisations with the knowledge and skills to push regional integration forward as depicted in the EAC Vision 2050.

SEAMPEC II is part of the technical development cooperation between the EAC and Germany. The political partner as well as the implementation partner is the EAC Secretariat in Arusha. The programme is funded by the German Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).

You will support the programme team in the implementation of the SEAMPEC II programme, which aims at improving the institutional and regulatory framework conditions for regional and continental trade in the East African Community. The intern will support the areas of communication, monitoring and knowledge management.

**Duty station:** Arusha
**Job title:** Internship
**Duration:** 01.12.2023- 31.05.2024

**Responsibilities**

- Supporting the team in day-to-day activities such as logistical support for national and regional meetings, drafting minutes of the meetings, online research, filing etc.
- Support the team in developing content for the EAC Germany website and social media appearance (incl. development of graphics).
- Supporting the updating and managing of the results monitoring tool for SEAMPEC II as well as aggregated impact monitoring.
- Supporting the team in working with local subsidy partners from the private sector and civil society organizations to build capacities in their communications and project reporting.

**Required qualifications, competences, and experience**

- Bachelor’s or master’s degree in studies such as Business, Economics, Politics, Communication, Graphic Design or another to the tasks related field of studies. 
- Basic knowledge and ideally also experience in communication (incl. graphic design) and/or monitoring and the East African Community integration process.
- Currently enrolled at an institution of higher learning
- Citizen of an EAC Partner State

**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. 
- Explain complex facts and circumstances in easily understandable language. 
- 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 seven EAC Partner States can apply for the position. 

**Only applications from students who are currently enrolled at an institution of higher learning can be considered.**

Interested candidates should send their letter of application together with the CV and copies of academic certificates by email to **hr.giz-tanzania@giz.de**

Please use the subject line **“Internship - SEAMPEC II - Arusha”**. 

Closing date for submission: **29.09.2023**.

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.

Photo: ©Roshni Lodhia_GIZ

Internship Opportunity - Intern for the Programme SEAMPEC II in Areas of Communication, Monitoring and Knowledge Management  (GIZ)

From 5 to 7 September, the Global Conference of the Sector Network Health and Social Protection (SN HeSP) was held in Bad Soden, Germany. The event brought together GIZ health projects who are members of the SN HeSP network from different parts of the world to share experiences and discuss challenges in health and social protection.

Representatives from the EAC-GIZ health projects, Pandemic Preparedness (Pan Prep) and Global Programme on Pandemic Prevention and Response, One Health (GP PPOH) jointly presented on “Strengthening Pandemic Preparedness, Prevention, and Control: A Case for East African Community”. The team shared invaluable insights into their experiences, achievements, and challenges in supporting the EAC in addressing health issues within the region.

The meeting also aimed at familiarising participants with the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) “Core area strategy 6” which outlines a roadmap that emphasises the strengthening of health and social protection systems. This approach includes One Health strategies, Feminist Development Policy, national financing mechanisms, and digital transformation. These strategic pillars align closely with GIZ's Corporate Strategy for 2023 to 2027, which emphasises integrated solutions driven by digital transformation.

The conference featured presentations from BMZ and the network working groups, highlighting their ongoing and future initiatives. It also facilitated different group discussions. These sessions focused on core area strategy 6, best practice examples and the GIZ corporate strategy. It also provided a platform for networking, facilitating exploration of potential areas for collaboration. Participants were encouraged to grasp the GIZ Corporate Strategy for 2023 to 2027/Destination 2028 and understand its expectations for sector network members.

Find more information on EAC and Health [here](https://www.eacgermany.org/sector/health). 


EAC-GIZ Health Projects join the Global Conference of the Sector Network Health and Social Protection (GIZ)

To evaluate the business environment in the region, it is important to assess the impact of existing policies and initiatives, engage with key stakeholders, identify gaps, key challenges and barriers faced by companies operating in the Goods and Services sectors within the region and finally recommend various interventions to be undertaken to improve the ease of doing business. Against this background, the East African Business Council (EABC), with the support of GIZ via the 'Support to East African Integration' (SEAMPEC II) Programme, conducted a comprehensive study to assess the ease of doing business in the EAC region.  

A survey of 200 companies from the Trade in Goods and Trade in Services sectors was conducted. The ease of doing business within the region was ranked on a scale from 1 - Very Easy to 5 - Very Hard. 

The survey aimed to identify gaps in the ease of doing business. It identified key challenges faced by companies in the Trade in Goods and Trade in Services sectors. The study evaluated the effectiveness of existing policies and initiatives, providing insights for informed decisions. It also provided actionable recommendations for enhancing the ease of doing business in the EAC. 

A total of 252 responses were gathered from businesses. 52% of the respondents were from Trade in Goods and 47% from Trade in Services sectors across all the EAC Partner States, offering valuable insights into the region's commercial landscape. The study focused on eight main indicators related to the EAC and AfCFTA integration processes. According to the study, the perceived ease of doing business within the EAC region was ranked as **"Moderate" (Rank 3.09)**, with all eight indicators receiving similar moderate rankings.

**Key Findings:**

**Indicator Rankings**

The eight indicators below were ranked as follows:

- Paying taxes (Rank 3.21)
- Regulations for starting and operating a business (Rank 2.66)
- Government operations (Rank 3.41)
- Infrastructure development (Rank 2.76)
- Trading across borders (Rank 3.12)
- Making cross-border payments (Rank 2.73)
- Removal of trade restrictions (Rank 3.37)
- Trade finance (Rank 3.46)

**Positive Progress**

The study revealed that companies perceived positive progress in starting and operating a business and the ease of money remittance across the region. Businesses also cited various initiatives that have eased doing business in the region, including government reforms, business-friendly laws, political and economic stability, and government collaboration with the private sector through Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs).

**Challenges**

Businesses identified several challenges to the ease of doing business in the EAC, including trade finance issues like foreign currency availability, affordability of interest rates, and access to loans/credit. Government operations, especially those related to payments, securing tenders, and tax-related matters, were also highlighted as problematic. Trade restrictions, trading across borders, and high trading costs also pose significant challenges.

To enhance the ease of doing business in the region, the study recommends that EAC Partner States to:

- Enhance border efficiency to facilitate trade processes for goods and people.
- Expedite the implementation of EAC commitments, such as the Single Customs Territory (SCT), EAC Common External Tariff (CET), and Common Market commitments.
- Invest further in infrastructure, especially transport and communications networks.
- Address language barriers by translating official documents into French.
- Establish sector-specific Public-Private Dialogues (PPDs) to effectively address trade and investment constraints.

These findings provide a valuable resource for policymakers, businesses, and stakeholders in the EAC, guiding efforts to improve the business environment and foster economic growth in the region.

In addition, GIZ, via the SEAMPEC II programme and on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development, is already cooperating with EAC in addressing some of the challenges raised by the study. 

Find the Ease of doing Business Report [here](https://strapi.eacgermany.org/uploads/230908_Ease_of_Doing_Business_Report_Final_PDF_1_13bbc9e303.pdf).

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


Ease of Doing Business in the EAC – A Study by EABC and GIZ to Assess the Regions Current Commercial Landscape (GIZ)

The Common Market is the second regional Integration milestone of the East African Community (EAC), which has been in force since 2010, in line with the provisions of the EAC Treaty. It follows the Customs Union, which became fully-fledged in January 2010. Even with market access commitments in professional service markets, lack of recognition of foreign qualifications and experience acts as a core impediment to trade in professional services, hindering the free movement of professionals across borders either in their capacity as individuals or as professional firms. The signed Engineers’ Mutual Recognition Agreements (MRAs) by the EAC Partner States are one step closer to alleviating the challenge mentioned above. The signed MRAs cover the regulated professionals which include Accountants, Architects, Engineers, and Veterinarians. German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) through Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) Tanzania signed an agreement with the EAC Secretariat to implement a pilot project called "Digitalisation of East African Trade and Integration (DIGEAT)". The project's main objective is to simplify cross-border access to the labour markets in the EAC Partner States starting with engineers. 

DIGEAT is looking for a young self-motivated intern from EAC Partner States to support the project to monitor and evaluate the project as well as execute administrative processes necessary for the project to run.

**Duty station:** Arusha

**Job location:** Internship

**Responsibilities**
- Development of M+E tool for DIGEAT
- Data collection tools & analysis
- Research and consolidation of EAC legal frameworks
- Research and consolidation of member states' frameworks

**Tasks**

**Coordination and Knowledge Management**

- Support the head of the project on daily admin processes and project-related issues.
- Preparation of meetings, workshops, and conference minutes/reports.
- Review of document drafts and formatting of documents to GIZ standards and corporate identity.
- Regularly update events and conferences happening in the EAC region and at the continental level.
- Logistical planning of project-related workshops/events/conferences in coordination with GIZ internal 
units.

**Other knowledge, additional competencies**

- Excellent communication skills in English and ability to interact effectively with team members, focal points in the project region and external stakeholders
- Ability to work independently with limited day-to-day supervision, but with a strong commitment to achieving goals and meeting deadlines and ability to pay close attention to details.

**Required qualifications, competences, and experience.**

- Bachelor’s or master’s degree in social or political Sciences, Economics, Labour Law, Trade and Policy, Regional Integration or another related area. 
- Practical experiences in the field of monitoring and evaluation will be added an advantage.

**Other knowledge, additional competences**

- Finely tuned organisational skills and ability to work on one’s own initiative at the conceptional level.
- Very good working knowledge of ITC technologies (related software, phone, email, the internet) and computer applications (e.g., MS Office).
- Practical experiences in the field of monitoring and evaluation will be added an advantage.
- Graduated between 1st June and 8th September 2023.
- Currently enrolled in a master’s program with a flexible class schedule that can allow you to work eight hours per day and five days per week. 
- Good intercultural skills, experience working in an international context, excellent communication and cooperation skills and strategic thinking are among your strengths. 
- Previous working experience with Government institutions/Development Partners would be a plus

**Applications:**

Interested candidates should send their letter of application together with the CV and copies of academic certificates by email to **hr.giz-tanzania@giz.de**

Please use the subject line **“Internship- DIGEAT- Arusha”**. 

Closing date for submission: **22.09.2023**

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.

Photo: ©Maiven Studio

Internship Opportunity - Intern for the Programme DIGEAT in Areas of Monitoring, Evaluation, Communication and Knowledge Management (GIZ)

On behalf of the German government, GIZ partners with the EAC Secretariat to support regional and continental Trade in Goods with the potential to foster sustainable economic transformation. It also works to strengthen regional and continental Trade in Services sectors, among them ICT, e-Commerce and tourism. On this foundation, GIZ has supported the East African Business Council (EABC) since 1997 in strengthening the private sector and promoting intraregional trade through capacity development, studies and providing platforms for engagement with other actors in the private sector.

Throughout the 25 years of partnership, GIZ has also supported the national associations in the EAC Partner States through EABC. In late 2020, the EAC Secretariat offered a six-weeks training on Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) for herbal and traditional medicines through the SEAMPEC programme to entrepreneurs in all EAC Partner States. Among the participants was Natacha Baranyuzwe, an entrepreneur from Rwanda who established a sanitiser and hair shampoo line based on the extract of the Bidens Pilosa plant that occurs naturally in East Africa. At the time, she had registered Baranyuzwe Cosmetics but soon realised that she needed validated equipment and laboratory analysts to improve the quality of her products and expand her business. “Through the training, I realised that I cannot be competitive on the East African market with the rudimental instruments I had been using prior.” By 2022, Natacha had expanded her product line to include solid soaps and was considering introducing her own line of drinking water. She had also established close working relations with the Rwanda Standards Board and piqued the interest of importers in other EAC Partner States.

In another support area, the EABC released the EABC Barometer on Business and Investment in the EAC in 2022, which was based on a study conducted across six Partner States with the support of GIZ. The main objective of the study was to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on business and investment in the EAC Partner States. The study shed light on the performance of the EAC economies as caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the key factors and challenges responsible for the performance and provided recommendations to the EAC Partner States for their post-pandemic economic recovery. Some of the main recommendations included the need for Public-Private Dialogue in the Partner States, harmonization of the various trade and tax regimes as well as the importance of developing risk management and disaster recovery plans at the business level and Partner State level. 

SEAMPEC II also engages private sector stakeholders in the region by supporting workshops and regional summits. On 10 March 2023, GIZ hosted representatives from EABC alongside the East African Women in Business Platform, Inter-University Council for East Africa among others, in a dialogue on the status of digitalization, innovation, and technology in practice that were promoting gender equality for women and youth in the region. As recommendations, participants advocated for public-private partnership in the expansion of broadband coverage in underserved areas, enactment of policies that foster more competitiveness in the regional telecommunication sector and creation of enabling environments for women and girls to develop their digital skills and partake in the fruits of the digital economy. Similarly, GIZ supported the recent East African Business and Investment Summit that brought together over 500 participants from across the EAC to Kampala, Uganda, from 31 August to 1 September 2023. 

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

Find more information on Natacha Baranyuzwe’s success story [here](https://www.eacgermany.org/stories/natacha-baranyuzwe-good-manufacturing-practices-contributing-to-an-entrepreneurial-success-story).

Find more information on the EABC Silver Jubilee Commemorative Journal [here](https://strapi.eacgermany.org/uploads/25yrs_EABC_Commemorative_Journal_c894566d19.pdf).


As EABC Commemorates its Silver Jubilee, Partnership between EABC and GIZ Remains Strong (GIZ)

From 31 August to 1 September, the East African Business Council (EABC) organised an East African Business and Investment Summit, themed "Private Sector-Driven Regional Integration for Increased Intra-African Trade, Investment & Economic Growth", in Entebbe, Uganda. The objective of the summit was to discuss global economic trends, position the EAC bloc as the best investment destination in Africa, and chart out future policy reforms. Additionally, the summit showcased opportunities, presented viable projects and facilitated business-to-business engagements, and partnerships for regional, continental and global investors. As part of its support and engagement at the summit, EAC-GIZ in collaboration with EABC, supported and facilitated various sessions in different thematic areas. 

**Science, Technology and Innovation for Industrial, Trade and Investment Development in the EAC**

To demonstrate the importance of linkages between academia and industry in the adoption and commercialisation of innovations, the Digital Skills for an Innovative East African Industry (dSkills@EA) project facilitated the participation of twelve young innovators from the Centre of Excellence for ICT in East Africa (CENIT@EA) and other regional hubs. Out of the twelve innovators, seven earned the opportunity to pitch their innovative business ideas to an audience of industry leaders, public sector officials and government officials from the region.

The pitching session not only provided the innovators with mentorship support in areas of market strategy and pricing models, linkages to business networks and offers for capacity building programmes, but also immediate commitments of support by industry captains to develop their business ideas to a scalable level. 

For Hellen Munyasa, this was a life-changing experience and “the best day of her life,” as her project that converts post-consumer plastic bottles into recycled sewing threads received immediate funding commitments from Mr. Jas Bedi, the Chairman of the African Cotton & Textile Industries Federation and “Takataka ni mali” initiatives, among others. Her project not only addressed environmental concerns but also presented an economic solution by creating potential jobs. This is a key example of GIZ’s commitment to enhancing the employability of young people from the EAC Partner States by supporting training in digital skills and the commercialisation of innovations. 

![Hellen Munyasa.jpg](https://strapi.eacgermany.org/uploads/Hellen_Munyasa_eb82093395.jpg)

Several stakeholders came forward to share their perspectives and feedback on the innovator’s projects presented at the summit. Mr. Jean Baptiste Havugimana, the Director of Productive Sectors for the EAC, stressed the urgency of transitioning these innovative ideas into viable and long-lasting business solutions for the region.  

**Climate Change and Agriculture**

EAC and GIZ, via the Support to East African Integration (SEAMPEC II) programme and the GFA Consulting Group, supported a panel session on Climate Change and Agriculture. The session was facilitated by Eng. Jennifer Gache, Regional Expert Agro Processing, GFA. During the session, Eng. Jan Willem van Es, Managing Director of Amelia Agro Africa Ltd., and Hon. Sam Nkenga, Minister of Agriculture, Kingdom of Busoga, delivered insightful presentations on the intersection of climate change and agriculture. 

The session highlighted the growing challenges of food security amid climate change and the critical role climate change plays in reshaping the agricultural landscape within the EAC region. The panelists discussed the importance of growing organic fruits, vegetables, and herbs by avoiding synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, focusing on soil health and implementing agroforestry and regenerative principles. The need to support farmers on methods to reduce the usage of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides for the regions’ consumption and for export was also emphasized. This is critical in light of the European Union’s (EU) target to undertake a 50% cut in the use and risks of synthetic pesticides and a 20% cut in fertilizer use by 2030 for the products the region exports there. Additionally, sensitizing small-scale farmers to climate change impacts and providing them with data on seasonal climate forecasts can help them develop climate change-positive strategies for farming decisions. 

**Digital Economy** 

The joint EAC-GIZ dSkills@EA project organised a digital economy panel themed “Unlocking Business Opportunities in the EAC and AfCFTA through Digital Skills”. The session was moderated by Ms Linda Kwamboka. The discussion brought to the fore several recommendations aimed at advancing the digital transformation agenda in the region.

Speaking at the session, Prof. Meshack Obonyo of the Inter-University Council of East Africa (IUCEA) highlighted the crucial role of collaboration between academia and industry. He emphasized the need to ensure that universities graduate students who are fit for purpose for the job market or self-employment. “Partner states and our governments should foster collaboration with educational institutions to enhance the knowledge of young people and ensure they are relevant and well prepared for the digital era”, he noted. The panelists emphasized the significance of collaborative efforts between the public and private sectors to fully harness the full potential of the digital economy by leveraging the strengths of both sectors.

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

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

dSkills@EA Young Innovator Receives Funding Commitments at the East African Business and Investment Summit Pitching Event – EAC-GIZ Supports Panel Sessions on Climate Change, Agriculture and Digital Economy (GIZ)

September 29th, 2023