A fast and effective response to health emergencies depends on one critical factor: people. Across Africa, efforts are intensifying to ensure that countries have access to a skilled, coordinated, and rapidly deployable health workforce that can act when it matters most.

At the centre of this effort are two complementary mechanisms: the African Volunteer Health Corps (AVoHC), a continental initiative that brings together trained experts who can be deployed across African Union Member States during health emergencies; and, at the regional level, the East African Community’s Rapidly Deployable Pool of Experts (RDE), which provides a structured roster of specialists who can be mobilised to respond to outbreaks, strengthen surveillance, and support cross-border coordination.

These deployment mechanisms are already being operationalised in practice. In Bujumbura, Burundi, over 60 public health professionals recently came together for an induction under AVoHC. Convened by the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) in collaboration with the EAC, the training reflects a broader shift from preparedness planning to operational readiness.

The RDE was developed through the Support to Pandemic Preparedness (PanPrep) project, implemented by GIZ on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). The initiative supports the EAC in strengthening health emergency preparedness through workforce development, coordination systems, and integrated approaches such as One Health.

Together, these initiatives help ensure that preparedness is not only conceptual, but actionable. Partner States are increasingly able to mobilise expertise quickly, improving response times and enabling more coordinated action across borders.

This approach reflects priorities shaping global health discussions, including the upcoming World Health Summit in Nairobi, where workforce capacity and regional coordination remain central to building resilient health systems. Through continued collaboration between Africa CDC, the EAC, GIZ among other partners, East Africa is strengthening a growing network of trained professionals prepared for the next outbreak. 


Ready to Respond: How East Africa is Building a Rapid Health Emergency Workforce

The East African Community (EAC) Secretariat, in March 2026, has reinforced the region's capacity to prevent, detect, and respond to health threats by establishing mechanisms for enhanced cross-sectoral knowledge exchange at the third Regional One Health Stakeholder Meeting held in Nairobi. These steps mark a decisive move in implementing the EAC Regional One Health Strategy (2022-2027), ensuring that East Africans are better protected from pandemics and emerging public health risks.

One Health is a globally recognised approach that integrates human, animal, and environmental health to address interconnected health challenges. The EAC's Regional One Health Strategy operationalises this approach, guiding coordinated regional action across sectors and disciplines to safeguard public health.

The meeting brought together representatives from Partner States, regional institutions, academia, civil society and international partners. Participants agreed on priority actions to strengthen regional alignment on pandemic preparedness, including:

- Confirmation of the EAC Secretariat's central coordinating role in advancing One Health implementation across the region.
- Establishment of robust collaboration mechanisms to facilitate knowledge exchange across human, animal, and environmental health sectors.
- Prioritisation of workforce capacity development to ensure a skilled regional One Health workforce.

Guidance for Partner States on priority One Health topics requiring targeted support through international cooperation.

The meeting took place amid global developments such as the World Health Organization's adoption of the Pandemic Agreement, underscoring the EAC's strategic role in translating international commitments into coordinated regional action.

During the discussions, Prof. James Wabacha, Animal Health Expert at AU-IBAR, highlighted that effective outbreak response hinges on systematic cross-sectoral information sharing.

EAC Deputy Secretary General, Hon. Andrea Ariik Malueth, noted, "The EAC Secretariat, in collaboration with partners, has long supported Partner States in applying One Health to pandemic preparedness. This meeting identifies capacity gaps and outlines concrete interventions to strengthen the regional One Health workforce."

The meeting concluded with a commitment to operationalise these priorities through continued multi-sectoral collaboration, ensuring regional interventions are evidence-based, coordinated, and results-oriented.

Dr. John Opolot, Assistant Commissioner for Veterinary Health and Zoonoses, Ministry of Health, Uganda, emphasizsed that sustained engagement across sectors is essential for effective implementation.

The meeting was supported by the EAC Support to Pandemic Preparedness in the EAC Region (PanPrep) Project, funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).

EAC Aligns on Concerted Steps to Strengthen Regional Pandemic Preparedness thorugh One Health

The 4th East African Community Regional Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Conference opened on Monday, 30 March 2026, at the Kigali Convention Centre with a milestone announcement that signals a new chapter in the region’s digital future: the formal launch of the EAC AI Alliance and its inaugural flagship initiative, the Regional Network on Artificial Intelligence in Education and Research.

Convened under the theme “Harnessing Artificial Intelligence for a Resilient, Inclusive and Innovative East Africa,” the three-day conference brings together more than 450 delegates, policymakers, researchers, innovators, industry leaders and development partners, from all eight EAC Partner States. It is the first edition of the biennial STI Conference in which Artificial Intelligence has taken centre stage as the driver of the agenda.
Day One set the tone with clarity: Africa must move from consuming technology to creating it. That imperative — repeated across opening addresses, keynotes and panel sessions alike — framed everything that followed, including the afternoon’s landmark launches.

**A COORDINATED REGIONAL AI AGENDA**

The EAC AI Alliance was presented as the region’s answer to a persistent structural challenge: fragmented national efforts that have limited the scale and impact of AI investment across the Partner States. Rather than eight countries each navigating the AI landscape independently, the Alliance proposes a shared architecture, uniting governments, academia, industry, and development partners under a common regional framework.
Andrea Aguer Ariik Malueth, Deputy Secretary General of the East African Community, described the Alliance as a decisive turning point, noting that it marks a shift from fragmented efforts to structured, scalable regional action.

The Alliance builds directly on the legacy of the dSkills@EA project, the EAC’s three-year digital skills initiative implemented by IUCEA and GIZ, which trained more than 4,000 young East Africans and built cooperation ecosystems engaging over 300 private sector partners and 100 universities. Where dSkills@EA laid the foundation, the EAC AI Alliance is designed to scale the architecture.

**A CALL TO UNIVERSITIES: BECOME A NODE**

The centrepiece announcement of the morning session was the launch of the Call for Nodes for the Regional AI Network — an open invitation to universities across the eight EAC Partner States to apply as national anchors within a distributed, cross-border network designed to strengthen AI education, research, and innovation at institutional level.

Prof. Idris Rai, Acting Executive Secretary of the Inter-University Council for East Africa (IUCEA), set out the stakes.

“Artificial Intelligence offers a transformative opportunity to accelerate socio-economic development, strengthen public service delivery, and enhance regional competitiveness across the East African Community. Realising this potential requires deliberate coordination among higher education institutions, research bodies, industry and policymakers, supported by shared resources and a coherent regional vision.” Prof. Idris Rai, Acting Executive Secretary, IUCEA. 

IUCEA, in collaboration with EASTECO and GIZ through the EAC AI Alliance project, is establishing the Regional AI Network. The Call for Expressions of Interest invites universities to serve as national nodes — institutional hubs that will anchor cross-border AI research ecosystems, support the development of a future-ready workforce, and promote responsible and inclusive AI deployment across key sectors.

The Regional AI Network is designed as the foundation for a still larger ambition: the establishment of an East African Centre of Excellence in AI. The goal, as articulated by conference organisers, is to position the region not merely as a consumer of emerging technologies, but as a competitive global contributor.

The Network’s work will be structured around three pillars: advancing cross-border AI research to address shared regional challenges; integrating inclusive, practice-based AI curricula to equip learners with industry-relevant skills; and supporting harmonised, gender-responsive policies for responsible AI adoption.

![Launch Photo.JPG](https://strapi.eacgermany.org/uploads/Launch_Photo_310c27ee13.JPG)

**SKILLS, NOT JUST TECHNOLOGY**

Norman Schappel, Digital Transformation Cluster Coordinator at GIZ Rwanda, offered the day’s most grounding perspective, one that resonated strongly across the room.

“AI is not a technology fix. It will not solve our problems. It is based on how we use the technology and build the skills with AI to solve challenges in the East African Community.” Norman Schraepel, Cluster Coordinator, GIZ Rwanda. 

The sentiment echoed a central thread from Day One’s broader proceedings: that the region has strong research talent but must dramatically strengthen the pathways from research to commercialisation and real-world deployment. Speakers throughout the day called for stronger innovation hubs, dedicated funding mechanisms, and deeper industry-university partnerships to close that gap. 

**DIGITAL LEADERS FORUM AND THE REGIONAL AI STRATEGY**

The Conference hosted the inaugural Digital Leaders Forum on AI, a strategic platform convening senior digital policymakers and institutional leaders from across the Partner States. The Forum focused on three specific priorities: refining the Draft EAC Regional AI Strategy; introducing a Digital Transformation Governance Structure for coordinating regional AI leadership; and strengthening alignment on policy, infrastructure, and investment.
The emphasis throughout was on coherence, ensuring that national initiatives, however well-designed individually, collectively advance regional objectives rather than pulling in different directions.

**AI4EAC INNOVATION CHALLENGE: EAST AFRICA’S YOUNG BUILDERS**

The Conference also celebrated homegrown innovation through the AI4EAC Innovation Challenge, a flagship initiative of the EAC AI Alliance that has engaged over 3800 students from 110 universities across all eight EAC Partner States. The Challenge, run in partnership with Zindi, UNESCO Campus Africa, JICA and other partners, culminated in a final weekend on 28–29 March, just days before this conference opened. Prizes won among others are $30,000 in cash prize, internships, mentorship, credentials and compute resources.

Finalists showcased locally developed AI solutions in healthcare diagnostics, crop yield prediction, climate resilience, financial inclusion, and public service delivery — demonstrating that the region’s next generation of builders is already well underway.
The participation of young innovators and startups across all eight Partner States was cited repeatedly by senior speakers as the most compelling evidence that the EAC’s AI ambitions are not aspirational — they are already being built from the ground up.

The implementation of the Regional AI Strategy, the operationalisation of the Network’s national nodes, and the work of the Digital Leaders Forum will determine how quickly that decision becomes reality. 



The East African Community Takes a Defining Step Toward a Regional AI Network 

The East African Community (EAC) returned to the global stage at ITB Berlin 2026, the world’s leading travel trade fair, to showcase its regional tourism vision and strengthen engagement with international travel trade partners. With support from Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, through the Leveraging Integration Frameworks for Trade in Services and Civil Society Organizations in the East African Community (LIFTED) Programme, co-financed by the European Union (EU) and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), the EAC premiered the first promotional video for its global tourism brand, “Visit East Africa – Feel the Vibe.”

The brand, first unveiled at ITB Berlin in 2025, represents a coordinated effort by the eight EAC Partner States: Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Somalia, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Uganda and Tanzania, to position East Africa as a competitive multi-destination tourism region in global markets. The newly released video brings this vision to life, showcasing the region’s diverse landscapes, wildlife, cultures and travel experiences.

**Tourism as a Driver of Trade in Services**

Tourism remains one of the most significant components of international trade in services within the EAC. The sector contributes approximately 17% of export earnings and around 10% of regional GDP, underscoring its importance for economic growth, job creation and entrepreneurship.

Speaking during the premiere, Dr. Jane Oispuu, Policy Officer at the Representation of the European Commission in Germany, highlighted tourism’s broader economic significance:

>“In trade in services, tourism acts as a multiplier sector. It supports a wide range of related industries, from transport and logistics to finance, digital payments, online platforms and the creative economy. In this sense, tourism connects not only people, but markets, value chains and investment.”

She noted that Europe remains one of East Africa’s most important tourism source markets, with European visitors accounting for 28% of arrivals in Kenya in 2024, while European companies continue to play a role in the region’s tourism ecosystem through investment and business partnerships.

The sector continues to demonstrate resilience across the region. Tourist arrivals in the EAC grew to 9 million visitors in 2025, compared to 8.2 million in 2024, reflecting an estimated 8% growth in the sector.

**Regional Cooperation and Market Demand**

Addressing the audience, Mr John Ololtuaa, Principal Secretary, State Department for Tourism, Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife Kenya and Chair of the EAC Sectoral Council on Tourism, emphasised the growing importance of regional cooperation in responding to global travel trends.

>“Travellers today are increasingly seeking journeys that extend beyond a single destination. East Africa is uniquely positioned to respond to this demand, from savannahs and mountains to vibrant cities, coastal islands and rich cultural heritage.”

He noted that the Visit East Africa – Feel the Vibe brand provides a platform to present the region collectively while allowing each country to showcase its unique tourism offerings.

![Image - 2026-03-05T164300.693.jpg](https://strapi.eacgermany.org/uploads/Image_2026_03_05_T164300_693_9106bc0ace.jpg)
_**From left to right**: Mr John Ololtuaa, Principal Secretary, State Department for Tourism, Kenya and Chair of the EAC Sectoral Council on Tourism; H.E. Hassan Iddi Mwamweta, Ambassador of the United Republic of Tanzania to Germany; Dr. Jane Oispuu, Policy Officer, Representation of the European Commission in Germany; and Amani Shipella, Senior Programme Advisor on Wildlife Management at the EAC Secretariat, during the premiere of the Visit East Africa – Feel the Vibe video at ITB Berlin 2026._

**Private Sector Driving Regional Tourism Products**

During the EAC’s first destination pitch at ITB Berlin, Amani Shipella, Senior Programme Advisor on Wildlife Management at the EAC Secretariat, highlighted how many of East Africa’s most iconic tourism experiences naturally span national borders.

>“Shared ecosystems such as the Serengeti–Mara, the Kilimanjaro–Amboseli landscape and the Virunga mountain range connect our destinations and create opportunities for regional travel experiences across East Africa.”

These transboundary landscapes provide a strong foundation for regional tourism cooperation and multi-destination travel.

Private-sector operators are already translating this into market-ready products. Collaborations such as the Uganda–Kenya Coast package, as well as wildlife and cultural circuits linking Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda, illustrate how tour operators are developing regional travel itineraries that combine multiple destinations.

Recognising tourism’s importance for trade in services, the EAC Secretariat continues to work under the EAC Treaty and the Common Market Protocol to facilitate cross-border mobility and strengthen the competitiveness of regional tourism products.

**Expanding Global Visibility Through Digital Outreach**

Alongside participation at ITB Berlin, the EAC has intensified digital promotion of the Visit East Africa – Feel the Vibe brand. A recent regional campaign generated over 9 million impressions across social media platforms, reaching new audiences particularly in Europe and North America. The campaign featured more than 60 destination reels, co-branded content with national tourism boards, and targeted advertising that reached over 3.4 million users on Meta platforms alone.

**Strengthening Partnerships with the Global Travel Trade**

At ITB Berlin, the premiere of the Visit East Africa – Feel the Vibe video was accompanied by active engagement between tourism boards, tour operators and international travel trade participants. Hosted at the Tanzania Tourist Board (TTB) booth, the event brought together tourism stakeholders from Tanzania, Kenya, Burundi, Uganda, Rwanda and Somalia, alongside international buyers and travel industry representatives attending the fair.

As the region continues to deepen collaboration between governments and industry actors, the EAC is calling on regional tour operators, international travel agents, travel media, investors and global tourism partners to engage with and promote multi-destination packages across the region through the Visit East Africa – Feel the Vibe brand.

Watch the Visit East Africa - Feel the Vibe Video [here](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gyomJBXmhuY&t=20s). 


EAC Debuts Destination Pitch and Premieres “Visit East Africa – Feel the Vibe” Brand Video at ITB Berlin 2026

Digitalisation hold vast opportunities for regional economic integration under the East African Community (EAC), and has become a foundational enabler of trade, innovation, public service delivery, and competitiveness. 

This is the clear message from a series of panel discussions held on 25th February 2026 between business leaders, investors, development partners comprising the European Union, leading German and East African partners, and SMEs from across the region and beyond. The panel discussions took place as part of the East Africa Business and Investment Summit 2026 hosted by the East African Business Council (EABC) between 24 - 25 February in Nairobi, Kenya.

This year’s summit serves as a high-level dialogue and deal-making platform aimed at shaping the East African economic agenda, improving the business environment and unlocking new intra- and extra-EAC trade and investment opportunities. The summit comes at a pivotal time, coinciding with major continental and global developments, including the ongoing implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area and the commencement of the Tripartite Free Trade Area Agreement. 

![Photo2a.jpg](https://strapi.eacgermany.org/uploads/Photo2a_3f5cf27393.jpg)

The 2026 summit supported through LIFTED — a project co-financed by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and the European Union (EU), and implemented by GIZ featured High-Level CEOs Dialogues including **Artificial Intelligence Trends** organized by AI Alliance Project, **Digital Trade/E-Commerce **- organised by EU–EAC Digital Economy Package (DEEP) project and **Mutual Recognition Agreements for Engineers** – organized by LIFTED and DIGEAT projects, with a primary objective of repositioning the EAC as Africa’s trade and investment hub. 

In his keynote presentation during the **E-Commerce sessions**, Mr. Martin Muli, CEO Teki - Convenor Kenya E-Commerce Community, emphasised the need for EAC Partner State to establish a strong and vibrant e-commerce association - a body that brings together platforms, enablers, logistics providers, fintech innovators, digital traders and provides an opportunity for synergy. 

Mr. Muli noted that with over 250 million people, a combined economy approaching $350 billion and a generation born digital and entrepreneurial by instinct, E-commerce in EAC will continue to evolve rapidly. He particularly welcomed the session’s focus on actionable private sector recommendations and the exploration of a structured regional Digital Trade Forum under EABC. 

“The EAC is home to one of the most innovative fintech ecosystems in the world—an ecosystem that gave us M-PESA, a revolution that transformed how a continent moves money. Our informal businesses are not waiting for permission to go digital, they are already thriving on social commerce platforms like WhatsApp, TikTok, Instagram— turning chat apps into storefronts. Platforms like Jiji, Mama mia, Jumia, Safe boda and many others are leading the charge, proving that formal E-Commerce can scale in EAC.” He added.

![Photo 3a.jpg](https://strapi.eacgermany.org/uploads/Photo_3a_879f0416a3.jpg)

Speaking during the **AI session**, Mr. Shiraz Khota, Director Emerging Africa, SAP, noted that for long, leaders have talked about Africa’s potential arguing that improving artificial intelligence in practice would shift this potential into real performance.

“The question on every business leader right now is not if they are going to embed AI in their business, but how quickly they can push it in the heart of their business operations. AI is no longer a science experiment; it is an intelligence that make companies more efficient and ultimately more investable.” He added.

The session on **Mutua Recognition Agreement for Engineers** provided an opportunity for experts to discuss progress made, and openings that come with mutual recognition of professional qualifications to unlock Trade in Services in the region. While acknowledging how ICT has disrupted value chains, business models and sustainable economic growth, participant expressed the need to develop a roadmap for harmonising classification of ICT professionals to facilitate cross border mobility.

The Summit aims to position the EAC as Africa’s premier trade and investment hub while leveraging the digital economy as a driver of sustainable growth and inclusion. A communiqué outlining recommendations and resolutions from the Summit discussions will be presented by EABC to the Chairperson of the EAC Council of Ministers for consideration in policy decision-making.


Business Leaders and Experts Highlight Opportunities in Digitalisation for Private Sector-Driven Regional Integration (GIZ)

Key stakeholders from the East African Community (EAC) have today agreed on a roadmap for the registration and classification of ICT professionals in the region, during a validation exercise organised by the EAC Secretariat in Nairobi, Kenya. 

The potential for services to drive competitiveness in the EAC is hampered by a range of factors including the unfinished liberalisation agenda, lack of awareness of opportunities in the region and restrictive domestic laws. For the ICT sector, it is essential to ensure that regulation enables rather than inhibits innovation and that mobility of ICT professionals unfolds through transparent and predictable processes.

The two-day technical forum considered the classification and registration of ICT related professions in EAC Partner States on the basis of analysis of the existing frameworks, institutional arrangements and challenges faced by ICT professionals in cross-border mobility. In addition, the forum reviewed international good practices to support the interoperability of ICT professional standards while fostering innovation and competitiveness.

The event supported by DIGEAT project and LIFTED, — a project co-financed by the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and the European Union (EU), and implemented by GIZ brought together representatives across the eight Partner States from the Ministries responsible for ICT, EAC Affairs, Trade, ICT regulators, academia, ICT professionals and development partners.

![00B1.jpg](https://strapi.eacgermany.org/uploads/00_B1_4a2ef026ae.jpg)

Representing the EAC secretariat, Ms. Annette Kenganzi, Senior Exports Promotion Officer, observed that the initiative to classify ICT-related professionals is an effort to operationalize article 11 of the Common Market Protocol on harmonization and mutual recognition of academic and professional qualifications, to facilitate mobility of learners and service providers across the region. 

“The objective of this workshop is to validate the findings generated from the national consultations on the status of ICT professional classification in each Partner State and develop a roadmap for harmonising classification of ICT professionals to facilitate cross border mobility. I therefore call upon delegates to confirm their country specific findings and generate consensus on the report to progress the process of harmonization of ICT professional standards.” She emphasised.

On his part, Mr. Sagoh Djete, Programme Manager for Regional Cooperation, EU Delegation to Tanzania and the EAC reflected on the cooperation between the EU, EAC Secretariat and the Partner States in implementing mutually agreed priorities to advance regional integration, trade and digital transformation.

“Today, ICT is no longer a supporting sector but rather a foundational enabler of trade, innovation, public service delivery, and competitiveness. For this reason, the EU has established a wide range of initiatives focused on supporting the movement of professionals, e-payment and e-commerce among others, to boost digital transformation and encourage innovation while ensuring that technology works for people, the economy and society at large.” He added.

![00C1.jpg](https://strapi.eacgermany.org/uploads/00_C1_4a16850c90.jpg)

In her remarks, Ms. Estella Aryada, Component Lead -Trade In Services, GIZ, underscored the importance of digitalization as a common theme in GIZ support to the EAC. She highlighted some of the  initiatives, including support to the development of the digital transformation strategy, documenting of use cases for cross border ecommerce and the development of a digital platform for engineers, that will automate the processes of application, verification and issuing of certificates to permit engineers from one Partner State to have their qualifications accepted by another Partner State.

“All these initiatives rely on a strong foundation of ICT skills, and bring to light the interconnection between trade, infrastructure, cyber security, e-government, among others. A business-friendly legal, regulatory and institutional environment is essential to unlock the potential of ICT to contribute to a private sector driven and people centred EAC.” She added.

The role of the services sector in accelerating competitiveness, innovation, diversification and inclusive development has long been acknowledged, and the last few decades have seen how ICT can have a transformative and disruptive effect on value chains, business models and sustainable economic growth.

To advance this agenda, the EAC Strategy for Trade in Services (2023-2033) identified priority sectors such as Engineering and Telecommunications including ICT, as a critical spearhead for service sector integration. The Strategy emphasises that ICT services are vital for business survival, regional connectivity, and the integration of the EAC into the continental and global economy.


Stakeholders Build Consensus on a Roadmap for Registration and Classification of ICT professionals in the EAC region (GIZ)

Hon. Beatrice Askul Moe, Chair of the EAC Council of Ministers and Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of EAC, ASALs and Regional Development, Republic of Kenya, officiated the East African Business & Investment Summit & Expo 2026 (EABIS 2026) that took place on 24 - 25 February 2026 in Nairobi.

The 2026 summit, supported through LIFTED — a project co-financed by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and the European Union (EU), and implemented by GIZ brought together over 300 participants -including ministers, business leaders, investors, development partners, and SMEs from across the region and beyond to discuss opportunities for promoting private sector-driven regional Integration for Increased Trade and Investments.

In her remarks, the Chief Guest, Hon. Beatrice Askul Moe, said: "Over the past two decades, the EAC has made great strides in harmonizing policies and regulations, and we have seen a commendable increase in intra-EAC trade. This summit provides an important platform for public and private sector collaboration. Reforms must translate into tangible results to build a prosperous, resilient, and integrated East African region."

![003.jpg](https://strapi.eacgermany.org/uploads/003_c793b29af6.jpg)

Hon. John Lual Akol Akol, Chairperson of the East African Business Council (EABC), stated: "East Africa stands at a pivotal moment in its economic transformation. While intra-EAC trade has recorded encouraging growth, it remains below fifteen percent of our total trade—far from our shared target of forty percent by 2030. This Summit therefore calls us to move decisively from reform to results. The private sector urges Partner States to fully implement the Single Customs Territory, harmonize domestic taxes, eliminate non-tariff barriers, and uphold commitments under the Customs Union and Common Market Protocols."

Representing the EAC Secretary General, Ms. Annette Ssemuwemba Mutaawe, Deputy Secretary General, Customs, Trade and Monetary Affairs, stated: "The main challenge for intra-EAC trade is not policy, but implementation. The EAC Secretariat is committed to working with the private sector to remove barriers, enhance competitiveness, and build regional value chains. Technology will be a key catalyst to facilitate trade, improve market access, and accelerate regional integration."

Mr. Alexander Fierley, Deputy German Ambassador to Kenya, said: "In a time of increasing global fragmentation, regional trade agreements create stability. A strong, integrated, rules-based East African market is in our shared interest. The EAC Economic Partnership Agreement with the European Union is more than a trade arrangement - it is a regional anchor that will strengthen East Africa as a single investment destination, provide long-term legal certainty, and ensure predictable market access to the EU. Germany remains your committed partner on this journey."

![002.jpg](https://strapi.eacgermany.org/uploads/002_88e99dee21.jpg)

From the European Union perspective, Mr. Ondrej Simek, Deputy Head of Delegation of the European Union to Kenya, stated: "Over the past years, the European Union has worked closely with the East African Community (EAC) to promote regional integration and boost intra-African trade. The EU places great importance on easing the movement of professionals as a key driver of economic integration. Digital trade has become a powerful tool for competitiveness, innovation, and inclusion. It lowers barriers to market entry, expands opportunities for entrepreneurs, and connects firms to regional and global markets."

In his remarks Dr. Jas Bedi, EBS, MBS, Chairperson of the Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA) and EABC Vice-Chair, noted: "The private sector continues to face non-tariff barriers, regulatory inconsistencies, and unpredictable tax regimes. Addressing these challenges is not optional—it is essential for lowering the cost of doing business and strengthening investor confidence across East Africa. Investing in trade-enabling infrastructure, digital connectivity, and paperless customs systems will accelerate cross-border commerce and position East Africa as a globally competitive trade and investment hub."

Over 100 Exhibitors including East African textile, leather, and edible oil value chains showcased their products and will engage in B2B matchmaking sessions with counterparts from across the continent and beyond.

The Summit aims to position the EAC as Africa’s premier trade and investment hub while leveraging the digital economy as a driver of sustainable growth and inclusion. A communiqué outlining recommendations and resolutions from the Summit discussions will be presented by EABC to the Chairperson of the EAC Council of Ministers for consideration in policy decision-making.


Chair of EAC Council of Ministers Officiates the East African Business & Investment Summit 2026 in Nairobi (GIZ)

Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) across the East African Community (EAC) Partner States have reaffirmed their strong commitment in amplifying the voices of citizens including special groups, in a renewed drive to strengthen participation in the regional integration process. This was the clear message from a series of national consultations aimed at deepening collaboration between civil society, governments and regional institutions.

Held between June and November 2025 across the 8 EAC Partner States, the consultations built on the momentum of the 2024 dialogue series, which revitalised national chapters and expanded membership base. They focused on identifying emerging governance, trade, and civic space challenges requiring regional attention and capturing national priorities to guide deliberations for the forthcoming 8th EAC Secretary General’s Forum.

The sessions organized by the East African Civil Society Organization Forum (EACSOF) with financial support from GIZ LIFTED – a project co-funded by the European Union (EU), produced actionable insights designed to reinforce EACSOF’s role as a bridge between citizens and the regional integration agenda. 

Speaking during the forum, Ms. Lilian Allex, Executive Director of EACSOF, observed that the consultations were already strengthening citizen engagement across the region. She noted that in the last 18 months, three rounds of engagements with members in every Partner State have been conducted which not only ensured that members were involved but also enabled them to take the economic integration agenda to a wider citizenry. 

“The national consultations continue to gain momentum as more CSO networks highlight both public concerns and overarching regional issues. We remain grateful to our supporters and national chapters in every Partner State, and I would like to remind every member present today that your involvement is essential in shaping a more inclusive EAC.” She added.

![edited 2.jpg](https://strapi.eacgermany.org/uploads/edited_2_4b0a6ca28f.jpg)

In his remark, Mr. David Sigano, the Chair of the EAC Regional Dialogue Committee and Executive Director of the East African Law Society which represents more than forty thousand legal professionals across the Partner States commended the national consultations as a vital pillar of citizen participation in regional integration. He expressed gratitude to EACSOF and the LIFTED Project for supporting the engagement sessions, noting that they have significantly widened public access to information.

“These platforms give ordinary citizens direct access not only to knowledge about EAC institutions, but also to the legal and policy instruments that bind these structures together and ensure they deliver tangible benefits to the people of the EAC Partner States.” Mr. Sigano re-emphasised.

Representing Somalia chapter, Mr. Mohamed Abdirahman, Executive Director of the Somali Non-State Actors (SONSA), observed that the consultations were both timely and strategic, as they enable Somali Civil Society to engage constructively with the Government in advancing the EAC regional integration agenda particularly now that the Federal Republic of Somalia is a relatively new member of the Community. 

“These dialogues give Somalia a vital platform to align national priorities with regional commitments, ensuring that our integration into the EAC is meaningful, inclusive, and forward-looking. The discussions are relevant as we work to address key integration-related challenges, including strengthening institutional capacity, improving cross-border trade systems, harmonising customs and regulatory frameworks, ensuring freedom of movement, and enhancing security cooperation across the region.” He added.

CSOs play a crucial role in the EAC economic integration process by advocating for policies that promote social justice, economic development, and good governance. They serve as a bridge between the government and the citizens, ensuring that the voices of the marginalized and vulnerable groups are heard. 


CSOs Renew their Drive to Strengthen Citizen Participation in Regional Integration Agenda (GIZ)

East African Community (EAC) private sector umbrella body - the East African Business Council (EABC) in partnership with GIZ-LIFTED project, successfully concluded building the capacities of service enterprises to effectively participate in regional and continental trade under the frameworks of the EAC Common Markets and African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

The initiative identified, Profiled and conducted a series of trainings between 2 and 15 October 2025 in Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania and Kenya, which were attended by over 200 export-ready companies from priority service sectors focused on the application of rules, regulations, and business concepts for export of services. 

The action aims to deepen regional integration by strengthening the capacity of the private sector—particularly women and youth-led service enterprises, to participate competitively in regional and continental trade. Anchored in the EAC Common Market pillar, the program supports Partner States’ commitments to liberalise trade in services and remove barriers that hinder cross-border service delivery across seven high potential sectors including Business, Education, Financial, Communication, Tourism and Travel-related, Transport, and Distribution Services.

Speaking during the training workshop in Uganda, Mr. Simon Kaheru, the EABC Vice Chairman, emphasised the need for elimination of restrictions on services trade and accelerating the adoption of the Mutual Recognition of Academic and Professional Qualifications. Mr.  Kaheru reiterate the need to harmonise regulatory frameworks in the region.

![Rw 2.jpg](https://strapi.eacgermany.org/uploads/Rw_2_31d9c7f47f.jpg)

In his remarks, Mr. Adrian Njau, Acting Executive Director of EABC, highlighted the critical role of services in the regional economies. He noted that services including ICT, tourism, transport, finance, education, and professional services contribute significantly to GDP, job creation and innovation.

Mr. Njau observed that despite all the efforts, SMEs and women- and youth-led businesses still face barriers in accessing service export markets. 

“Fragmented regulations, slow recognition of qualifications, limited financing, and information gaps hinder SMEs competitiveness. This workshop is therefore an investment in people - our entrepreneurs, our youth, and our women.” He added.

Representing the Private Sector Foundation Uganda (PSFU), Ms. Florence Mambea, Outreach Manager, underscored the importance of cultivating a culture of professional service delivery and compliance with export market regulations and standards. She advised companies to remain consistent, professional, and accountable to their brand for sustainable provision of service.

The GIZ-LIFTED is a project co-funded by the European Union (EU) which aims to empower export-ready companies across the region, equipping them with knowledge, strategies, and networks to thrive in regional and global markets. The project plan for match making sessions for linking selected firms with EU counterparts in 2026.


Enhancing Capacities of Service Enterprises for Effective Participation in Regional and Continental Trade (GIZ)

Professionals across the East African Community (EAC) region are keen to take advantage of common market opportunities in EAC Partner States and throughout Africa. Both the East African Community (EAC) and the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (ACFTA) aspire to creating a single market for services. One of the approaches to facilitate structured mobility of professionals across borders is through the signature of Mutual Recognition Agreements (MRAs), which enable service providers to practice in other Partner States without being subjected to duplicative qualification or licensing processes. 

Policy makers, regulators, representatives of selected professional associations and service providers from the 8 EAC Partner States met in Kampala, Uganda to discuss the status of MRAs in the EAC and other Regional Economic Communities.  Held between 24 and 26 November 2025, the event also presented an opportunity for sharing experiences and challenges in the implementation of existing EAC MRAs, and to build consensus on practical recommendations for EAC approaches to MRA negotiations in the framework of the AfCFTA. The engagement was supported by EU and BMZ and implemented by GIZ through 2 complementary projects-LIFTED and DIGEAT.

![photo 3.1.jpg](https://strapi.eacgermany.org/uploads/photo_3_1_272388fa97.jpg)

The representive from the EAC Secretariat recalled the 46th meeting of the Sectoral Council for Trade, Industry, Finance & Investment (SCTIFI) which directed Partner States to undertake an analysis to inform EAC positions for the AfCFTA MRA negotiations in service sectors. She observed that EAC had concluded MRAs for Accountancy, Engineering, Architectural & Veterinary professions, however, implementation was still a challenge due to procedural bottlenecks, varying regulatory capacity, lack of awareness and absence of a comprehensive regional oversight mechanism.

“When our economies recognise each other’s standards, certifications, and professional qualifications, we not only streamline trade and mobility—we also build a deeper foundation of confidence among our institutions and our people. Today’s meeting is an important step toward that vision.” She added.

While making her remarks, Ms. Estella Aryada, the Component Lead - Trade in Services, EAC-GIZ Programme, reflected on the partnership between EAC and GIZ spanning over 25 years and noted that while priorities of the collaboration have kept on evolving based on mutually agreed priorities, trade has and remains core of the support.

Ms. Aryada highlighted GIZ support for the effective implementation of MRAs through streamlining the legal and regulatory framework, capacity building, advocacy and awareness creation. This complements support to the engineering MRA which focuses on addressing regulatory barriers to cross border mobility, and the establishment of a digital data exchange mechanism for smooth management of the process. 

“While we are looking at movement of professionals across EAC region, we must be cognisant of the fact that mobility is global. It is important to find ways to position EAC and take advantage of opportunities that are outside the region.” She added.

![photo 2.1.jpg](https://strapi.eacgermany.org/uploads/photo_2_1_484a5f31b9.jpg)

On his part, Mr. Bramah Kaleve, Deputy Director, External Trade - Kenya, observed that AfCFTA Protocol covered Trade in Services and defined how services are traded. He noted that EAC developed a combined offer on the Schedule of Commitments under AfCFTA and so far, 22 offers have been adopted by the Council.

Mr. Kaleve highlighted that EAC came up with four regulatory frameworks including in financial and communication services which were under legal scrubbing while negotiations were currently ongoing on the frameworks for Tourism and Transport Services.
 
“In order to approach liberalisation of services, Article 10 of the Trade in Services Protocol requires negotiation of MRAs to enable supply of services. Therefore, I urge this meeting to prioritise on the analytical work on the MRAs.” He added.

Article 11 of the EAC Common Market Protocol mandates Partner States to mutually recognise academic and professional qualifications and to conclude Mutual Recognition Agreements for regulated professions. The EAC has concluded MRAs for Accountancy, Engineering, Architectural and Veterinary professions, while the MRA for Advocates is at an advanced stage. Work on additional professions such as land surveying, continues. At continental level, Article 10 of the AfCFTA Protocol on Trade in Services requires State Parties to negotiate MRAs and develop supporting guidelines.


April 21st, 2026

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