The Karamojong communities in the Ateker region of Uganda are primarily pastoralists who share deep cultural ties with their counterparts in South Sudan and Kenya. In 2024, district and county leaders, as well as local leaders of these three countries, signed the Ateker Resolution committing to foster peaceful co-existence, strengthen cultural ties, and address local challenges through continued dialogue and awareness creation. 

The leaders emphasised the importance of using traditional and alternative dispute resolution mechanisms that leverage the shared heritage of the communities. Moreover, they proposed the creation of joint resource-sharing agreements. Despite these commitments, the region continues to face challenges. These include porous borders, widespread small arms, youth unemployment, limited access to education, especially for girls, and low financial infrastructure. Cultural norms also restrict women’s participation in decision-making and public life.

Building on the momentum of the [2023 Peace Caravan and Benchmarking Tour](https://www.eacgermany.org/news/auc-eac-and-giz-embark-on-a-peace-caravan-and-benchmarking-tour-of-border-communities-in-the-eac-region-giz) and the 2024 Ateker Resolutions, Uganda’s Ministry of East African Community Affairs (MEACA) held a technical meeting with Ateker leaders of Uganda in Moroto in May 2025. The meeting consisted of dialogues that resulted in the development of a comprehensive roadmap for Uganda’s implementation of the 2024 Ateker Resolutions to foster peace and economic development in the Ateker region. Further, draft action plans were developed to be considered for mainstreaming into Uganda’s policy frameworks for further implementation.

![20241103_122149_DSCF0058.jpg](https://strapi.eacgermany.org/uploads/20241103_122149_DSCF_0058_86ba983139.jpg)

On behalf of the Permanent Secretary, Dr Andrew Musiime, the Commissioner for Political Affairs at MEACA-Uganda, indicated that the issues raised at the high-level meeting of the Ateker leaders have now taken centre stage within the EAC Council of Ministers, where strategies are actively being discussed to address the unique challenges and opportunities of the region. As a Ministry, there is a firm commitment to translating words into actions.

Speaking on behalf of the Secretary General of the East African Community Secretariat, Mr Leonard Ngeleja, Senior Technical Specialist, extended appreciation to the Government of the Republic of Uganda for its unwavering commitment to advancing peace and security in the region. He appreciated the Ateker community leaders and representatives from the Turkana, Toposa, Didinga, and Karimojong communities for their resilience and commitment to peace and encouraged them to engage in open and honest dialogue, grounded in local realities and guided by a spirit of partnership. He affirmed the EAC Secretariat’s full support and commitment to ensuring that the resolutions from the Ateker Peace Caravan are transformed into tangible outcomes that enhance livelihoods, strengthen unity, and secure lasting peace across the region.

Representing the Support to the African Union Border Programme (GIZ-AUBP), Ms Emily Mucheru acknowledged the collaborative journey that began with the Peace Caravan in 2023 and continued during the Ateker High-Level Leaders’ Meeting held in Moroto. She commended the Government of Uganda’s proactive steps in developing an action plan, budget, and monitoring and evaluation framework to guide the implementation of their commitments. She also highlighted GIZ’s ongoing support for peacebuilding efforts in the Karamoja region, particularly through the [GIZ-SCIDA](https://www.giz.de/en/worldwide/207206.html) and [GIZ-Civil Peace Service](https://www.giz.de/en/worldwide/130175.html) projects. These initiatives have supported pastoralists and agro-pastoralists along the Kenya-Uganda border through participatory rangeland management and the provision of job skills training for selected Kenyan and Ugandan youth in collaboration with local partners. Additionally, the projects have equipped civil society actors with alternative dispute resolution skills and tools to address natural resource-based conflicts, including disputes related to land, mining, cattle rustling, and protected areas.

Find more information on GIZ-AUBP [here](https://www.eacgermany.org/projects/border-governance-in-africa-support-to-the-african-union-border-programme-aupb). 

Building a Path to Peace and Economic Prosperity: Uganda’s Commitment to the 2024 Ateker Resolutions

Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in the East African Community (EAC) region have underscored political stability and the need for enhanced capacity building as critical priorities in advancing the regional integration agenda. These were the issues at the forefront during the recently concluded national dialogue meetings organised by the East African Civil Society Organizations’ Forum (EACSOF). 

The forums were held under the EAC Consultative Dialogue Framework (CDF) domiciled under the Treaty for the Establishment of the East African Community, which aims to strengthen engagement between the EAC Secretariat, Partner States, and Non-State Actors at both national and regional levels. The CDF intend to promote regular, inclusive, and participatory dialogue to ensure broad-based ownership of the integration process. 

Concluded in June 2025, the dialogue forums brought together officials from the Ministries of East African Community Affairs, representatives from CSOs across the region and development partners. These virtual sessions followed the initial phase of national dialogues held physically across all EAC Partner States in 2024. 

Key concern among the CSOs was the necessity of sustained political stability, which remains fundamental to the success of regional integration. The forums observed the merits of political stability in creating conducive environment for implementing regional policies and agreements. However, unrest in some Partner States continues to hinder progress and threatens the realisation of integration agenda. 

![photo 2 edited.jpg](https://strapi.eacgermany.org/uploads/photo_2_edited_13674e6773.jpg)

Further, the CSOs stressed the urgent need for capacity building to support their effective participation in the integration process. They noted that many organisations lacked sufficient knowledge, technical skills, and resources to engage meaningfully with the EAC institutions and national governments. The forums called for expanded training programs and financial support to strengthen the role of civil society in regional affairs. 

Additionally, raising public awareness about regional integration and the role of the EAC Secretariat emerged as another key issue. Despite ongoing efforts, many citizens across the region remain unaware of the EAC mandate in providing a platform for them to communicate their concerns directly to the national policymakers, facilitating government action. 

The Consultative Dialogue Framework requires Partner States to provide an enabling environment for the private sector and civil society to take full advantage of the Community, by coming up with strategies to promote continuous dialogue for the implementation of agreed decisions in all economic sectors.


Political Stability and Capacity Challenges Top CSOs’ National Dialogue Forums (GIZ)

The East African Community (EAC) has taken a major step towards the advancement of liberalisation of trade in services, following the endorsement of the regulatory audit reports on services sectors by the EAC Regional Committee on Trade in Services.

This follows a directive by the EAC 45th Sectoral Council on Trade, Industry, Finance and Investment held in November 2024, which observed the need by Partner States to understand the findings contained in the audit reports and to hold sector specific engagements with stakeholders at both national and regional levels. 

The reports, developed by the Africa Free Continental Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat for the EAC Partner States, are typically focused on assessing the compliance of service trade regulations with regional and international standards. The reports aim to assists government officials in the identification of restrictions in the context of trade negotiations, and cover various sectors, such as professional services, computer services, telecom services, postal and courier services, audiovisual services, construction, distribution, financial services, health, tourism and transport.

Key components of the regulatory audit reports on trade in services include the evaluation of existing laws and regulations governing trade in services, assessing key restrictions on market access and national treatment that affects the supply of services into the country, reviewing the effectiveness of implementation and enforcement mechanisms and providing actionable recommendations to improve regulatory frameworks, ease trade restrictions and promote cross-border service delivery.

In May 2025, trade professionals from across the EAC Partner States including representatives from the National Committees on Trade in Services as well as trade experts from the EAC Secretariat and development partners convened in Kampala, Uganda, to consider the progress on removal of identified restrictions in selected services sub-sectors. This regional meeting follows a series of national committee meetings held between February and March 2025 with over 200 trade experts providing their respective national insights on the identified restrictions. 

![edited 2.jpg](https://strapi.eacgermany.org/uploads/edited_2_b16b955605.jpg)

Speaking at the regional meeting, Mr. Bramah Kaleve, Deputy Director, External Trade, State Department of Trade, Republic of Kenya and the chair of the regional committee, emphasized the importance of this activity in enhancing trade in services in selected sub-sectors. He acknowledged the efforts of the national committees in addressing the issues in discussion in each Partner State and highlighted that the recommendations of the regional committee should focus on concrete issues that require attention by EAC’s sectoral committee on Trade which thereafter, reports to the Sectoral Council on Trade, Industry, Finance and Investment (SCTIFI).

Representing the EAC Secretariat, Ms. Annette Kenganzi, Senior Exports Promotion Officer, acknowledged the commitment of the Partner States and appreciated the support of development partners, particularly GIZ, through LIFTED, a project co-funded by the European Union and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). She noted that these efforts have been key in moving forward regional discussions on trade in services.

The report findings, which is to be shared with Partner States as directed by the 46th Sectoral Council on Trade, Industry, Finance and Investment, will inform experts and policy makers on progressive liberalisation of Trade in Services such as negotiations of the remaining sectors, and implementation thereof.

Key milestones have been achieved so far, including steady progress on negotiations at continental level in five-priority sectors, with forty-nine State and non-State Parties submitting their offers and, twenty-two schedules of specific commitments being adopted by the Assembly of Heads of State and Government at the Africa Union.


Regional Committee on Trade in Services Endorse the Regulatory Audit Report on Services Sectors (GIZ)

Regional integration under the East African Community (EAC) offers significant socio-economic opportunities and can be strengthened through increased public awareness and citizen engagement. This is the clear message of a panel discussion that was held on 5 June 2025 between representatives of EAC, the East African Civil Society Organizations Forum (EACSOF), the East Africa Law Society (EALS), and the development agency GIZ.  
 
The session held under the theme of **National and Regional Policy and Legislative Framework for the CSO Engagement in the EAC Integration** was attended by representatives from various Tanzanian civil society organizations and the public sector, and took place as part of the Tanzanian CSO week, from 2 to 6 June in Arusha, Tanzania. 
 
The Regional Policies and Legislative Frameworks for Engagement in the EAC Integration is strengthened by various initiatives implemented under GIZ - LIFTED, a project co-financed by the European Union (EU) and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) in partnership with EAC. 
 
The session deliberated on critical issues regarding CSO engagement in the EAC integration process with the aim of fostering meaningful dialogue, exchanging best practices, and identifying opportunities to enhance the participation of Tanzanian CSOs in regional integration. The meeting examined the status of Tanzanian CSO engagement through the EAC Consultative Dialogue Framework (CDF), highlighted existing challenges and opportunities, and outlined effective strategies for deeper integration. 
 
Specifically, the discussions narrowed on the regional policy and legislative developments for Tanzania CSO engagement and mapped out specific areas for support by Tanzanian CSOs. During the session, participants identified practical recommendations to be communicated to the EAC Secretariat, EACSOF, and national policymakers. The outcomes and recommendations from this dialogue will feed into the EAC Secretary General Forum and technical working group meetings, thereby enhancing Tanzanian CSOs' engagement in the regional integration process. 
 
 
![edited 2.jpg](https://strapi.eacgermany.org/uploads/edited_2_531d47733e.jpg)
 
Speaking during the session, the CEO of EACSOF, Ms. Lilian Alex observed that the level of awareness for citizen engagement in the Regional Economic Integration agenda was still very low. She emphasised the need to expand the civil space in Tanzania and reminded CSOs of their role in the people-centred EAC integration process given the vast opportunities that comes with it. The CEO highlighted some of the benefits including cross border travel using national identity cards in some EAC Partner States. 
 
“The Civil Society voices continue to shrink in Tanzania, and there is more work to be done on national awareness for Tanzania to benefits from these opportunities, and a more inclusive EAC integration process. One of the areas that we need to enhance, especially with the CSOs support, is the involvement of all stakeholders in policy formulation,” she said. 
 
On his part, Mr. David Sigano, the CEO of East Africa Law Society noted that there were laws and regional frameworks that could benefit citizens at a national level, but which unfortunately were not known by the wider population. He presented examples of events where CSOs had presented cases at the regional court which received landmark rulings.  “Citizens should be able to seek legal redress at the regional court of justice whenever they feel there is an infringement of the treaty” added Mr. Sigano. 
 
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. 
 
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. 


Experts: Public Awareness Key to Unlocking EAC Integration Benefits (GIZ)

After more than two decades, a major breakthrough in regional environmental collaboration is set to take place. This is after scientists and technicians from Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda embarked on a joint in-lake water quality monitoring exercise on Lake Victoria, the first of its kind in over 20 years. 

Supported by GIZ as part of the EAC for Nature Project, the study is scheduled to kick off following a three-day training workshop for experts and policy makers on water sampling techniques and research methodology that took place between 4 – 6 June 2025 in Mwanza, Tanzania.

Lake Victoria, the second-largest freshwater lake in the world and a critical resource relied upon by more than 40 million people across East African countries has suffered significant degradation over the years. Issues such as pollution, eutrophication, invasive species, and overfishing have raised concerns about its long-term sustainability. 

This collaborative effort seeks to gather essential physical, chemical, and biological data to inform the upcoming State of the Basin Report, which will provide a comprehensive picture of the lake’s current health and ecosystem trends.

![edited 2.JPG](https://strapi.eacgermany.org/uploads/edited_2_57e3f186ad.JPG)

Speaking during the event, the Lake Victoria Basin Commission’s Deputy Executive Secretary Eng. Coletha Ruhamya noted the growing concerns about unusual changes in the lake’s ecosystem, including the widespread presence of water hyacinths.

“It is not that we have identified a specific issue, but there are signs of irregularities. When you look at the lake, listen to how communities speak about the growing spread of water hyacinths, and observe ongoing human activities along the shoreline, you will realise that something may be wrong. Clear or colourless water does not always mean clean water, which is why we are undertaking this study,” She explained.

Eng. Ruhamya reaffirmed that the study findings will be crucial in guiding the conservation of the lake’s biodiversity and ecological balance. She observed that in addition to evaluating water quality, the research will assess the extent of pollution and cleanliness across different parts of the lake, with a view of developing actionable projects and interventions.

On his part, Dr. Renatus Shinhu, Director of the Lake Victoria Basin Water Board (LVBWB), observed the strong institutional backings for regional cooperation and the growing recognition of science as a cornerstone of policy-making, and confirmed that all the three participating countries including Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda will collect and submit water samples for laboratory analysis.

“We are beginning with training to ensure that the teams understand how to properly collect samples and use the necessary equipment. Once training concludes, the actual research will commence,” said Dr. Shinhu.

The data collected will be critical not only for informing environmental policy but also for guiding investments in ecosystem restoration, pollution control, and climate adaptation measures across the Lake Victoria Basin.

Importantly, the exercise is expected to lay the groundwork for establishing a long-term monitoring framework that can be institutionalised within national and regional structures. The focus on building technical capacity, harmonising methodologies, and strengthening institutional collaboration is to ensure that the benefit of the initiative is sustainable and impactful.

Further, the study is expected to play a pivotal role in shaping environmental policy, supporting cross-border collaboration, and ensuring continuous management of one of Africa’s most vital freshwater ecosystems.


Regional Water Quality Monitoring in Lake Victoria Resumes after Two Decades (GIZ) 

The 2025 edition of **Karibu-Kilifair**, East Africa’s largest tourism expo, was held from 6 – 8 June 2025, bringing together over 500 exhibitors from more than 15 countries, more than 1,000 international buyers and trade visitors, media and industry leaders. 

The three-day event at the Magereza Grounds in Arusha, Tanzania, is an important platform for the East African Community (EAC) in advancing its efforts to promote the region as a single tourism destination through the **“Visit East Africa – Feel the Vibe”** brand.

The brand is a strategic initiative that aims to bring together the EAC Partner States’ tourism stakeholders including tourism boards, tour operators, hoteliers and service providers to foster cross-border partnerships and co-branding opportunities and embrace multi-destination offerings as a growing trend in the global travel industry. This redefined approach will increase visibility, enhance the region’s competitiveness, and foster sustainable development and investment.

The Visit East Africa – Feel the Vibe brand is strengthened by various initiatives implemented under **GIZ-LIFTED**, a project co-financed by the European Union (EU) and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) in partnership with EAC.

Addressing the opening session of the expo, Hon. Doto Biteko, Deputy Prime Minister, United Republic of Tanzania, noted that Karibu-Kilifair has continued to grow over the years, making it one of the largest tourism expos in the East African region and attracting a high number of tourism stakeholders from across all corners of the world. 

“This year, the expo has received more than 500 exhibitors from over 10 countries with more than 1,000 international buyers from 40 countries. This is a clear demonstration that the world is keen on Tanzania and the East African region as the centre for tourism. Therefore, we need to grab the opportunity and show the visitors what Tanzania can offer,” he added.

Hon. Biteko observed that tourism contributed 17.2% of Tanzania’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and accounted for 25% of the national exports, making it a key source of foreign income. In recognition of this important sector, the government has made important initiatives including the ‘Tanzania Royal Tour’ and ‘Amazing Tanzania’, which have significantly impacted the industry. 

“In 2024, the sector received over USD 3.9 billion in earnings with the number of tourists increasing exponentially to over 5.3 million. Out of this, 2.1 million were foreigners while over 3.2 million were local tourists, a clear indication that the sector continues to attract local tourists. I therefore urge more Tanzanians to explore what we have in the sector,” he added.

![Pic 3 edited.jpg](https://strapi.eacgermany.org/uploads/Pic_3_edited_ab9e1cc356.jpg)

Representing the EAC Secretary General, H.E Veronica Nduva, Mr. Jean Baptiste Havugimana, EAC Director in charge of Productive Sectors, reflected on the tremendous strides made by EAC in advancing regional tourism. He noted that together with the Partner States, the EAC is proud to have launched a unified regional tourism brand, **“Visit East Africa – Feel the Vibe,”** which was officially unveiled to the global market earlier this year at the International Tourism Bourse (ITB) in Berlin.

“This brand is not just a slogan. It is a call for strategic partnership, innovation, and integration, bringing together our Partner States’ national identities and uniqueness into a compelling regional narrative,” he stated.

Mr. Baptiste underscored the region’s uniqueness of diverse experiences that simplifies efforts to promote multi-destination packages and singled out the Karibu-Kilifair 2025 as an ideal platform to build partnerships and business collaborations across national tourism boards, tour operators, agents, and international buyers. 

“By working together and combining our strengths, we can offer unforgettable cross-border itineraries that make our region more visible globally. As we market East Africa to the world, we are equally committed to preserving its natural beauty, protecting its wildlife, and promoting cultural heritage through community-led tourism initiatives,” he added.

On his part, the Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to Tanzania, Mr. Thomaz Terstegen reflected on the long-term partnership that has existed between the EAC and Germany spanning over 25 years. He singled out the tourism industry as a key sector in the cooperation.

Ambassador Terstegen said that the unified brand strengthens the region’s competitive edge, making it easier for global travellers and investors to recognise East Africa as a top destination and demonstrates the EAC’s commitment in promoting economic growth, environmental and cultural conservation.

“I truly believe that the tourism sector in East Africa can benefit from joint approaches, including the introduction of single visas for safari tourists crossing the borders. Visit East Africa – Feel the Vibe, I can assure you I do,” he reaffirmed.

![Pic 5 edited.jpg](https://strapi.eacgermany.org/uploads/Pic_5_edited_990a3f32fd.jpg)

The brand unites the distinct cultures, landscapes, and wildlife of the EAC Partner States into one compelling destination. This enhances global recognition and allows for integrated marketing and product development, appealing to travellers seeking rich and diverse experiences.

Further, through the GIZ-LIFTED project, the EAC is enhancing the capacity of tourism stakeholders including tour guides, operators, and agents by leveraging digital platforms and training. As a product of the brand, these efforts aim to improve cross-border collaboration, destination marketing, and product packaging, with a strong emphasis on priority areas such as sustainability to enhance competitiveness. The capacity building is essential for positioning East Africa as a high-quality, integrated tourism destination.


EAC promote the region as a Single Tourism Destination at the Karibu-KiliFair 2025 Expo (GIZ)

After three years of transformative work in strengthening digital skills in the EAC, the Digital Skills for an Innovative East African Industry (dSkills@EA) Project has successfully concluded.

The dSkills@EA project, implemented by the Inter-University Council for East Africa (IUCEA) and GIZ with support from the Federal German Government, has significantly impacted digital skills development in the region.

With over 4,000 young East Africans trained, the initiative has fostered a thriving cooperation ecosystem, engaging 300+ private sector partners and 100 universities, building a solid foundation for the future of digital transformation in East Africa.

Beyond these numbers are real people and real impact:

- Rebecca from Tanzania is helping farmers grow better crops and feed more families,
- Keith from Uganda developed a tool to detect strokes earlier that will save lives and
- Malek from South Sudan founded an ICT school, equipping young people with digital skills.

Ivan Koojo, former student of the Centre of Excellence for the Innovative East African Industry (CENIT@EA) shared his thoughts about the impact of the project: “I am proud to be part of the team behind Kayoola EVS, Africa’s first electric bus, built in Uganda. Kiira Motors retained me after my internship. This is the direct impact of investing in East Africa’s human capital. Thank you to the German people, the EAC secretariat, and all the sponsors for believing in us. Your investment is not wasted - we are applying what we learned.”

The dSkills@EA initiative has strengthened digital skills for employment and innovation among young professionals, students, and entrepreneurs. It has provided entrepreneurship support, short-term digital skills training and enhanced the MSc program in Embedded and Mobile Systems at CENIT@EA, hosted at the Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology (NM-AIST). With 164 master’s students enrolled, 124 fully funded scholarships and a 90% graduate employment rate, the programme has laid the foundation for digital transformation in East Africa. Notably, one in five graduates is now teaching at a university, passing on their expertise to the next generation.

![collage 3.jpg](https://strapi.eacgermany.org/uploads/collage_3_97d554b6d9.jpg)

H.E. Veronica Nduva, Secretary General of the EAC, highlighted the importance of scaling up an inclusive digital transformation effort: “AI and digital transformation are game changers for the future of East Africa. As the first female Secretary-General of the EAC, I have a vision: A future where every young woman can be skilled to lead in technology and innovation. Through our partnership with Germany, we have skilled thousands of young East Africans in digital technologies and worked with hundreds of businesses and universities to create innovations. But we want to go further! That is why we are now building the EAC Regional AI Alliance. “

Reflecting on Germany’s long-standing partnership with the EAC, Hon. Thomas Terstegen, German Ambassador to Tanzania and the EAC, remarked: "Germany has been a close partner of the EAC for 25 years, supporting regional integration. Through dSkills@EA, we have equipped thousands of young East Africans with digital skills. The impact is clear. Graduates are innovating, teaching, and driving the community. But we are not stopping here. We are now investing in the EAC AI Regional Alliance to ensure East Africa benefits fully from the potential of the digital economy."

![Graduands at NMAISR.jpg](https://strapi.eacgermany.org/uploads/Graduands_at_NMAISR_8afcdf1cb0.jpg)

Hon. Prof. Gaspard Banyankimbona, Executive Secretary of IUCEA, stated: “The success of dSkills@EA demonstrates the transformative power of demand-driven digital education. By aligning the academic curriculum with industry needs, we have significantly enhanced graduate employability and fostered innovation and entrepreneurship. Our commitment to digital skills development continues not only with the launch of the EAC AI Regional Alliance but also working with our over 170 higher institutions of learning to use this module as a use case.”
Building on the success of dSkills@EA, the EAC AI Regional Alliance will focus on advancing AI research and innovation through regional collaboration, integrate AI into higher education, develop a harmonised regional strategy, and strengthen academia industry partnerships.

David Roos, Project Director of dSkills@EA, highlighted the importance of digital transformation for economic integration: "dSkills@EA demonstrates the strength of collaboration between governments, academia, and industry. By equipping thousands of young people with future-proof skills, we have laid the groundwork for a thriving digital ecosystem in East Africa. The EAC AI Regional Alliance will build on this success, expanding AI infrastructure and regional capabilities to secure East Africa’s place in the digital future."

**Background**

The EAC dSkills@EA project, initiated by the East African Community (EAC) Secretariat and German Development Cooperation, aimed to strengthen employment and innovation-related digital skills among young people in EAC Partner States. Implemented by IUCEA and GIZ, the project enhanced the quality of Master's programmes and study-related offerings at CENIT@EA, delivered demand-driven short courses, and supported entrepreneurship and innovation through a network of innovation hubs, universities, and industry. The success of this project has been achieved through partners, including EAC institutions, NM-AIST, the German Academic Exchange Service, University of Oldenburg, the EAC university consortium, and industry partners.

Find more information on dSkills@EA [here](https://www.eacgermany.org/sector/education-and-training). 

Empowering East Africa’s Digital Future: dSkills@EA Lays the Groundwork for the EAC Regional AI Alliance

Through trade of foods of animal origin, such as meat, fish, or milk products, foodborne diseases can spread and harm human health and economic productivity in the EAC.

According to estimates from the World Health Organization, over 91 million people fall ill from foodborne diseases in Africa, making it the continent with the highest disease burden per population. The economic burden of foodborne diseases exceeds USD 110 billion annually in low- and middle-income countries due to lost productivity and healthcare expenses.

Ensuring food is free from microbiological, chemical, or physical hazards is therefore key to protecting consumers’ health and fostering economic growth and productivity.

From 26 to 27, the EAC, supported by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development via GIZ, facilitated a regional expert workshop to discuss better approaches to improve food safety in East Africa.

In this workshop regional experts from the EAC Secretariat, EAC Partner States working in human and animal health sectors and standards, along with representatives from the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH), the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), and the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), validated a study on the quality of inspections of foods of animal origin in the EAC. 

![EAC Stakeholder Validation Meeting EAC FS Baseline Study_Group Work.jpeg](https://strapi.eacgermany.org/uploads/EAC_Stakeholder_Validation_Meeting_EAC_FS_Baseline_Study_Group_Work_a7429f92a2.jpeg)

The study identified several key challenges in food inspections, including limited human resource capacities, insufficient coordination between sectors responsible for food safety, i.e., information sharing on traded foods and animal diseases, and inadequate infrastructure for detecting microbial hazards. 

Based on these findings, the study suggests an assessment matrix for EAC Partner States to help evaluate the quality of inspections for commonly traded foods of animal origin and their potential microbial risks.  

“As animals and humans cross our borders, pathogens spread across the region. Through safe food products, we can reduce infectious disease risks and enhance health and economic growth in East Africa,” emphasised Mr. Benjamin Murkomen, Head of Division, Port Health Services, Ministry of Health, Republic of Kenya, and Chair of the workshop.  

Following the validation of the study, workshop participants submitted recommendations to further enhance inspection capacities for most traded animal-sourced foods with microbial risks. Accordingly, as a next step, the EAC Secretariat under the 'Support to Pandemic Preparedness in the EAC (PanPrep) project will support harmonisation of inspection guidelines across the region, design needs-based food inspection trainings and upgrade infrastructure for food inspections, with the overall goal to protect the health of East Africans. 

“Adequate, nutritious, and safe food is our goal. Ensuring food safety requires the collaboration of many sectors and disciplines, including animal and human health, agriculture, and the environment, following a One Health approach,” highlighted Dr. Sam Okuthe of the FAO Emergency Centre for Transboundary Animal Diseases. 

Find more information about the PanPrep project [here](https://www.eacgermany.org/projects/support-to-pandemic-preparedness-in-the-eac-region-pan-prep).

Enhancing Food Safety in East Africa – Regional Experts Validate the Study on Quality of Food Inspections in EAC (GIZ)

Healthcare professionals from across the EAC Partner States recently convened in Mwanza, Tanzania, for an intensive Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) training. Organised by the EAC Secretariat through the GIZ-supported Pandemic Preparedness Project, the training aimed to enhance regional capacity to respond to outbreaks in Marburg, Ebola, and Mpox.

The training was initiated following a request from Faith-Based Organizations (FBOs) for emergency support in response to the Marburg Virus Disease outbreak. Over 60 healthcare professionals from FBO-based health facilities, along with health experts from the Ministries of Health in Tanzania, Burundi, Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya, and South Sudan, participated in the programme, which was conducted in collaboration with the German Epidemic Preparedness Team (SEEG) and Africa CDC.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Mwanza Regional Medical Officer Dr Jessica Lebbah stressed the urgency of regional preparedness. “Recent outbreaks in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Uganda, Rwanda, and Tanzania serve as stark reminders of our vulnerability. These events highlight the need for coordinated action.”

The EAC Principal Health Officer, Dr. Eric Nzeyimana, emphasised the crucial role of faith-based healthcare providers, particularly in rural areas. “They are often the first line of defence in detecting and responding to outbreaks. Their involvement in pandemic preparedness cannot be overlooked.” 

Norman Nausch, Head of SEEG, underscored the importance of IPC in protecting healthcare workers. “Proper IPC measures are essential to slowing disease transmission and safeguarding frontline personnel.”

![pan prep 3.jpg](https://strapi.eacgermany.org/uploads/pan_prep_3_3c891f1e63.jpg)

The eight-day training was divided into two sessions. The first, lasting five days, was a Training of Trainers (ToT) programme for 22 senior healthcare providers. The second, spanning three days, covered 40 healthcare workers. The course combined theoretical instructions with practical exercises and interactive discussions.

Participants were trained on IPC frameworks, standard operating procedures, and key practices, including hand hygiene, proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE), environmental cleaning, waste management, clinical screening for Mpox, Marburg, and Ebola, and risk communication strategies. Trainers from Africa CDC, the EAC Rapid Deployable Expert (RDE) pool, SEEG, and GIZ facilitated the sessions.

Dr Joseph Ekong, a participant in the training from Uganda, noted that “This course has significantly enhanced my understanding of IPC, equipping me with essential knowledge and skills. It has bridged knowledge gaps and strengthened my ability to train others.” To ensure long-term impact, participants recommended follow-up refresher courses, continuous mentorship, and stronger partnerships for sustainable IPC funding.

The Mwanza IPC training builds on previous efforts to enhance outbreak response in the region. In September 2024, SEEG, in collaboration with the EAC RDE pool and local partners, conducted similar training in DRC’s Bukavu, South Kivu, for 66 participants, focusing on PPE use, biomedical waste management, and outbreak coordination. This session was followed by Risk Communication and Community Engagement (RCCE) training in Bukavu and Goma (North Kivu) in November 2024, equipping nearly 100 healthcare workers and community leaders with strategies to manage Mpox outbreaks. These initiatives reflect ongoing collaboration between the EAC, Africa CDC, GIZ, and SEEG to enhance regional preparedness.

The EAC Rapidly Deployable Expert (RDE) pool, established through GIZ support, is a specialised network of trained professionals from across EAC Partner States, designed to provide rapid support during public health emergencies. During the Mwanza and DRC training sessions, RDE pool members served as trainers, sharing their expertise in IPC and RCCE. Their involvement strengthened the quality of the training and reinforced regional collaboration. By leveraging the skills of RDE professionals, EAC continues to build a robust mechanism for responding to health crises and mitigating the impact of infectious disease outbreaks.

As part of the Mwanza Training Program, the EAC, in partnership with GIZ, donated essential IPC supplies to the Mwanza Regional Medical Officer. The donation included handwashing stations, buckets, disposable overalls, sprayers, goggles, masks, gloves, and aprons to improve infection control in healthcare settings.

![pan prep 4.jpg](https://strapi.eacgermany.org/uploads/pan_prep_4_360e0d0da9.jpg)

With infectious disease threats on the rise in East Africa, sustained investment in IPC training and cross-border cooperation remains crucial. By strengthening regional preparedness and response mechanisms, East Africa is better positioned to tackle future outbreaks with resilience and efficiency.

Find more information on the PanPrep project [here](https://www.eacgermany.org/projects/support-to-pandemic-preparedness-in-the-eac-region-pan-prep). 

EAC Strengthens Outbreak Preparedness with Regional Infection Prevention Training (GIZ)

On 17 March 2025, the EAC in collaboration with the East African Business Council (EABC), and with support from GIZ through the LIFTED project, convened private sector leaders from associations across all eight EAC Partner States to validate proposals for the regional policy advocacy agenda.

The Regional Policy Advocacy Agenda which was developed after successful national consultations assessing the state of services trade liberalisation, aims to eliminate barriers to Trade in Services and accelerate economic growth across the region.

Key recommendations in the policy include the establishment of an institutionalised dialogue mechanism between the private sector and governments to enhance policy engagement and remove regulatory barriers. With services contributing between 40-55% of the EAC’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), the sector is vital for the region’s economic transformation.

Speaking during the event, Mr. Stuart Mwesigwa, Goodwill Ambassador of the EABC, emphasised its importance, stating, “The services sector holds immense potential in fostering sustainable development, attracting investment, and creating jobs. Its full liberalisation will unlock opportunities for millions of businesses and professionals across the region.” 

![EABC 3.jpg](https://strapi.eacgermany.org/uploads/EABC_3_dc0e74f95a.jpg)

On his part, Mr. Sofian Dahmani from the EU Delegation highlighted that services accounted for approximately 70% of the EU’s GDP and 33% of total trade within Europe. He noted that LIFTED – a project jointly co-financed by the European Union and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), will support services liberalisation, expand EAC exports, and strengthen trade ties with the EU.

“We are committed to assisting the EAC in removing barriers to trade in services, strengthening private sector advocacy, and enhancing competitiveness,” Dahmani stated, reiterating the EU’s role in capacity-building initiatives that facilitate market access.

![EABC2.jpg](https://strapi.eacgermany.org/uploads/EABC_2_090126e972.jpg)

From GIZ perspective, Ms. Estella Aryada, Component Lead for Trade in Services, echoed this commitment, highlighting the transformative role of services in driving other industries. 

“Sectors such as marketing, design and logistics fuel innovation, manufacturing and exports, while health and education services contribute to human capital development,” she noted. Ms. Aryada reaffirmed GIZ’s commitment to supporting structured private sector engagement to streamline regulatory frameworks across the region.

On her remark, Ms. Annette Kenganzi, EAC Senior Export Promotion Officer, expressed optimism that the proposed dialogue mechanism will be integrated into both national and regional trade committees, feeding into Ministerial discussions at the Sectoral Council on Trade, Industry, Finance, and Investment. 

“This mechanism will strengthen the implementation of the EAC Trade in Services Strategy and drive forward crucial policy reforms,” she added.

The EABC Regional Policy Advocacy Agenda on Trade in Services serves as a blueprint to enhance the private sector’s role in shaping services trade policy. It aims to improve data collection and market intelligence to support informed policy decisions and seek to address investment barriers, taxation challenges, and immigration restrictions, particularly those limiting the movement of skilled professionals within the region.

![EABC 4.jpg](https://strapi.eacgermany.org/uploads/EABC_4_fadbe36e90.jpg)

Several sector-specific recommendations are being considered to strengthen services trade. For instance, the accelerated implementation of Mutual Recognition Agreements (MRAs) will ease the movement of professionals. In the communications sector, reducing costs and improving affordability will enhance digital trade. Meanwhile, harmonizing banking regulations will facilitate smoother financial transactions across member states.

To further regional integration, the EAC has committed to negotiating five additional service sectors: energy services, environmental services, health and social services, construction and related engineering services, and recreation, cultural, and sporting services. Additionally, the agenda also prioritises developing private sector positions for each sector to ensure their interests are well represented during the liberalisation process.

The validation of these proposals marks a significant step toward creating a more competitive and integrated EAC services market. With the right policy frameworks in place, the private sector stands to benefit from improved market access, increased investment, and enhanced economic cooperation. The collaboration signals a strong commitment to advancing regional trade in services for sustainable economic growth.


July 12th, 2025