All set for 2nd East African Manufacturing Business Summit in Kigali
East African Community Secretariat; Arusha, Tanzania; 17 May 2017:
The EAC Secretariat, East African Business Council, the Government of Rwanda and other Partner States are finalizing preparations for the 2nd East African Manufacturing Business Summit and Exhibition (EAMBS) to be held in Kigali, Rwanda from 23rd to 25th May, 2017.
Over 300 top executives in the manufacturing and agri-business sectors, high-ranking policy and decision makers, as well as leading financial institutions from Africa and beyond have already confirmed their participation.
H.E. Paul Kagame, President of the Republic of Rwanda, has been invited to grace the official opening ceremony of the Summit.
Other high level dignitaries expected to attend include: Dr Mukhisa Kituyi, Secretary General of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), Amb. Liberat Mfumukeko, the EAC Secretary General; as well as line Ministers from all EAC Partner States, who shall engage the private sector on critical steps needed to leverage higher levels of investment in manufacturing.
Dr. Reginald Mengi, the Executive Chairman of the IPP Media Group Tanzania (Ltd), Mr. Ali Mufuruki, Chairman & CEO, Infotech Investment Group LTD, Ms. Phyllis Wakiaga, CEO, Kenya Association of Manufacturers are among the private sector heavyweights who have confirmed their participation in the Summit.
Speaking ahead of the Summit, the EAC Deputy Secretary General, in charge of Productive and Social Sectors, Hon. Christophe Bazivamo, said the EAMBS offers an important platform for governments in the region to engage the private sector on critical steps needed to leverage higher levels of investment in manufacturing.
“The private sector, on its part, is expected to use the Summit to advocate for the acceleration of industrial reforms aimed at improving the investment climate in the EAC strategic sectors,” added Hon Bazivamo.
Hon. Bazivamo said that the EAC region has already identified strategic areas for industrial development in the region that bear comparative advantages and where significant private sector investment is needed to unlock potentials.
Hon Bazivamo disclosed that the EAMBS would put a special emphasis on the role of diaspora investors and will come up with special provisions on how they can be attracted to invest in the region.
The 2nd EAMBS will among other comprise the following sessions:
- Manufacturing in the EAC Region, Public and Private Sector perspective;
- The EAC Treaty and its’ protocols, objectives vis-à-vis reality;
- Long-Term and Innovative Financing for the Manufacturing Sector & the Participation of the Diaspora;
- The Role of EAC Governments in Promoting Local Content with a focus on Iron, Steel, Mining and Construction Materials;
- High level dialogue on the Manufacturing—Trade nexus in the EAC;
- Improved Competitiveness through skills and innovation;
- Partners Roundtable /Financing to support Industrialization; and
- Pharmaceuticals and Cosmetics: “Growing EAC’s nascent pharmaceutical industry.
The EAMBS is being organized by the EAC Secretariat in collaboration with the East African Business Council, the host Government of Rwanda and other EAC Partner States with the support of Development Partners.
Registration
For further Information or Registration Attendance, Exhibition or Sponsorship please contact:
Mrs. Angelika Farhan-Reimpell,
Business Development Manager,
East Africa Business Council (EABC)
afarhan[at]eabc-online.com and manufacturingsummit[at]eabc-online.com)
OR
Ms. Jennifer Gache,
Senior Industrial Engineer,
EAC Secretariat
gache[at]eachq.org
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For more information, please contact:
Mr Owora Richard Othieno
Head, Corporate Communications and Public Affairs Department
EAC Secretariat
Arusha, Tanzania
Tel: +255 784 835021
Email: OOthieno [at] eachq.org
About the East African Community Secretariat:
The East African Community (EAC) is a regional intergovernmental organisation of five Partner States, comprising Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda, with its headquarters in Arusha, Tanzania.